Qatar
A multilateral air transport agreement between EU and its member states and Qatar was signed in 2021. The agreement has not yet entered into force but is applied on a provisional basis. The agreement replaces the bilateral agreements between Qatar and EU’s Member States.
The agreement contains transitional arrangements.
Designation principle
Multiple designation applies.
Traffic rights
EU-carriers have the right to perform scheduled and non-scheduled flights with third and fourth freedom rights between any points in the EU and any points in Qatar without limitations on routes, capacity and/or frequencies*. Fifth freedom rights for all-cargo services between Qatar and beyond points listed in Annex 2 may be performed, provided the services do not exceed seven weekly frequencies** per EU member state.
Carriers from Qatar have the right to perform scheduled and non-scheduled flights with third and fourth freedom rights between any points in Qatar and any points in EU without limitations on routes, capacity and/or frequencies*. Fifth freedom rights for all-cargo services between Qatar and beyond points listed in Annex 2 may be performed, provided the services do not exceed seven weekly frequencies** per EU Member State.
*During a transition period, there are limits regarding frequencies between Qatar and Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands.
**During a transition period, the frequencies for all-cargo fifth freedom right services are limited. Starting with four frequencies during the winter season 2021/22, the frequencies increases with one frequency per year until the winter season 2023/24.
Capacity provisions etc.
Each Party shall allow each air carrier to determine the frequency and capacity of the international air transport it offers based upon commercial considerations in the marketplace. Consistent with this right, neither Party shall unilaterally limit the volume of traffic, frequency or regularity of service, or the aircraft type or types operated by the air carriers of the other Party, except for customs, technical, operational, environmental, protection of health reasons.
The parties grant each other’s air carriers to provide air service under the agreement with wet lease from other air carriers of the same party as the lessee. Wet lease with an air carrier from another country is only allowed if it can be justified on the basis of exceptional needs, seasonal capacity needs or operational difficulties.
It is allowed with code-share arrangements, also with carriers from third countries.
For further information, see Q&A: EU and Qatar Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (europa.eu).