Long-haul carrier Qatar Airways has said it will lay off staff as widespread travel bans caused by the coronavirus pandemic have largely grounded the global aviation industry.

The Doha-based carrier offered no specific figures, but an emailed memo from its CEO that was leaked online on Wednesday said the number of employees laid off would be "substantial" and include members of its cabin crew.

"The global outlook for our industry looks grim and many airlines are closing or significantly reducing operations," Akbar Al Baker wrote in the memo, dated Sunday.

"Now, we have to face a new reality, where many borders are closed, rendering many of our destinations closed and aircraft grounded as a result, with no foreseeable outlook for immediate, positive change."

He said the airline hoped to rehire staff quickly once global aviation emerges from the pandemic.

Qatar Airways confirmed the layoffs on Wednesday in a press release.

source:- www.muslimsworld.com.ng