QATAR MAP

Four Arab states that have cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar said today that they have opened up air routes that Qatari planes can use in case of emergency.

The United Arab Emirates’ Foreign Ministry said that nine corridors were being opened in coordination with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain cut links with Qatar in early June over allegations it supports extremists. Qatar denies the charge.

The move forced state-backed Qatar Airways, one of the region’s biggest airlines, to reroute many of its flights and scrap frequent routes to major regional destinations such as Dubai.