Contrary to several media reports, Qatar Airways says it has not suspended flights to Syria. In a press release issued today, the airline states:

Qatar Airways confirms scheduled passenger flights to and from Syria are fully operational and that reports the airline has suspended services are completely unfounded.

Qatar Airways has only reduced frequency from 10 flights a week to 7 services each week to and from Damascus due to a reduction in traffic.

Passengers holding reservations on the three cancelled flights have been re-booked on the other Damascus services.

According to Gulf News and several other media sources, Qatar Airways yesterday announced a one-year suspension of flights to and from Syria as part of a package of sanctions imposed by the Arab League over the government’s excessive use of force against its opposition.

The reports also stated that Emirates and Etihad Airways are expected to stop flying to Damascus by next week, and Turkish Airlines is likely to follow.