Airlines are confronted with increasingly serious missile threats, airspace closures and navigation disruptions, resulting in soaring operating costs and frequent flight adjustments. Executives said that events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East and hostilities between India and Pakistan have forced airlines to constantly modify routes, increasing fuel consumption and flight time. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that the lack of predictability is posing a serious challenge to aviation safety and profitability.
Recent incidents of multiple civil aircraft being shot down have intensified industry concerns. Last December, a flight from Azerbaijan was mistakenly hit in Kazakhstan, resulting in 38 deaths. In October, a cargo plane in Sudan was shot down, resulting in five deaths. Data from an aviation risk consulting firm shows that since 2001, six commercial aircraft have been accidentally shot down. IATA calls on governments around the world to enhance information sharing to prevent similar tragedies from happening.
Airlines are forced to make difficult choices, and the flight policies of different companies vary significantly. For instance, Singapore Airlines’ European routes have been adjusted multiple times due to conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia, while Western airlines are at a competitive disadvantage because they are unable to use Russian airspace due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Pilots and crew members also express concerns about safety risks. Although airlines emphasize respecting the crew’s right to refuse flights, commercial pressure may still influence decision-making. Industry experts stress that global coordination and more transparent sharing of risk information are of vital importance.
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