Flying over Iraq
Feb 28, 2018 | 1:55 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 1
Flying over Iraq
Hi guys,
I recently noticed that they started flying over Iraq (when flying from Europe to UAE) instead Iran again. I am a bit of a nervous flyer so I'm concerned about it. Do you think it is safe? Thank you.
I recently noticed that they started flying over Iraq (when flying from Europe to UAE) instead Iran again. I am a bit of a nervous flyer so I'm concerned about it. Do you think it is safe? Thank you.
Feb 28, 2018 | 1:58 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,791
EK have a very good group security department and plan their routes carefully, they wouldn't choose a route where there is danger. Also northern Iraq/Kurdistan has generally been very stable over the years and EK flies to Erbil (or has, not sure if they currently do as there was some intermittent insurgency with IS I believe)
Feb 28, 2018 | 2:00 am
#3
Ambassador: Emirates
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: UK/AU
Programs: QF P1 + LTG, EK, BAEC, QR, IHG, Accor, LHW
Posts: 1,232
You have nothing to worry about. Although if there is an emergency on board I wonder if they would land in somewhere like Najaf or Tikrit.
Emirates runs commercial flights to many of the hotspots in the region, they know what they're doing
Emirates runs commercial flights to many of the hotspots in the region, they know what they're doing
Feb 28, 2018 | 2:18 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,791
They'd have pre-defined and authorized diversion points and from FL330 or above would most likely make it across the Iraqi border in an emergency, as they'd need some space to descend anyway, Erbil and Tehran are pretty safe places to land, relatively speaking.
Feb 28, 2018 | 8:56 am
#6
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,791
Not why nervous flyer in general, I understand that some people just are, I meant what aspect of overflying Iraq is concerning, the prospect of a Ukraine MH type missile strike, the prospect of forced landing in enemy territory/lack of diversion points, ...? Depending on what it is we might be able to provide more precise reasons why there is no risk (or little risk)
Feb 28, 2018 | 11:15 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Portugal
Programs: A3 Gold
Posts: 2,399
Yes, why are you concerned by it? IS is pretty much defeated in Iraq anyway
EK have a very good group security department and plan their routes carefully, they wouldn't choose a route where there is danger. Also northern Iraq/Kurdistan has generally been very stable over the years and EK flies to Erbil (or has, not sure if they currently do as there was some intermittent insurgency with IS I believe)
EK have a very good group security department and plan their routes carefully, they wouldn't choose a route where there is danger. Also northern Iraq/Kurdistan has generally been very stable over the years and EK flies to Erbil (or has, not sure if they currently do as there was some intermittent insurgency with IS I believe)
Flying EK (or any other IATA member) is certainly safer than driving on the 311 thru Dubai. Just my bias showing ...
Mar 1, 2018 | 2:15 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,539
I think asking questions about flight paths is legitimate and far from trolling.
Mar 1, 2018 | 1:36 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Europe
Programs: EK plat, ex-FB gold, Accor plat
Posts: 1,074
EK has probably assessed the cost of a hull loss along with the cost of pax & crew compensation and image damage, before taking such decision.
EK is still avoiding Syrian airspace. Isn't it ?
EK is still avoiding Syrian airspace. Isn't it ?
Mar 4, 2018 | 3:26 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,791
Mar 4, 2018 | 7:26 am
#12
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,847
When you look at Flightradar24, you will notice a steady stream of aircraft, EK, QR, EY mainly flying in a line over Iraq. Clearly this is now considered safe by many airlines. They all go towards the NE corner of Syria and then turn towards (mainly) European destinations.
Mar 4, 2018 | 7:40 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Portugal
Programs: A3 Gold
Posts: 2,399
So much for asking questions. Flying is still safer than driving anywhere.
Mar 5, 2018 | 11:12 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, UA Mileage Plus 1K, AA Executive Plat, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 2,797
it is weird. I've noticed the same thing recently, including QR flights. QR seemed to only use Iraq for AMM flights with the Saudi air space block. But do seem to see majority of flights bypassing all Iraq. Wonder what differences are decided on to use Iraq airspace or not?
Jan 3, 2020 | 10:30 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: MM, Krisflyer, QFF, VFF
Posts: 461
Since the US strikes on Sunday and now on Friday I wonder when the airspace will be avoided? There is a steady stream of EK, QR, BA, AF aircraft flying across the west of the country as of now, but is this deemed safe if there is an escalating situation?
Has an advisory or NOTAM been issed to airlines on impeeding military activities and therefore the path should be avoided? Any no fly airspace, or FL advisories out there?
Has an advisory or NOTAM been issed to airlines on impeeding military activities and therefore the path should be avoided? Any no fly airspace, or FL advisories out there?