Dear Mr Halavach, an update from our Group CEO.

Dear Mr Andrei Halavach,

Qatar Airways has been connecting people and places since 1994. Since then, millions of you have entrusted us to fly you safely to the people and places you care about.

I am grateful for this trust, which I know must be continually earned. That is why I wanted to personally update you, our valued customer, on how Qatar Airways is responding to COVID-19.

Today, we find ourselves, along with the rest of the world, in an unprecedented situation. Having been with this airline since its very early days, I have seen the business through many challenges, but these circumstances are unparalleled.

During this time, our top priority is the safety of our customers, employees, and the communities in which we serve.

Safe operations, flexible bookings

First, I want to assure you that we are working very closely with national and international authorities at this time. We plan our service operations and set our policies and procedures in line with their guidelines, with no exceptions.

Like other airlines, we are temporarily suspending flights to many countries to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It is our intention to reinstate these flights when we return to regular conditions.

To make life easier for our customers during these challenging times, we introduced a new, flexible travel with confidence policy. If you book tickets for travel up to 30 September 2020, you can alter your travel date free of charge, exchange your ticket for a future travel voucher, or get a refund.

Thanks to our employees

Where we are still operating a limited number of flights to take people home who are stranded abroad, it goes without saying that this would not have been possible without our employees – especially our crew and ground staff. I am extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication.

Their safety is vital, which is why we introduced additional precautionary measures.

Our crew now wear masks and disposable gloves and we have introduced training to minimise their chances of contracting or spreading the infection.

They are thermally screened when they arrive back into Doha, and are quarantined and tested if any colleagues or passengers on a flight show any symptoms of infection or test positive for the virus.

Supporting supply chains

In a global economy, it is vital that food and medical supplies can reach people around the world.

Qatar Airways Cargo has played an important role, and during this difficult time we continue to provide the transportation of fresh food produce, as well as medical supplies at a discounted rate.

We have also supported Qatar’s COVID-19 relief efforts, by acquiring, transporting, and distributing 500,000 COVID-19 test kits.

I would like to thank you once again for your continued trust and confidence in Qatar Airways at this time. Although the path ahead may seem uncertain, I have no doubt that we will get through this crisis. As an airline, we will continue to put the safety of our customers at the heart of everything we do.

Travel will remain an essential part of life, both yours and ours. Until we can welcome you onboard again, I wish you good safety and health.

Yours sincerely,