Qatar Airways’ chief executive has claimed his airline is facing an annual loss this year as the blockade on the carrier’s home country by its neighbours takes its toll, The Telegraph reported.

Akbar al-Baker said the land, sea and air blockade imposed by the other members of the GCC - including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain - had hit the company’s earnings but pledged that the ongoing geopolitical crisis would not hobble his airline’s growth ambitions.

The blockade has meant Qatar’s planes have had to fly longer routes through Turkish and Iranian airspace, costing it more in fuel than would be the case if it could fly over other neighbouring countries. It also means more maintenance of its jets is needed.