U.S. airlines say Persian Gulf carriers rushing to add flights

Chief executives of Delta, American and United airlines say Persian Gulf carriers are in a hurry to add new flights to the U.S. pending a government probe investigating whether they are being unfairly subsidized.

In an April 17 letter to the secretaries of U.S. State, Commerce and Transportation departments, the U.S. airlines called for full disclosure of the Gulf carriers’ financial statements and any government-owned entities providing goods and services at discounted prices, as well as a freeze on their moves towards expanding service until a resolution in the dispute has been reached.

The airlines under review for receiving unfair support from their respective governments are Emirates, Qatar Airways Ltd. and Etihad Airways.

The public-comment period on the review process runs through May, and the airlines in questions are using that time to expand service offerings, according to the American carriers.

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