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With armed conflict looming over Iraq, all parties involved in air transport
are now putting into place planned additional safety and security procedures to
keep passengers flying safely, with as little inconvenience as possible.
"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," said
IATA Director General and CEO, Giovanni Bisignani.
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. IATA has said that 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."
An IATA Task Force is in place and active 24 hours a day in updating
contingency plans. Its activities are fully coordinated with ICAO and the
different national governments involved.
Air transport has been going through its worst crisis in its hundred-year
history accumulating over 30 billion dollars of 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. |
