Qatar Airways is not (yet) given unlimited space in the Netherlands
The European Union has signed an air transport agreement with Qatar. In a country, including the Netherlands, unlimited flights are not allowed for the time being.
the new agreement including the conditions for air transport between Qatar and the EU, supersedes the bilateral agreements concluded by some European countries. This includes capacity ceilings for five important markets: Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands. For airlines based in those countries, that they are allowed to operate a maximum number of flights to and from Qatar. The same applies the other way around for Qatar Airways, date the same number of flights to those five countries are allowed.
For the Netherlands, 14 passenger flights may be made between Amsterdam and Qatar. In addition, passengers may fly another fourteen times between other Dutch airports and Qatar, and finally five cargo flights may be realised. The flight ceilings for all five markets are to be reused annually by the Commission at the start of the winter season. That way can proceed gradually. In the winter of 2024-2025, the capacity ceilings will be definitively abolished.
In 2016, the European Commission received from the European Commission to reach an agreement with Qatar. A number of European airlines are concerned about the level playing field. There are also concerns about the rapid growth of Qatar Airways. In recent years, this ensured that Qatar became the fifteenth largest airline market within the EU. Qatar Airways has been repeatedly voted the best airline in the world and has put Doha on the map as a transfer airport for those from Europe to Asia. “Ensuring open and fair competition for air transport is therefore crucial, including for routes between the EU and Asia,” the Commission said. The agreement should ensure greater financial transparency. Strict conditions are also imposed on subsidies for companies, which are only possible in a certain number of circumstances.
In addition to provisions on flight numbers and fair competition, the agreement also includes provisions on social and environmental technical agreements. “This agreement, the first between the EU and one of the Gulf countries, sets a global benchmark for forward-looking agreements,” said European Transport Commissioner Adina Valean proudly. “This agreement will provide new opportunities, greater choice and higher standards for passengers, industry and aviation employees.”