Middle East Airspace Diversions/Cancellations

[jrfsp]

Lots of delays currently for airlines trying to fly through the congested airspace that is currently available - DXB reporting 85% of flights are delayed

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/diversions-disruptions-aviation-grapples-with-middle-east-escalation-2024-10-02/

 

[SYD]

I saw that a friend flying home from France via DXB got as far as Turkey and end up in BUD…

 

[Melburnian1]

The most recent QF9 flew via Oman and Saudi Arabia then over Cairo, Egypt to southwest of Athens.

I am no expert on airline flight paths/routings but isn't this a far more southerly route than usual?

Airlines understandably seem to largely be avoiding Israeli, Iranian, Syrian, Jordanian and Iraqi airspace.

There was one report on social media about ATC apparently being unaware of missiles being within cooee of planes such as at least one BA service. Worrying.

Are these changed routes adding to time taken and hence more kilograms of aviation turbine fuel being expended?

 

[jb747]

The most recent QF9 flew via Oman and Saudi Arabia then over Cairo, Egypt to southwest of Athens.

I am no expert on airline flight paths/routings but isn't this a far more southerly route than usual?

Ideal routes go over the Black Sea and southern Russia. They’ve been pushed progressively south as things heat up.

There was one report on social media about ATC apparently being unaware of missiles being within cooee of planes such as at least one BA service. Worrying.

Well, they aren’t all that likely to put out a NOTAM. In any event, the chance of being hit by a climbing missile is close enough to zero. The issue would be defensive systems, and the Iranians have already got history there.

Are these changed routes adding to time taken and hence more kilograms of aviation turbine fuel being expended?

Of course they are. But it’s not just the extra track miles that would be a problem. As more aircraft are forced onto a limited number of routes, the likelihood of getting your optimum flight levels, or even near to it, decreases. That in turn also increases burn and flight time. Flights that start at intermediate positions may have enough spare weigh to absorb this extra burn, but ULR flights, that are operating at extreme range anyway, would have to be more at risk of falling short.

 

[p--and--t]

risk of falling short.

not literally we all hope

 

[tomlee1986]

BIG update from Federal Government AND Qantas!!!

Qantas to operate two flights from Cyprus, as government calls on Aussies to return from Lebanon​

Qantas will have 2 flights on 787 direct from Cyprus to Sydney

https://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/simon-birmingham-says-there-are-limits-to-helping-australians-in-lebanon/news-story/f6ea9c8675f56c23f360b325ccc81fcb

 

[AIRwin]

BIG update from Federal Government AND Qantas!!!

Qantas to operate two flights from Cyprus, as government calls on Aussies to return from Lebanon​

Qantas will have 2 flights on 787 direct from Cyprus to Sydney

https://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/simon-birmingham-says-there-are-limits-to-helping-australians-in-lebanon/news-story/f6ea9c8675f56c23f360b325ccc81fcb

Separate thread:

Qantas to operate 2 evacuation flights from Cyprus to Sydney

QANTAS TO OPERATE NON-STOP ASSISTED DEPARTURE FLIGHTS FOR AUSTRALIANS RETURNING FROM LEBANON Qantas will operate two non-stop flights between Cyprus and Sydney, to help Australians in Lebanon get home on behalf of the Australian Government. The flights will be operated using a Qantas Boeing...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[jase05]

BIG update from Federal Government AND Qantas!!!

Qantas to operate two flights from Cyprus, as government calls on Aussies to return from Lebanon​

Qantas will have 2 flights on 787 direct from Cyprus to Sydney

https://www.news.com.au/world/middle-east/simon-birmingham-says-there-are-limits-to-helping-australians-in-lebanon/news-story/f6ea9c8675f56c23f360b325ccc81fcb

Government organised 80 seats out of BEY yesterday and only 41 took up the offer

 

[tomlee1986]

Government organised 80 seats out of BEY yesterday and only 41 took up the offer

I hope they won’t regret their decision… it’s their choice of course

 

[justinbrett]

This is a great video explaining the airspace