Saudi Arabia and Qatar are in advanced talks about resolving their lengthy diplomatic dispute, three sources familiar with the negotiations told NBC News. Reportedly, the first step in the thaw would be to permit Qatari aircraft to transit Saudi Arabian airspace.
Saudi Arabia has led the anti-Qatar diplomatic charge since mid-2017 when a block of Arab countries overnight imposed a total blockade of Qatar, ostensibly in response to Doha's alleged support for Iran. Consequently, Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Hamad International) has since been banned from flying over Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt. The blockade caused substantial harm both to the airline, now forced to fly lengthy detour routes around the Arabian Peninsula, and to the import-dependent economy of Qatar at large.
The preliminary deal could be reached within days. In return for securing overflight rights over Saudi Arabia, Qatar would reportedly drop lawsuits related to the blockade. In July 2020, Qatar Airways launched a USD5 billion arbitration claim against the blockading countries, while in November it was granted court standing in the UK to sue Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV station for its animations showing Qatar Airways aircraft allegedly being shot down by an unmarked fighter jet.
The Saudi-Qatari talks have been mediated by the United States and Kuwait. The Financial Times said the decision to end the overflights ban and proceed towards a larger agreement with Qatar could be seen as a "parting gift" by Saudia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to outgoing US President Donald Trump, with whom he had good relations. It could also "endear" the Saudi regime to the new administration of President Joe Biden, which is expected to be more critical of Saudia Arabia.
It is unclear if the preliminary deal would also allow Qatar Airways to fly to and from Saudi Arabia. Prior to the blockade, services to the country amounted to nearly a fifth of Qatar Airways' total capacity. It is also unclear if Egypt, Bahrain, and the UAE would follow Saudi Arabia in lifting their respective embargos.
