UAE to oppose restrictions on air services

The UAE’s Minister of Economy has called for open skies policies to be upheld and markets to be kept open. In his speech at the Dubai Airshow, His Excellency Sultan Al Mansouri said the UAE will oppose efforts to restrict or limit or control air services. Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways are being accused of receiving state subsidies to expand in the US and Europe, which the airlines have repeatedly denied. Mansouri highlighted commercial and trade ties with the US, saying UAE airlines are the largest customer for Boeing aircraft. His comments come as a new aviation policy is slated to be formed in Europe. EU transport commissioner Violeta Bulc is set to meet with GCC ministers and airline bosses this week to discuss how it will affect the region’s industry.