War Breaks Out, Singapore Airlines Stops Flying to Iranian Airspace

JAKARTA – Singapore Airlines (SIA) has decided to no longer use Iranian airspace. This was done as a precautionary measure amidst the increasingly heated Middle East conflict situation.

According to Channel News Asia, Sunday (14/4/2024), the war between Israel and Hamas escalated into a wider conflict after Iran started launching more than 200 drones and missiles at Israel since Saturday, April 13 2024. The attack was Iran’s response to an Israeli airstrike that bombed Iran’s diplomatic building in Syria and killed seven members of the elite Revolutionary Guard, including two generals, in early April.

Singapore Airlines revealed that it has officially decided to avoid Iranian territory starting April 13 2024 at 13.00 Singapore time. All Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights will use alternative flight routes from that date.

“As a precautionary measure, with effect from 13.00 (Singapore time) on 13 April 2024, all Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights will stop flying over Iranian airspace and use alternative flight routes,” the airline explained.

Even so, Singapore Airlines continues to monitor developments in the conflict situation in the Middle East. The airline ensures that it will adjust flight paths according to needs. “We are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, and we will adjust flight paths as needed,” SIA stressed.

Similar steps were also taken by other airlines such as Lufthansa from Germany and Qantas Australia. Last Friday (12/4), Lufthansa stated that its aircraft would no longer use Iranian airspace.

Later on Saturday, Australian airline Qantas also said it would divert its long-haul flights between Perth and London to avoid Iranian airspace amid rising tensions.

(fjo)