Royal criticism for BA Saudi decision

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has reportedly criticised British Airways for cancelling its flights to Saudi Arabia, referring to the airline’s decision as “bizarre”. According to The Times, the Prince made the comments during a tour of the Middle East, telling a meeting of business people and diplomats that he is to seek a meeting with the BA chief Rod Eddington, to persuade him to change his mind. BA will suspend its flights from Heathrow to Jeddah and Riyadh on 27 March. The Times reports that earlier at the meeting, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Jeddah on Sunday, there was more discontent over BA’s cancellation of its Saudi service. Prince Turki al-Faisal, the Saudi Ambassador to Britain, reportedly said: “Unfortunately BA has its own reasons and justifications; however, it is surprising that it has done so at a time when the number of visitors to the kingdom has increased.” BA reportedly declined to comment but confirmed that Eddington would be happy to meet the Prince to explain the decision. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd