INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Aviation industry executives indicated that airfares are likely to rise if the extended flight times continue | File image4 min read Last
Updated : Oct 06 2024 | 5:43 PM IST
The closure of Iranian airspace after Iran fired missiles on Israel amid the crisis in West Asia have
busiest airport after Delhi
Industry executives told Business Standard the situation had become complicated because the airspace of Afghanistan, which neighbours Iran,
was anyway not being used by various carriers since the Taliban takeover in August 2021.Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp
These
airlines are now taking their flights to Europe via Tajikistan or via Iraq
However, after October 1, the airline has rerouted the flight, which now goes via Israeli airspace
to West Asia than Delhi or Bengaluru, is more likely to have its international flights crossing Iranian airspace, particularly on routes to
Europe or anywhere else in the western hemisphere
Flights from Delhi or Bengaluru, while they may still fly over Iran, depending on the route, have alternative paths that may take them
whether it is in the Middle East or any other part of our route network
Adjustments are made, if required, to avoid areas of risk with a minimal impact on our non-stop operations
It has rerouted its flight, increasing its time
Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the airlines of the Lufthansa Group have adjusted their flight schedules
Accordingly, these adjustments include the following: Iranian airspace will be avoided until further notice; Iraqi airspace will be avoided
until further notice (with the exception of a northern corridor for flights to and from Erbil); Israeli airspace will be avoided up to, and
alternatively receive a full refund of their ticket price
added.
Aviation-industry executives stated the airfares were likely to move up if the increased flight time persisted
Right now, the low prices of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) are helping the airlines buffer the disruption, they said
Mumbai-Istanbul flight time has increased by up to 20 minutes due to the closure of Iranian airspace
the flights that are taking longer routes due to closure of Iranian airspace:
1
IndiGo's Mumbai-Istanbul --- 14 weekly flights
2
Lufthansa's Mumbai-Frankfurt -- 14 weekly flights
3
Air India's Mumbai-London Heathrow -- 28 weekly flights
4
British Airways's Mumbai-London Heathrow -- 42 weekly flights
5
Vistara's Mumbai-Frankfurt -- 14 weekly flights
6
Air France's Mumbai-Paris -- 14 weekly flightsFirst Published: Oct 06 2024 | 1:53 PMIST
