This is one big question among many gathering steam in the minds of many expats who are living in UAE. If the diplomatic sources are to be believed the issue is getting hotter as days goes by. Lately,Financial Times (FT) and other prominent international dailies has revealed some interesting facts which is worth pondering. I am sure many of us knew this information and the news before hand.
Etihad and Emirates being the top airline companeis in UAE were flying 3/7 to the Canadian capital. They were supposedly incurring substantial loss since flights were operating only for 3 days in a week despite their full operational capacity. The crew and support staff has to locate in Canada even for those non operating days in a particular week and subsequently pay for their stay and bear operational expense. The airline companies were demanding in full steam for more landing rights for the rest of the days in a week. No doubt If they could garner the lost days to their productive list by flying they could perform much better. At least this the reason aired by Mr Tim Clark the president of the Emirates. I am convinced, it sounds a business case here. Ethihad doesn't beg to differ ( Let us hope Mr.James Hogan CEO- Ethihad, shall vouch for it). But Canadian authorities are not willing to budge. Let us presume that they have their own reasons.
UAE is upset as like any other nation in such a scenario. If defence sources are to be trusted UAE was providing a military kind of base for Canada in her land to accomplish some military committments put forth by NATO and UN. Not forgetting here the compulsion and consent of Uncle Sam (US). Now this facility stands withdrawn by UAE or atleast now in the process of declining further base/stay. Canada view this as retaliatory step by UAE for declining more landing rights to the two airlines.
Canadian PM Mr. Stephen Harper and foreign minister Mr. Lawrence Cannon have a dissenting view. Almost 27000 Canadian nationals residing in UAE are taking sides. At least many of them want Emirates and Ethihad to operate daily to Toronto and other locations. They might have not considered the position of Air Canada and the purported protectionist policy of the Canadian government. Convenience matters. Canadians are no exception! We agree.
ExIm and trading is effected now. UAE and Canada were regarded as long standing trading partners and the business transations are worth billions. The business community has started lobying for an amicable settlement. At least they know it their money is at stake than anyone esle.
The paramount question is can a nation decline the continuance of a military base of another country in its land allowed years back based on the common trust and other security reasons for some trivial reason like decling extra landing rights to its airline companies in the other country? Landing rights or Military base - Which has more weightage? Let the prudent men decide.
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