Qantas Asked To Reduce Flights to Dubai Airport

As the airport in Dubai is preparing for the renovation and repair of its runways, Qantas has announced that it may have to reduce its flights to the world’s second busiest airport soon.

The renovation is slated for three months next year and sources say that Dubai has informed Qantas and Emirates, Qantas’ partner airline, that the major construction in two of the runways may affect its operations.
The two airlines offer the most number of flights going to Australia and Europe and their market share is extensive. The renovation is set in May, which is one of the busiest times for the Qantas and Emirates, as they are bringing plenty of passengers for the summer in Europe.

Repairs will involve setting asphalt of up to 180,000 tonnes in Dubai Airport’s northern runway. Flight diversions have been ruled out, as Dubai’s other airport, the Jebel Ali, has just started receiving passenger flights. Jebel Ali’s construction is still also unfinished.

Qantas, however, is still asking consideration from the airport officials with regards the retention of its 28 weekly landing slots while construction is on going. In fact, many of its senior executives have arrived in the city to lobby this case. The company said that it is optimistic about gaining the slots.

In a statement, the chief executive of Qantas Narenda Kumar said, “The draft slot allocation is not carved in stone and Qantas expects to operate all its flights through Dubai, though some departure and arrival times may be adjusted slightly.”
Mr. Kumar hopes that the talks will be finalised in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Emirates has failed to comment on the impact of this changes. But sources say the company is considering reducing flights, in accordance to the airport’s capacity.

Dubai Airport officials have announced to all of the other airlines that they will have to comply because of “the significant capacity reduction resulting from the single runway operations.”