QCAA officials are expressing a different tone publicly, which is to be expected. In a statement, QCAA said:

“QCAA air traffic control operates to the highest international standards and takes its responsibilities extremely seriously.

“Our prime objective is to ensure the safe and expeditious flow of air traffic and enhance the passenger journey for all users.

“In anticipation of the surge in traffic during the World Cup, the State of Qatar has upgraded its traffic control systems and executed meticulous plans that were conceived well in advance of hosting the event.

“Air traffic controllers undergo continuous training and checking as per international requirements. The training and safety management system of QCAA meets and exceeds standards as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and we have been successfully audited to those standards.”

Are any Travel Noire readers heading to this year’s World Cup? Let us know in the comments.

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Transportation