Originally Posted by
oliver2002
Germany and Sweden have significant population that comes from Iran/former Persia that still stays in touch with their homeland generating a massive VFR traffic.
True, also have a Persian brother in law... but he doesn't like to go back. Or the be more precise, he would love to but can't without ending up in a bad spot
Originally Posted by
oliver2002
As far as overflying Iranian airspace is concerned, its a significant piece of geography that cannot be avoided when flying to India, Southern China or S.E. Asia. The slots over Russia and China are extremely tight and expensive, so airlines make extensive use of the route south of the himalayas. This was done even during the peak of the Afghanistan conflict when everyone knew the cash paid for overflying was going to the Taliban regime. There was a report on how the ATC in Kabul was running the show without power and proper communication while the US & its allies were bombarding the country.
Oh and while BA is avoiding Iran, VS, a similar GB carrier, is merrily flying over Iran.
Don't get me wrong. I see absolutely no reason to avoid Iranian airspace at this point in time. I just found it interesting BA is following the FAA advisory looking at BA257