TEL AVIV– Air India (AI), Singapore Airlines (SQ), and others implement safety measures amid rising tensions in the Middle East following the deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah members.
Singapore Airlines ceased flying through Iranian airspace on August 2, opting for alternative routes. Taiwan’s EVA Air (BR) and China Airlines (CI) appear to be avoiding Iran for flights to Amsterdam, based on Flightradar24 data.
Airlines Changing Routes Amid Tension
After assessing security risks, Polish carrier LOT canceled eight flights to Lebanon and Israel. OPSGROUP, a flight risk information organization, advised Asia-Europe traffic to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace.
These actions follow reports of planned meetings between top Iranian officials and representatives from Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen to discuss potential retaliation against Israel. The aviation industry’s quick response reflects heightened concerns about regional stability and flight safety.
Airlines’ decisions to reroute or cancel flights demonstrate the immediate impact of geopolitical tensions on air travel. These changes may lead to longer flight times and increased fuel costs for affected routes.
OPSGROUP’s advisory highlights the importance of real-time risk assessment in aviation. Their guidance influences airline decision-making and route planning, potentially affecting numerous flights between Asia and Europe.
Airlines Cancel Israel Flights
US and European carriers already avoid Iranian airspace, but UAE-based Etihad, Emirates, FlyDubai, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines continue operations over Iran.
Air India, Lufthansa Group, United Airlines, Delta Air, and ITA Airways suspended Tel Aviv flights. Airlines also canceled and delayed flights to Beirut following a July 27 strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel attributes to Hezbollah.
Canada issued a one-month notice for its aircraft to avoid Lebanese airspace due to military activity risks. Britain has advised pilots about potential anti-aircraft weaponry and the army threats in Lebanon’s airspace for the past month.
OpsGroup warns of increased risks to civil aviation if the conflict escalates, including drones and missiles crossing airways. The organization also highlights the growing threat of GPS spoofing near Lebanon and Israel, where false signals can mislead aircraft navigation systems.
EL AL continues its Operations
EL AL, Israel’s national airline, maintains regular flight operations amid rising regional tensions. This decision contrasts sharply with other carriers suspending services to Israel and neighboring areas.
The airline’s stance comes as Iran and its allies threaten retaliation against Israel for the alleged assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. This incident has significantly escalated the risk of widespread regional conflict.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for the strike in Iran. However, Israeli officials have previously stated that eliminating top Hamas leaders, including Haniyeh, is a primary goal in their ongoing conflict with the organization.
What are your thoughts on the situation in Israel? Let us know in the comment section below.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
The post Air India, Singapore Airlines, and Others Cancel Israel Flights and Avoid Iranian Airspace appeared first on Aviation A2Z.