Originally Posted by
alexwuk
All the this Bahraini airspace stuff is a nonsense. Bahrain had been allowed to control the airspace over Qatar's territorial waters in the Gulf, in the interests of GCC airspace efficiency. (and giving the virtually bankrupt Bahranias something to do)
Do you seriously think that Qatar would allow Bahrani ATC to exclude Qatari aircraft from Qatari sovereign waters (/air)? Or would Bahrain's ATC rights over Qatar's EEZ be removed, and a functional corridor setup from Doha to Iranian airspace using Qatar and Iranian territorial waters only? ... which is exactly what's happened
This is my understanding too.
Qatar had historically given the responsibility to control Qatari airspace to Bahrain ATC, and for now, seem happy to comply with the Bahraini restriction of one corridor in, one corridor out. Probably because ATC arrangements are hard to change quickly and it's just one less thing to worry about for the time being.
However, if Bahrain try something as stupid as blocking QR flights from Qatari airspace altogether, then of course the agreement for Bahraini management of Qatari airspace will be immediately rescinded, and Qatar will make its own arrangements going forward.
The notion that Qatar will sit by and let itself be blockaded from its own air and sea access routes is interesting, to say the least.