Importantly, there is no tangible evidence that the EU Qatar agreement has resulted in Qatar Airways gaining a dominant or unfair market position at the expense of European airlines. In fact, Qatar Airways has not expanded significantly in the European market in recent years –as evidenced by the fact that the airline’s seat capacity deployed in Europe in the current IATA Winter season (October 2025–March 2026) remains -10% below its pre-pandemic (2019) level

Europe’s airports are deeply concerned by recent calls to suspend the EU-Qatar Comprehensive Aviation Agreement, warning that such a move would undermine air connectivity, consumer choice, and the EU’s credibility on the international scene.

Like all EU Comprehensive Aviation Agreements, the agreement with Qatar was negotiated by the European Commission at the request of EU Member States, under their continuous supervision and with results they ultimately endorsed. It is fully consistent with the EU’s External Aviation Policy, which is based on open and unrestricted market access, regular consultations between parties, and regulatory convergence.

This agreement has effectively enabled European airports to diversify connectivity, bringing tangible benefits to communities, consumers, and businesses across Europe.

Importantly, there is no tangible evidence that the EU Qatar agreement has resulted in Qatar Airways gaining a dominant or unfair market position at the expense of European airlines. In fact, Qatar Airways has not expanded significantly in the European market in recent years – as evidenced by the fact that the airline’s seat capacity deployed in Europe in the current IATA Winter season (October 2025 – March 2026) remains -10% below its pre-pandemic (2019) level.