Qatar denies UAE claim of passenger jet interceptions

DUBAI - The United Arab Emirates has claimed that Qatari fighter jets intercepted two of its commercial airliners in international airspace on the way to Bahrain, allegations denied by Qatar.

Monday's claims could further escalate tensions between Qatar and the four Arab nations that have been boycotting it for months, among them the UAE, home to the world's busiest international airport in Dubai.

They also could affect long-haul airline travel, as the region's carriers are a crucial link between the East and West.