Responding to an Israeli attack on Iran, airlines made changes to their flight plans. Airlines diverted flights, returned planes, or chose alternate airports. Flight tracking data showed this rapid response as Iran closed airports in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan following the attack.
FlightRadar24 reported closures of airspace and airports, with some reopening by 0445 GMT. Closure notices on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration database were also removed.
Before the reopening, Flydubai canceled its Friday flights to Iran, and one of its flights returned to Dubai. An Iran Air flight from Rome to Tehran was diverted to Ankara, Turkey. However, some airlines, like Emirates, Flydubai, Turkish Air, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Belavia, continued flying over parts of Iran’s airspace that remained open initially after the attack.
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Flydubai issued a statement, mentioning they’re closely monitoring the situation and will adjust flight paths in consultation with relevant authorities. The closures in Iran added to the challenges for Dubai-based carriers following record rainfall in the United Arab Emirates, leading to the cancellation of approximately 30% of all flights since Tuesday.
Even before the recent events, many Western and Asian airlines had been avoiding Iran and its airspace. Lufthansa extended its suspension of flights to Tehran due to ongoing security concerns in the region. Qantas Airways rerouted flights between Perth and London, adding a fuel stop in Singapore to avoid Iranian airspace.
China Airlines from Taiwan stated they’re closely following the situation and planning routes according to recommendations from aviation authorities. This is similar with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Etihad Airways, which doesn’t operate flights to Iran, assured that safety is their highest priority, and they continuously monitor security and airspace updates.
The situation underscores the complexities airlines face in navigating geopolitical tensions and ensuring passenger safety. With ongoing conflicts and security concerns in the region, airlines must remain vigilant and adapt swiftly to changing circumstances to ensure the safety and security of their operations.
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