The chief executive of Qatar Airways says he is struggling to secure more landing rights to boost the airline's services to Canada.
Akbar al Baker said in a speech in Montreal last month that Canadians deserved a better airline service to the Middle East but government restrictions are hindering progress.
"Qatar is of course interested in forging even closer ties with Canada but we are struggling with being granted additional landing rights," he told business chiefs at a Montreal Council on Foreign Relations business series lunch on rising trade opportunities with Gulf countries.
"More capacity and more frequency drive greater competition and have only positive economic impact for the benefit of both countries," he said.
He added that the three weekly flights launched last June are already running ahead of expectations and travelling 85 per cent full.
Montreal is Qatar's fourth North American gateway.
© The Gulf 2012
