Qatar Airways

Doha, QATAR – Qatar Airways has policies and procedures in place for its staff at airports around the world and on board all its flights following the influenza A (H1N1) outbreak that was first identified by the World Health Organisation at the end of April. These include clear instructions and guidelines on methods staff must observe to limit the possibility of any spread of the H1N1 virus.

In Qatar where it operates from its international hub, the airline is liaising closely with the Supreme Council of Health in the State of Qatar over potential flu cases screened at Doha International Airport. It is also liaising closely with local medical authorities in Doha to ensure the most practicable steps continue to be taken in the interests of the health and wellbeing of all passengers, flight crew, ground staff and residents in Qatar.

All aircraft in the Qatar Airways’ fleet have High Efficiency Air Particulate (HEPA) filters in air conditioning units to provide clean air onboard all its flights. The filters have similar performance levels to units used to keep the air fresh in hospital wards and operating theatres. HEPA filters are effective at capturing greater than 99% of the airborne microbes such as bacteria and viruses.

Qatar Airways advises residents in Qatar who have recently travelled from countries known to have cases of H1N1 influenza and have developed flu-like symptoms to contact one of the Centre for Disease Control hotlines: tel: 4311342 / 4311343 / 4311344 / 4311345 / 4311346 / 4311347 / 4311348 for guidance.

Residents in other countries who have recently travelled on Qatar Airways from countries known to have cases of H1N1 influenza and have developed flu-like symptoms should consult their local health authority.

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For Further Information Contact:

Qatar Airways Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 4496956, Fax: +974 4620132
E-mail: qrmedia@qatarairways.com.qa