Key information
- The International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) is calling for pilots to have absolute authority over flights in war zones, which would allow them to refuse certain routes without being pressured by commercial interests.
- Pilots operating in conflict zones are under considerable mental and emotional pressure, requiring support measures such as recovery time and psychological support.
- The international community condemns Iran’s airspace violations, highlighting the dangers posed to civil aviation security by the use of armed drones against neighboring countries.
The Global Pilots Union (IFALPA) has demanded that airline pilots have absolute authority over flights in war zones. IFALPA argues that pilots should be able to refuse to fly over or into conflict zones without being pressured by commercial interests. The position comes as the ongoing conflict in Iran significantly disrupts air traffic across the Middle East, posing increased safety risks to crew members and passengers due to drone and missile attacks.
Mental and emotional pressure on pilots
IFALPA highlights the mental and emotional toll that operating in conflict zones places on pilots. She believes a pilot’s decision regarding flight paths, including refusal to fly over a war zone, should be final and free from financial incentives, career repercussions or commercial pressure.
Despite these increased risks, some airlines are continuing their operations in the affected region. For example, Emirates is currently operating at around 69 percent of its normal capacity, while Qatar Airways is operating at around 26 percent, according to data from Flightradar24. This translates into hundreds of daily flights crossing airspace targeted by Iranian missiles and drones.
Navigating “safety corridors” amid attacks
The UAE has established “security corridors” with specific flight paths, but planes still frequently enter standby during attacks and can be redirected or diverted when airspace is temporarily closed. Qatar Airways says the safety of passengers and crew is paramount, specifying that all flights to and from Doha are operated via designated flight corridors, in close collaboration with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Emirates, which also prioritizes security, has not yet responded to a request for comment.
The IFALPA document highlights the need for airlines to provide pilots operating in conflict zones with support measures such as post-flight recovery time and confidential psychological support.
Airspace violations by Iran
Separately, the United Nations aviation agency condemned Iran for violating the airspace of neighboring Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, thereby endangering the security of civil aviation.
The Board of Directors of the International Civil Aviation Organization has denounced Iran’s illegal use of unmanned aircraft systems for military purposes against civilian infrastructure in affected member states. This decision follows a communication from several Arab states detailing armed drone attacks carried out by Iran against its neighbors. Iran also submitted a separate document regarding its territory, which will be considered at an upcoming council session.
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