Qatar wants to invest in Saudi domestic air sector but barriers remain

QATAR AIRWAYS is keen to gain in a foothold in Saudi Arabia's domestic air market through registration of an airline following the country's open skies policy.

Qatar CEO Akbar al-Baker has met with Prince Fahad bin Abdullah al-Saud to discuss a domestic market it perceives as "underserved" with more than 25 airports struggling to meet demand.

Despite such opportunities, barriers to entry remain, some of which have driven out budget domestic carriers like Sama Airlines through the capping of airfares, Mr al Baker added. The ongoing problem of "excessive" fuel charges needs to be addressed, he stressed with a fundamental rethink by the Saudi government.