The US’ Bechtel has said that it remains “committed” to the successful opening of Qatar’s new Hamad International airport in Doha.

The company’s comments follow accusations made by the chief executive officer of Qatar Airways, Akbar al-Baker, that the company is responsible for the most recent delay to the new airport’s opening.

The airport was meant to partially open on 1 April, but plans were halted by Qatar’s civil defence department, which said the airport had not met newly introduced safety and security requirements.

Speaking at a press conference in Chicago, Al-Baker reportedly placed the blame for this delay on Bechtel. The US company has been providing engineering, project management and construction management services for the new airport.

In an official statement issued by Bechtel, the firm says: “We continue to work tirelessly with our customer, contractors and the relevant agencies toward a successful opening of this world-class airport. As with every project, we are fully committed to helping our customers achieve their goals.”

According to Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority, there has been no decision over a new opening date for the airport. The national carrier Qatar Airways was meant to transfer all its operations to Hamad International by the end of the year.