The news about Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen and the UAE breaking off relations with Qatar arrived late in the evening here in Cancun, Mexico at the annual meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The most immediate effect of this action is that flights between those countries and Qatar have been suspended. This is extremely significant because of the aviation role now played by Dubai's Emirates, the largest carrier in the world; Abu Dhabi's Etihad; and Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways will no longer be able to fly over the other countries. They will need extensive re-routing to depart and arrive at Doha.
I spoke to representatives of many Middle East airlines. All of them left me in no doubt as to the seriousness of the situation. This full-scale breach is the closest you can come without declaring war, one person told me.
There is now turmoil in one of the most significant aviation regions in the world. The UAE with Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Qatar with Doha. Three major global hubs now in conflict.
Not surprisingly, global airline executives are walking the IATA conference halls deep in conversation, looking worried, questioning about what it means for the future of international aviation.
What do you think about the news on Qatar? Please email me your comments. -Richard.Quest@cnn.com | | What's new... what's next
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