Middle East Conflict to affect Qantas route to Iraq

The recent warnings from regulators in the US and France about the safety of Iraq’s airspace has lead Qantas Airways to re-route its flights over the nation temporarily.

The airline’s flights on the Dubai-London route will instead fly over Iranian airspace as a precaution. While there are international sanctions against Iran, even US carriers are allowed to pay that nation for overflight fees and to land on its territory in an emergency situation.

Last week, Emirates said it would halt flights over Iraq amid reports the US was examining whether Islamic militants had obtained high-altitude surface-to-air missiles from Syria. The move was followed by other international airlines which modified their routes or ceased flying. Amongst them: Air France, KLM and Lufthansa

In an emergency meeting held by The International Civil Aviation Organisation the flight paths were discussed whilst a high-level taskforce is expected to be formed this week.

By Janeth Taborda

Sources: