Would like to add more flights to India in future: Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker

ST PETERSBURG: Qatar Airways today said it would like to add more flights to India in the future as the country is an economic superpower and an important destination for the airline.

Addressing a press conference, a day after the launch of its new flight between Doha and Russia's second largest city after Moscow, Qatar Airways group CEO Akbar Al Baker said Indians can take the flight to St Petersburg from Doha as most flight from India arrives at Qatar's capital about two hours prior to departure of this new flight.

The Qatar Airways CEO, who had his education in India, said that he always cherish fond memories of the country.

Asked about future expansion plans of Qatar Airways in India, he said that the airline would certainly like to expand its operation there, but did not give any details.

"India is an economic super power today, so it is an important destination for us," he said.

Criticising the blockade imposed on Qatar by Arab nations, Al Baker said, "Never ever after second world war a civilised world imposed such blocked against any country".

A number of Arab countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt blocked direct air and land transport to and from Qatar in June, accusing it of destabilising the region.

He said the blockade, of direct air and land transport to and from Qatar, has "adversely" impacted the airlines.

Baker also said that the Qatar Airways, after relaunch in 1997, flies to 150 destinations of the world and is also an sponsor of 2022 FIFA cup.