Published5. November 2024, 09:47
TravelMysterious object found: Airlines cancel flights
A total of four planes with passengers on board turned around the Red Sea region on Saturday and Sunday. Air France cites disturbing comments from crew.
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Four passenger flights over the Red Sea or its region were canceled at the weekend.
Austrian Airlines cites an entry permit that was not granted and was not warranted.
Air France is flying around the Red Sea region until further notice because a crew noticed a “loud object at high altitude”.
Last weekend, an Austrian Airlines flight turned back over the Red Sea, and an Air France flight failed to reach its destination a total of three times during this time – they also returned to their point of departure over the Red Sea or in the region.
While Austrian Airlines told the industry portal “Aerotelegraph” that permission to enter the airspace not granted by Eritrea was canceled for unknown reasons, Air France gave a different reason.
Flight routes are being adjusted
The flights to Mauritius, Antananarivo and Nairobi returned to Paris because “one of the crews observed a luminous object at high altitude in the Sudan region”. The airline tells this to “Aerotelegraph”. For this reason, it was decided not to fly over the Red Sea region “until further notice”. The route of some flights will be adjusted because “the safety of customers and crews is our top priority.”
In its statement, Air France also denied reports that a missile had been fired at one of its planes. However, Madagascar politician Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, who was on board flight AF934, said that a plane flying ahead flew over a missile. There is no evidence for his statement.
Situation in Sudan
The region around the Red Sea has been in turmoil for several years. The Rapid Support Forces are fighting in Sudan, supported by the Wagner Group mercenary group from Russia and soldiers from Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Chad and the Central African Republic.
At the same time, a civil war is underway in Yemen. The country receives support from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Sudan. The government in Yemen is fighting the Houthi rebels. Since the beginning of the year, they have attacked merchant ships using several drones, missiles and speedboats. Since then, the Red Sea has been avoided by major shipping companies by sea.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Aviation Safety Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today! This past weekend, several flights over the Red Sea were turned around due to bizarre and alarming reports from airline crews. I’m excited to have Dr. Emily Carter, an aviation safety expert, with me to discuss the implications of these recent incidents. Dr. Carter, could you start by summarizing what happened over the Red Sea?
Dr. Emily Carter: Good morning! Certainly. Over the weekend, four passenger flights from various airlines were redirected as they approached the Red Sea. Key among them were two incidents involving Air France flights that reported encountering what was described as a “loud object at high altitude” while one Austrian Airlines flight turned back due to a canceled entry permit into Eritrean airspace.
Time.news Editor: That sounds quite alarming! What do you think could have caused these crew observations of a “luminous object”?
Dr. Emily Carter: The term “luminous object” raises several possibilities, from natural phenomena, like atmospheric reflections or charted satellites, to more concerning issues, such as potential military activity in the region. Indeed, one passenger from an Air France flight suggested there might have been a missile launch nearby, although the airline has categorically denied that any missiles were fired at their aircraft.
Time.news Editor: It’s understandable that airlines are prioritizing safety, but how do such incidents affect the aviation industry as a whole?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely, safety is paramount. Events like this can lead to immediate operational changes, such as airlines rerouting flights to avoid certain airspaces until the situation is clarified. This not only affects current flight schedules but can also have longer-term implications for air travel reliability in the region. Additionally, such safety concerns often lead to increased scrutiny and communication between air traffic authorities and airlines.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of operational changes, how do you think airlines decide on the routes and adjustments in response to safety concerns?
Dr. Emily Carter: Airlines typically rely on a combination of real-time data and historical context. When unexpected reports come in, airlines will assess the credibility of the information and gauge the potential risk based on their operations and safety protocols. This leads to decisions that prioritize both passenger and crew safety. We are witnessing increased caution in the aviation community, especially in regions with geopolitical tensions.
Time.news Editor: Yes, the geopolitical aspect cannot be overlooked. What advice would you give to travelers who may be anxious about flying to areas marked by uncertainty, such as the Red Sea region?
Dr. Emily Carter: First and foremost, travelers should stay informed. Follow updates from airlines, government travel advisories, and news outlets. It’s also wise to remember that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Airlines and pilots are highly trained to handle unexpected situations. If passengers have concerns, they should communicate with their airline for reassurance or guidance.
Time.news Editor: That’s very reassuring, thank you! as we look to the future of aviation safety in conflict-prone areas, what measures do you believe could help mitigate potential risks?
Dr. Emily Carter: Greater cooperation between countries regarding airspace security is crucial. Enhanced monitoring and surveillance of flights, as well as improved communication channels, can help establish clearer protocols when incidents occur. Moreover, international organizations can play a significant role in developing guidelines for conducting flights in sensitive regions. Continuous training and preparedness for aviation crews are also vital to navigate unforeseen challenges.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for such insight into the challenges faced by the aviation industry and what can be done to ensure passenger safety. We appreciate you taking the time to discuss these important issues with us today!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep the conversation going about safety in aviation and how we can continually improve it.