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Gulf Arab carriers claim Brexit has "no impact" on passenger demand

Xinhua, April 25, 2017 Adjust font size:

Dubai's Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways said here on Tuesday that the uncertainty brought by Brexit has not affected their airlines.

Passenger demand between Britain and Dubai, Doha respectively "has not changed" since British people voted to leave the European Union on June 23, 2016, said the CEOs of the Gulf Arab carriers.

The remarks were said at the ongoing 24th annual tourism fair, Arabian Travel Market, by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al-Baker.

Both CEOs confirmed no decrease in traffic volume to Britain with its currency, pound sterling, low against dollar, making it a priority destination for travellers.

"Brexit or not Brexit, Britain and Europe are important destinations for Qatar Airways," said Al-Baker.

Both carriers fly several times a day from Dubai and Doha to London, along with other major cities. In March 2016, Emirates alone increased its capacity to 10 daily flights to London.

British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 of the EU treaty on March 29, making Britain's exit from the union within two years irreversible. Endit