2024-04-17 13:34:08
Global airlines faced flight disruptions on Monday after Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel reduced options for planes flying between Europe and Asia.
The Iranian attack on Israel with more than 300 missiles and drones, most of which were shot down by the Israeli Iron Dome defense system with the support of the United States, caused chaos in the aviation sector.
At least a dozen airlines have been forced to cancel or reroute their flights over the past two days, including Qantas, Germany’s Lufthansa, United Airlines and Air India.
It was the largest disruption to air travel since the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, according to Mark Zee, founder of OPS Group, which monitors airspace and airports.
“Since then we have not faced a situation where so many different airspaces have been closed in such rapid succession, and this is creating chaos,” Zee told Reuters, adding that the disturbances were likely to continue for a few more days.
The recent problems of the biggest disruption to air travel since the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11 are a blow to a sector already facing a range of restrictions due to conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine.
Zee said that Iranian airspace is used by airlines traveling between Europe and Asia, and those companies will be content with using two viable alternative routes, either via Turkey or via Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
On Saturday, Israel closed its airspace, before reopening it on Sunday morning. Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon also resumed flights over their territories.
On Sunday, major airlines in the Middle East, including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, said they would resume operations in the region after canceling or rerouting some flights.
Brendan Sobey, an independent aviation analyst, said it was not yet clear whether the recent disruptions would impact passenger demand, which has remained strong despite the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
“If the political situation and conflicts continue to escalate, people will at some point feel worried about traveling, but this has not happened so far,” he added.
Last updated: April 15, 2024 – 18:05
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2024-04-17 13:34:08