- Airlines are facing increased operational and financial burdens due to the rise in global conflict zones, including threats from missiles and airspace closures.
- Airspace closures around Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East, and parts of Africa are forcing airlines into expensive, last-minute re-routings.
- The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and drone activity near Russian airports have led to commercial flights sharing airspace with potential hazards, raising safety concerns.
- The downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight in Kazakhstan and a cargo plane in Sudan highlights the worst-case scenario of aircraft being hit by weaponry, prompting calls for better information sharing between governments.
- IATA emphasises the need for urgent global coordination to address conflict zone risks, as airlines navigate a patchwork of government notices and security advice, with flight crews retaining the right to refuse flights over unsafe airspace.
IN FULL
How airlines are managing the risk of missile threats and airspace closures
