


Qatar Airways faces consequences of new diplomatic isolation

Michael Probst / AP

Qatar's state-run airline is facing challenges as a result of diplomatic isolation from its neighbors.

Four of those regional neighbors — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates — have banned Qatar Airways from flying to their airports, forcing the airline to ground over 50 daily flights, according to Bloomberg. Saudi Arabia and Egypt went a step further and prohibited Qatari planes from entering their respective airspaces. Avoiding Saudi airspace will lead to longer flight times and delays, BBC reports.

Why it matters:

Over the last decade, Qatar Airways has steadily risen to global prominence, expanding to over 150 destinations. The carrier's home base, Hamad International Airport, underwent a

$16 billion remodel

, and it debuted an 18-hour Doha-Auckland flight —

the longest commercial flight in history.

The costs of disrupted air routes and grounded flights are poised to threaten the airline's dominance.