Amid Iran-Israel conflict, airlines halt flights services
- In Reports
- 04:40 PM, Apr 15, 2024
- Myind Staff
Iran's first direct assault from its territory on Israel over the weekend has disrupted flights in one of the world's busiest air corridors, compelling airlines to opt for extended detours from major cities such as London or Paris to reach destinations in the Persian Gulf or India.
Over the weekend, several Middle Eastern nations, including Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon, temporarily shuttered their airspace as Iran initiated drone and missile launches. Both Israel and Iran implemented restrictions on airline traffic, compelling airlines to reroute flights, consequently extending flight durations and increasing fuel expenses.
European airlines adopted various strategies, with EasyJet Plc suspending operations to and from Israel's Tel Aviv, while British Airways Plc continued flights to Israel and Jordan. British Airways encountered disruptions over the weekend when a flight bound for Jordan had to return due to airspace closures.
Additionally, several other carriers, including Qantas Airways Ltd., Singapore Airlines Ltd., Air France, and Deutsche Lufthansa AG, either redirected flights away from the region or ceased services to destinations such as Israel and Jordan.
Air France announced its plans to resume flights to Beirut on Monday and to Tel Aviv on Tuesday, following the reopening of Israeli and Lebanese airspace. However, journeys to destinations like Dubai, India, and Singapore will experience up to a 45-minute increase in flight times due to schedule adjustments. Meanwhile, Dutch partner KLM cancelled flights to Tel Aviv.
"The safety of its customers and crews remains Air France's top priority," the airline affirmed, highlighting its constant monitoring of geopolitical developments in territories served and overflown by its aircraft to ensure the highest level of flight safety and security.
Qatar Airways and Emirates resumed some previously suspended Middle Eastern services as airspaces reopened.
Iran's airspace serves as a crucial corridor for airlines connecting Europe to destinations in India and Southeast Asia. However, airspace throughout the Middle East poses numerous risks and complexities. The aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues to disrupt air travel, forcing airlines to navigate lengthy diversions that persist to this day.
During Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza, airlines encountered significant disruptions, particularly around Tel Aviv, leading to numerous flight cancellations.
Israel temporarily closed its airspace for both domestic and international routes on Saturday, only to reopen them on Sunday morning. Similarly, Lebanon and Iraq resumed flights over their territories.
The recent diversions occur as Israel and its allies, led by the US, repelled Iran's retaliation following a suspected Israeli assault on Iran's embassy in Syria on April 1, resulting in the death of a high-ranking military commander. Iran claimed its forces captured a container ship with Israeli links near the Strait of Hormuz.
Lufthansa Group suspended flights to several Middle Eastern cities but will resume services to Tel Aviv, Erbil, and Amman, while flights to Beirut and Tehran will remain halted until at least April 18. Qantas adjusted its Perth-London flights to stop over in Singapore due to airspace concerns. Singapore Airlines clarified that its flights do not pass over Iranian airspace. Cathay Pacific continues normal operations, monitoring the situation closely.
Image source: Bloomberg
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