Despite the threat, some airlines are still arranging flights across airspace in Iran, Iraq and Yemen, areas with major risks to missile firefighting and terrorist attacks.
In Iran, Iraq and Yemen, a considerable number of airlines continue to operate Marif The survey shows that although most Western and North American airlines have been avoiding flights in these areas because of concerns about the aircraft’s targets.
Airlines from the Middle East, Russia and even parts of Asia and Europe still follow the regular route there. Some people do this by using what is called “high-altitude flight” which is flying above 32,000 feet, hoping that this will reduce the risk of being hit by a missile.
One of the main reasons why countries like Israel, the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom banned flying over Iran is not only a direct threat to missile strikes, but also a broader strategic risk to the security escalation in the region. Iran’s nuclear program and the potential for increased tensions to lead to military operations or Iran’s retaliation has made Iranian airspace particularly turbulent.
In this case, civilian aircraft flying over Iranian airspace may find themselves in an active conflict zone or be targeted incorrectly by the missile system. Furthermore, any emergency landing in Iran may put serious risks in aircraft, crew members, especially Israel, the United States or European passengers, including arrests, interrogation and even political extortion.
Several incidents in recent years have shown how emergency landings in hostile countries have triggered a crisis. A notable example is that Ryanair was forced to land in Belarus, which was then used by the regime as a tool. In Iran itself, foreign nationals were previously regarded as bargaining chips. In this case, the threat is not only operational, but also political. A creepy example of the Israelites is the opening words of the series Tehrantwo Israelis were forced into an emergency landing Tehran Subsequent trials of threats and torture.
The opening of the series. (Credit: KAN 11)
Who flew past Iran?
Since the Iranian missile landed in January 2020, Iranian airspace has been known as Tehran FIR (Flight Information Zone) and is considered particularly dangerous.
Nevertheless, several airlines from the Middle East, Asia and even Eastern Europe continue to fly over Iran every day. Emirates and Flydubai flew directly to Tehran from the south. Qatar Airways resumes routes across Iraq and Iran, including flights to Kathmandu, Delhi and Kuala Lumpur.
Flights across Iran are mainly flights traveling between Western Europe and South Asia or the Far East. Notable routes include:
Route B411 – Passing Tehran, Yazid and Kermann from the northwest (bound with Türkiye) over Iran.
L124 Route – Cross the central Iran in the Zaidan region and continue to Pakistan, Oman or India.
These routes are much shorter than a detour through the Gulf, the Caucasus or Saudi Arabia.
Which airlines are using Iranian airspace?
UAE
Flydubai
Qatar Airways
Turkish Airlines
Pegasus Airlines
Aeroflot
Uzbekistan Airlines
Serbian air
Al Jazeera Airlines
Arabic Air
KAM AIR (Afghanistan)
Mahan Air (Iran)
Syrian Air
Which airlines avoid Iran completely?
Lufthansa, Switzerland, Austrian Airlines
British Airways
KLM
Air France
Iberia
Finland
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Virgin Atlantic Ocean
American Airlines
United Airlines
Delta gas line
Israel Airlines (El al, Israel, Arkia, Haifa Air) – Do not fly over Iran, Iraq or Yemen, either
Yemen: A transparent red line
Most international aviation authorities define Yemeni airspace as completely out of the restricted area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is completely prohibited from flying in Yemen under SFAR 115. European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and France also called for avoidance altogether.
Yemen is in a midst of a military conflict, and Houthi terrorist groups continue to launch high-level missiles, including Israel. Few commercial airlines fly through Yemen, except for the rare routes on the far sea above the Red Sea.
In some cases, regulators allow flights over Iraq and even Iran, but only at very high altitudes, usually above 320 feet (32,000 feet). This is considered to be unquestionably shoulder-firing missiles and basic air defense systems. However, as past events have shown, it cannot prevent ballistic missiles or advanced air defense systems.
As expected, none of Israeli Airlines (El al, Israel, Arkia and Haifa Air will fly over any hostile country. Even on flights to the Far East, they travel through Cyprus, Turkey, Georgia or Azerbaijan routes, completely bypassing Iran and Iraq. Since they are not allowed to land in enemy countries, any risk of technological failure must be avoided entirely.
Bottom line: As mentioned above, most major global airlines do avoid flying over Iran, Yemen and Iraq. That said, if you are concerned, it is worth checking the airline’s website to see planned routes before booking a flight.
