Airlines Navigate New Skies: Increased Flights Over Afghanistan Amid Middle East Tensions
By Joanna Plucinska and Lisa Barrington
LONDON/SEOUL (Multibagger) – Major airlines including Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa have notably increased their flights over Afghanistan, finding it a safer alternative amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Why the Shift to Afghan Airspace?
Three years ago, airlines largely ceased transiting Afghanistan when the Taliban took control and air traffic control services were suspended. Despite the continued absence of these services, the airspace over Afghanistan is now considered safer than that over the volatile regions between Iran and Israel. The closure of Russian airspace to most Western carriers in 2022 due to the Ukraine conflict further complicated route planning, pushing airlines to reconsider their options.
Key Insights from FlightRadar24
According to Ian Petchenik, spokesperson for flight tracking organization Flightradar24, “As conflicts have evolved, the calculus of which airspace to use has changed. Airlines are seeking to mitigate risk as much as possible and they see overflying Afghanistan as the safer option given the current tensions between Iran and Israel.”
FlightRadar24 data reveals a more than sevenfold increase in flights over Afghanistan in the second week of August compared to the same period last year. This trend began in mid-April, coinciding with missile and drone exchanges between Iran and Israel, and intensified after significant escalations in late July involving the killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.
Pilot Concerns and Airline Responses
Commercial pilots, however, express unease. Otjan de Bruin, head of the European Cockpit Association, said, “You’re depending on the analysis of your airline. Every time I fly out there, I don’t like the feeling of flying over a conflict area where you don’t know, actually, what is happening. It's always safe enough, until proven otherwise.”
Lufthansa resumed overflights of Afghan airspace in early July, followed by Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, and the Air France-KLM group. Taiwan’s EVA Air also began routing flights over Afghanistan from late July, emphasizing their commitment to safety and international advisories.
Regulatory Adjustments
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has played a pivotal role, easing restrictions on Afghan airspace. In early July, the FAA allowed planes to fly at lower altitudes over the Wakhan Corridor, facilitating more flights. This followed the lifting of an overflight ban a year earlier, with the stipulation that planes must remain above 32,000 feet to avoid surface-to-air threats.
The Financial Implication
For airlines, the decision to fly over Afghanistan is not only about safety but also cost-efficiency. The loss of shorter routes through Russian airspace has pressured airlines to find alternative paths that save time and fuel. A pilot reported in July that the Afghanistan route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was significantly more efficient in terms of time and fuel consumption.
Safety Protocols and Concerns
While the increase in traffic over Afghanistan has so far been incident-free, the absence of air traffic control requires pilots to communicate with each other via radio, following protocols set by the U.N. aviation body ICAO and Afghanistan’s Civil Aviation Authority. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a bulletin in July warning that “extremist non-state actor groups remain active and might sporadically target aviation facilities in multiple ways.”
The industry is still haunted by the tragic downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, reminding everyone of the inherent risks.
Breaking It Down: What This Means for You
- Why It Matters: The shift in flight routes impacts global travel safety and efficiency. Airlines are navigating complex geopolitical landscapes to ensure passenger safety while also managing costs.
- Potential Risks: Flying over conflict zones always carries some risk. Although Afghanistan is currently seen as a safer option, the absence of air traffic control and the presence of extremist groups remain concerns.
- Financial Impact: The rerouting affects airline fuel costs and ticket prices. Efficient routes save airlines money, which could translate to more affordable airfares for travelers.
- Safety Measures: Airlines and regulators continually assess risks to ensure the highest safety standards. Passengers should stay informed about travel advisories and airline policies.
Understanding these dynamics helps consumers make informed travel decisions and comprehend the broader implications of global conflicts on air travel. The aviation industry’s adaptability highlights the ongoing efforts to prioritize passenger safety while navigating an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.