Emirates to avoid Iraqi airspace

Emirates released a statement saying: “Emirates is taking precautionary measures and is currently working on alternative routing plans for flights using Iraqi airspace. We are closely monitoring the situation along with international agencies."

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Emirates is taking the initiative here to safeguard its jets and passengers away from conflict zones and active theatres that would potentially harm in the same way that sadly befell an innocent MH17 flight between Amsterdam and Kula Lumpur. 

“Given the swathe of flights that Emirates operates through Europe and beyond, it is not a surprise that they have added Iraq into this mix because the dire instability in the north of the country and the border with Syria is pretty much a "no man's land" with religious fanatics who do not discern between people as innocent or otherwise and while Emirates will likely incur some additional fuel costs for extra journeys, the price of doing so is a small one given the safety and security it affords customers.” 

Ahmad added: “That said, it looks inevitable that both IATA and ICAO will have to coalesce their resources so they can actively advise global airlines on what hotspots to avoid flying over.”