Bahrain condemns Qatari fighters’ interception of UAE airliner

CAIRO – 23 April 2018: Bahrain condemned the interception of an Emirati airliner by Qatari fighter jets, Bahrain News Agency reported.

The flight, arriving from Dammam airport to Abu Dhabi, was carrying dozens of passengers while flying over international waters through an international air corridor of the Bahrain Flight Information Region, flying in a well-known track and fulfilling all necessary procedures, the Bahraini Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The Ministry reiterated that those provocative and repeated acts, which the State of Qatar bears responsibility for, represent a threat to passengers' lives, it also threatens the safety of civil aviation and is a serious violation of relevant international laws and conventions.

It affirmed the right of the Kingdom of Bahrain to take all measures with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), relevant organizations and UN agencies to preserve the safety and security of civil aviation and passengers against irresponsible and illegal Qatari practices.

The Ministry stressed Bahrain's full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates in all measures may be taken to address repeated Qatari violations, in order to ensure the safety of civil aviation and to protect the lives of civilians and innocent people.