Virgin Group airlines unlikely to set up hub in Dubai

Dubai: Airlines under the Virgin Group are unlikely to be tempted to set up base operations at Al Maktoum International or at Dubai World Central, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has said.

Al Maktoum International is being touted as a future super hub. It will have an annual passenger capacity of 160 million and feature five runways once it is completed. Virgin Atlantic currently flies into Dubai International while Virgin Australia, partnered with Etihad Airways, flies into Abu Dhabi International.

Branson told media in Dubai on Monday that Virgin goes where things are not being done well.

Praise for Canberra

Branson also praised the Australian government’s recent decision not to offer financial assistance to struggling Qantas.

“We were delighted the government didn’t give Qantas the debt guarantee, which I think would have ended up tilting the playing field,” he said.

Virgin Australia recently reported an 83.7 million Australian dollar half-year loss compared to Qantas’ A$252 million half year loss. Qantas had been calling on assistance from the Australian government.