Qatar Airways’ chief executive has defended a proposal to fly more than 160 more flights per day to transport spectators from the region to Doha and back for the first “carbon neutral” FIFA World Cup.

Qatar Airways stated on Thursday that it had formed a partnership with regional carriers to allow World Cup ticket holders to fly into Doha and out of nearby nations for a single day. Climate activists argue that the decision contradicts the tournament’s environmental ideals.
“Please don’t believe individuals who only speak terrible things,” Akbar Al Baker told on Monday, adding that he was confident the flights will be full.