Airlines Avoid Iranian and Lebanese Airspace Amidst Growing Tensions
In light of escalating tensions in the Middle East, airlines are taking precautionary measures by avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace. This comes after the recent killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, raising concerns of a potential conflict in the region.
Singapore Airlines, known for its commitment to safety, has stopped flying through Iranian airspace and has opted for alternative routes. The airline stated that the safety of its passengers is its top priority. Similarly, Taiwan’s EVA Air and China Airlines have also adjusted their flight paths to avoid Iranian airspace for their flights to Amsterdam. Flightradar24 data confirmed these route changes.
OPSGroup, an organization that shares flight risk information, has advised airlines traveling between Asia and Europe to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace. This recommendation follows reports that top Iranian officials will be meeting with representatives from Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen to discuss potential retaliation against Israel. As a result, many airlines, including those from the US and Europe, have already been avoiding Iranian airspace, especially since the missile and drone attacks between Iran and Israel in April.
Singapore Airlines’ flight to London Heathrow on Friday took a different route, bypassing Iran through Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. However, several airlines, including United Arab Emirates carriers Etihad, Emirates, and FlyDubai, as well as Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, continue to fly over Iran.
In addition to avoiding Iranian airspace, airlines have also suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut. Air India, Germany’s Lufthansa Group, US carriers United Airlines and Delta Air, and Italy’s ITA Airways have all announced the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv. Flights to Beirut have also been affected due to recent events in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, with Israel blaming Lebanon-based armed group Hezbollah for the attack.
The Canadian government has issued a notice to Canadian aircraft to avoid Lebanese airspace for one month due to the risk posed by military activity. Similarly, the British government has been advising pilots about potential risks from anti-aircraft weaponry and military activity in Lebanon’s airspace for the past month.
OpsGroup has warned that in the event of an all-out war in the Middle East, civil aviation may face additional risks, such as drones and missiles crossing airways. There is also an increased risk of GPS spoofing, a phenomenon where signals are broadcasted to deceive a plane’s GPS system, particularly in the vicinity of Lebanon and Israel.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, airlines are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew. By avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace, airlines are minimizing the potential risks associated with the current situation. Passengers can rest assured that their safety remains the top priority for these airlines, and they can continue to travel with confidence.