Lufthansa is calling for the suspension of the EU-Qatar Open Skies Agreement, citing corruption concerns and unfair competition.

The agreement was signed between the European Union and the Star of Qatar in October 2021 and has been provisionally applied since then, with the aim of enhancing connectivity, expanding flight options and establishing fair competition rules between airlines on both sides.

Concerns over fair competition

The key objectives of Open Skies agreements are to open markets for air services between countries for both passengers and cargo. In theory, the EU-Qatar agreement, should benefit travellers by introducing more routes, increased frequencies and competitive airfares.  

Lufthansa has voiced strong opposition to the growing market access granted to Gulf carriers under the agreement. The airline contends that the deal creates an uneven playing field due to disparities in market conditions and social policies.

‘Qatargate’ scandal

Calls for the agreement’s suspension have intensified following allegations of corruption in its negotiation process.

The ‘Qatargate’ scandal is a major political controversy that erupted in the European Parliament in late 2022. It involves allegations that officials within the Parliament, along with lobbyists and their families, were influenced by the governments of Qatar, Morocco, and Mauritania.

For the first time in its history, Lufthansa Group’s supervisory board has formally addressed European and German political leaders through a resolution titled: ‘For a Sovereign Europe – Rethink Aviation’. It warns that the aviation industry in Europe is losing its competitiveness and urges policymakers to reconsider the agreement.

Boris Ogursky, Lufthansa Media Spokesperson Europe, Middle East & Africa, told Travel News: “The resolution was sent to around 100 high-ranking politicians in Germany and Europe, including German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, members of the German government, state premiers and EU commissioners.

“The competitive distortions that impact EU airlines are manifold and substantial. The EU’s air transport agreement with Qatar is a significant burden on European air traffic. In addition to the radically unequal market conditions and social policy disparities, there are serious corruption allegations.”

The ‘Rethink Aviation’ reports states: “It is long overdue that the European Commission suspends the air transport agreement with Qatar. It is incomprehensible that this response has not yet occurred, nor have European public prosecutors been involved yet. The already known, and for months unchallenged, allegations of corruption are serious and can no longer be ignored.”