INTERNATIONAL. With armed conflict about to begin in Iraq, key parties involved in air transport says they have now put into place planned additional safety and security procedures to keep passengers flying safely, with as little inconvenience as possible.
IATA director general and ceo, Giovanni Bisignani said: “Aircraft are being re-routed around the conflict zone in accordance with air route contingency plans that were developed and agreed by IATA, ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) and national governments in advance. These plans have been coordinated with the national authorities concerned. For flights to and from Persian Gulf destinations, pre-determined temporary routes will divert flights well away from any military activity.”
The approximately 150 flights between Europe and Southeast Asia will most likely not experience any noticeable change as they are normally routed well north of the conflict zone. Travellers in the Persian Gulf area, however, could experience up to one hour or more added flight time when re-routed.
Bisignani added: “IATA is cooperating with governments, to put into place any additional operational measures that could be needed.”
Air transport has been going through its worst crisis in its hundred-year history accumulating over US$30 billion in losses since the tragic events of 11 September 2001. “The present armed conflict will only worsen these losses. In such difficult circumstances, we call on governments and industry partners, in particular infrastructure service providers, to share with the airlines the burden of this new crisis and to endeavour to reduce their charges,” Bisignani concluded.
