UK airlines banned from Iran and Iraq airspace with British Airways and Virgin passengers facing longer flights
UK airlines have now been banned from flying over Iranian and Iraqi airspace.
The ban means that airlines will now be forced to detour via other routes, with many expected to face longer journeys as result.
The announcement follows a similar ban issued by the US FAA earlier in the week.
The ban on UK airlines flying over Iran and Iraq airspace was issued by the Department for Transport today (January 10) as part of a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).
Two separate NOTAMS were issued.
One said: "Airspace security warning issued by the Department for Transport in response to the hazardous situation in Iraq. Potential risk from heightened military activity and dedicated anti-aviation weaponry in Iraq. Operators are advised not to enter the territory and airspace of Iraq (included the Baghdad FIR)."
While the second one said: "Airspace security warning issued by the Department for Transport in response to the hazardous situation in Iran. Potential risk from heightened military activity and dedicated anti-aviation weaponry in Iran. Operators are advised not to enter the territory and airspace of Iraq (included the Baghdad FIR).
For passengers travelling on certain routes in the UK, especially to Asia, delays will be expected.
Here's what you need to know:
UK airlines affected
All UK carriers will now be banned from flying over Iraq and Iran, with airlines forced to re-route.
Flights to destinations such as India, Malaysia and Singapore from the UK will require a detour to avoid the banned airspace.
Last year, a number of airlines had to take longer routes after Pakistan airspace was closed following tensions with India, for example.
British Airways will likely be the most heavily affected
The airline told Sun Online Travel: "We are in constant contact with our partners around the world to assess the security of our routes, and will always take action where appropriate.
"We would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so."
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Virgin Atlantic are also affected.
The airline said: "Safety and security is our number one priority and we always follow the strict advice set out by UK and international authorities.
"We are closely monitoring developments in Iran and Iraq air space, which is currently closed, resulting in a slight change to our flight routing. As a result flight times to and from Mumbai may be slightly longer than expected."
This could result in longer flights, not just because of the detour but also due to the increased number of aircraft flying on the same route.
Earlier this week, a BA flight from Mumbai to Heathrow was forced to divert after deciding to avoid flying over Iran at the last minute - before the NOTAMs were issued.
A TUI flight from London to India was delayed for 36 hours, according to , after it was forced to change its flight route due to "airspace restrictions".
Brian Strutton, BALPA General Secretary said: “We strongly support the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued from the UK Department for Transport earlier today that operators should avoid Iraqi and Iranian territory and airspace.
"We urge the Government and airlines to maintain this position until and unless there is a significant improvement in the security situation in the Middle East. The precautionary principal should be used in all decision-making in aviation, and that certainly applies here."
He added: “The increasing evidence that the 737 Ukrainian passenger flight PS752 may have been shot down is extremely concerning. Peaceful civil aviation should never find itself involved in armed conflict. Our thoughts are with the families of the passengers and crew who fell victim to this tragedy.”
US airlines affected
The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) announced earlier this week that "flight restrictions prohibit US civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman".
They added that they were "closely monitoring" the situation amid the heightened military activities and increased political tensions in the Middle East.
Many US carriers are already banned from flying below 26,000ft over Iraq and Iran after a US drone was shot down in June last year.
American Airlines, Delta and United do not fly over Iran.
Such restrictions are often precautionary in nature to prevent passenger aircraft from being confused for ones engaged in armed conflict.
Other airlines affected
Australian carrier Qantas said it was altering its London to Perth, Australia, routes to avoid Iran and Iraq airspace until further notice.
The longer route meant that Qantas would have to carry fewer passengers and more fuel to remain in the air for an extra 40 to 50 minutes.
Malaysia Airlines said that due to recent events, its planes would avoid Iranian airspace, while Singapore Airlines also said that its flights to Europe would be re-routed to avoid Iran.
Air France has suspended all flights over Iranian and Iraqi airspace.
A KLM spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: "Until further notice, KLM will not make use of Iranian or Iraqi airspace. Flights to a number of Southeast Asian destinations and destinations in the Middle East will be operated by using alternative routes. KLM will continue to monitor the region, and will stay in contact with authorities."
Taiwan's EVA Air said European flights would be avoiding flying over Iran, .
Qatar Airways could be hit the worst as they can with Iran and Iraq one of the only flight routes to leave the country.
However, a spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: "Qatar Airways’ services to Iraq are currently operating normally. The safety of our passengers and employees is of the highest importance, and we continue to closely monitor developments in Iraq."
Air Canada confirmed they would be rerouting its five-times weekly flight to Dubai.
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