US body says Gulf carrier talks not over

The US government says talks over allegations the three major Gulf carriers are violating the US’ open skies policy have not ended.

The clarification comes after a media report, quoting a US State Department spokesperson, said the US government would not be taking any action.

The State Department refuted that report late on Tuesday, telling Gulf News

that its “discussions with carriers are ongoing”.

The US State Department said it met with Emirati officials on July 18 and Qatari officials on July 25 after US airlines America, Delta and United alleged Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways were unfairly state subsidised. The Gulf carriers have denied the claims.

“The US government takes seriously the concerns raised by some of our airlines. We have decided to address these concerns through informal, technical discussions that are ongoing,” the State Department said in an email.

“We are carefully and thoroughly reviewing the claims by some US carriers that the Gulf carriers [Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways] are benefiting from government subsidies that are distorting the market, as well as differing views from other stakeholders and members of the public.”

It is understood that the Gulf carriers did not participate in the governmentto-government discussions.