Qatar Airways gives teachers free tickets as 'thank you' for Covid-19 efforts

Qatar Airways has staged a mass giveaway to mark World Teachers Day on Monday, offering 21,000 teachers a complimentary return flight and a discount as a thank you for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"On the occasion of World Teachers' Day, we would like to thank all of the teachers around the world for their dedication to delivering high-quality education, and adapting to change when faced with challenges during these uncertain times," Qatar Airways said in a statement.

"To show our gratitude, we are offering complimentary tickets for 21,000 teachers so they can experience a well-deserved holiday to any of our destinations around the world," it added.

The airline also offered teachers a 50 percent discount for a future booking for themselves, a friend or a family member.

The company staged a similar giveaway to mark World Nurses' Day in March, offering 100,000 health care workers a complimentary flight as a thank you for their efforts in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

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The airline announced in September it had received $2 billion in state aid to weather the coronavirus crisis, as it posted huge annual losses after enduring one of its "most difficult years".

The firm said that the combination of the coronavirus pandemic, a boycott by Gulf neighbours and the liquidation of 49 percent-owned Air Italy - which announced its bankruptcy in February - had resulted in a near doubling of losses.

This brought the carrier's net loss for the year to end-March to 7 billion riyals ($1.92 billion).

Qatar Airways is the second largest airline in the Middle East after Dubai-based Emirates, operating a modern fleet of 250 aircraft - although some remain grounded during the pandemic.

Qatar in July won a ruling at the International Court of Justice in its fight against airspace restrictions by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt.

It said it will seek $5 billion in compensation from the other Arab states for closing their airspace to the flag carrier.

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