UAE asks airlines to avoid Iran airspace

By Eudore R. Chand

GCAA calls on air operators to reassess current flight paths

DUBAI 23 June 2019: The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), has called on registered air operators within the UAE to evaluate flight paths affected by recent airspace restrictions in the region.

In a statement to wam, the GCAA said that given current regional developments and as a precautionary measure, UAE-registered air operators need to avoid operating in areas that could jeopardise civil aviation safety and operations.

Etihad suspends operations over ran airspace

Following the decision of the US Federal Aviation Administration to restrict US airline operations in Iranian-controlled airspace, Etihad Airways consulted closely with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and other UAE airlines to evaluate the US action.

Etihad Airways has subsequently suspended operations through Iranian airspace over the Straits of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, and will use alternative flight paths on a number of routes to and from Abu Dhabi until further notice.

These changes will cause delays on some departures from Abu Dhabi, due to increased congestion in available airspace, and will increase journey times on some routes.

The safety of our passengers and staff is the highest priority for Etihad Airways, and we are continually engaging with regulatory authorities and conducting our own risk assessments to ensure that our standards are not compromised.

Etihad Airways will provide updates of affected flights on its global website, etihad.com.

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