What do flights OS17, AF470, AF814 and AF934 have in common? Last weekend they all planned to fly from Europe across the Red Sea to destinations in the southern hemisphere. But none of them reached their destination. They turned around and returned to their starting points in the north – Vienna and Paris.
Austrian Airlines Boeing 777 on flight OS17 turned around because Eritrean air traffic control did not allow entry into Eritrean airspace, as explained by a spokesperson for the airline. The reason for this is still being clarified. At Air France, however, that was not the reason why the Boeing 777 returned on the route to Mauritius, the Boeing 777 on the route to Antananarivo and the Boeing 787-9 on the route from Nairobi to Paris.
A crew observed “a luminous object at high altitude in the area of Sudan,” explains Air France, without providing any more specific information. The airline therefore decided not to fly over the Red Sea region “until further notice”. Therefore, the routing of some flights is being adjusted. ”The safety of customers and crews is our top priority,” explains Air France.
The French airline denied reports that a missile had been fired at one of its planes. Malagasy politician Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko was on board Air France flight AF934 which turned around and later said a missile had gone off a plane flying ahead. However, no facts have been proven yet.
The reality is that the region has been unstable for years. There is a civil war in Sudan and Yemen. Foreign powers are also making an impact. In the conflict in Sudan, the insurgent Rapid Support Forces are fighting with the help of the Russian mercenary group Wagner Group, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Chad and the Central African Republic. In the conflict in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan are supporting the government fighting the Houthi rebels.
There has been a further rise recently. The Houthis have used drones, missiles and speedboats to attack several dozen merchant ships since late January, like the portal Global Conflict Tracker reported. Since then, major shipping companies have been circling the Red Sea, through which nearly 15 percent of global maritime trade passes. Officially, the aim is to end the Gaza war.
According to a new report from the UN, the news agency reported AP reports, Iran has heavily armed the Houthis in recent years. This is how they went from being a rebel group to a military power. For example, they recently started using Hatem-2 missiles, which are based on Iran’s Kheibar Shekan missile model. The medium-range ballistic missile has a range of 1,450 kilometers. She can fly at high altitude.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Aviation Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our Time.news interview. Today, we have aviation expert Dr. Emily Carter with us to shed light on the recent circumstances surrounding flights OS17 and several Air France flights that had to turn back last weekend. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter!
Dr. Emily Carter (EC): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
TNE: So, Dr. Carter, to start with, four flights from Europe intended to fly across the Red Sea but ended up returning to their starting points. Can you explain what happened, particularly with the Austrian Airlines flight OS17?
EC: Absolutely. Austrian Airlines flight OS17 was forced to turn back because Eritrean air traffic control denied entry into Eritrean airspace. It’s significant because it highlights both airspace management issues and geopolitical tensions in the region. While the airline has stated that the reason is still being clarified, it places a spotlight on the complexities of flying over certain areas — especially those experiencing instability.
TNE: That’s an interesting point. Safety appears to be a central concern here. Air France’s flights returned due to a report of a “luminous object” observed in the Sudanese area. What does this indicate about flight routing protocols in response to potential threats?
EC: That’s a great question. Airlines have strict protocols in place to ensure the safety of both passengers and crew. When an object is spotted that may pose a risk, airlines often choose to err on the side of caution. In this case, Air France decided not to fly over the Red Sea region until further notice. This decision underscores the importance of assessment and rapid response in the aviation industry.
TNE: There were conflicting reports about a missile possibly being involved. Could you elaborate on how such reports impact flights and the perceptions of safety in air travel?
EC: Certainly. During incidents like this, even unverified reports can create panic and fear among passengers and crew. Air France has outright denied the missile claims, emphasizing that no concrete evidence supports it. However, the perception of danger can linger. Airlines must manage that perception while prioritizing safety. Communication is key; they need to provide transparent information without causing alarm.
TNE: It’s quite the balancing act for airlines. Looking ahead, how should airlines and air traffic controllers adapt their strategies to mitigate these risks?
EC: Airlines and aviation authorities need to enhance their intelligence-gathering methods regarding airspace conditions. This includes improving communication with regional governments and military operations. Moreover, implementing more rigorous training for pilots and air traffic controllers on handling unexpected incidents is crucial. In addition, having contingency plans for rerouting, as seen in this case, is essential for maintaining safety without alarming travelers.
TNE: Very insightful. What can passengers expect as airlines navigate these circumstances?
EC: Passengers can expect increased transparency about safety protocols and may experience more flight adjustments as a precaution. While it may lead to longer travel times, the primary goal is to ensure their safety. It’s important for travelers to remain informed and patient, as maintaining safety will always be the airlines’ top priority.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your expertise on this concerning situation in the aviation industry. It’s clear that safety remains paramount, and vigilance is essential.
EC: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the chance to discuss this vital topic.
TNE: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor developments in aviation safety and protocols.