European carriers pressuring Gulf peers

Carriers of the Gulf countries are under pressure by European carriers for allegedly receiving government subsidies, according to Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and Chairman of the Arab Civil Aviation Commission (Acac).

"European carriers are pushing towards counter measures by the European Union," Al Suwaidi said in statements to the pan-Arab London based Asharq Al Awsat daily newspaper.

"Air traffic decreased by 10 per cent in the wake of  Arab Spring. In some countries, aviation even aviation came to a halt in some Arab countries, while in others it significantly decreased. The whole situation resulted in pressure on civil aviation industry leaders at Acac," he added.

The Arab Civil Aviation Commission took part in providing solutions to pass through this critical stage which affected the air transport, a sector highly dependent on economic activity, he noted.

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