Tensions in the region have increased following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, in the Iranian capital Tehran last week. Both Hamas and Iran have vowed to avenge Haniyeh's murder and to attack Israel.
Latvia's national airline, airBaltic, uses a small part of Iraqi airspace on flights from the Baltic States to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, but as security risks increase, a plan "B" has been developed.
"In the event of an escalation of the situation, flights to Dubai are not to be operated through Iraqi airspace, but over Egypt and Saudi Arabia. For example, overflight clearances for the August 4 flight to Dubai were already in place for use of Egyptian and Saudi airspace and, if necessary, the flight in question would have taken the alternative route," Augusts Zilberts, the airline's spokesman, told LSM.lv.
When the flight plan is changed, the flight time also changes. The flight time using Egyptian and Saudi Arabian airspace could increase by two hours (currently the average flight time is 6 hours to 6 hours and 30 minutes).
airBaltic flights to Tel Aviv have also been canceled until August 11. The Latvian national airline said that it is continuously assessing the current situation in Israel, taking into account the recommendations and requirements issued by the Latvian authorities and international institutions, including insurers. The airline is in close contact with national and international authorities in assessing potential risks for flights to Israel.
"Given that the security situation in Israel can be volatile, we remain flexible and are ready to reschedule flights if necessary. Accordingly, there is a possibility that flights may be canceled after August 11 if necessary," Zilberts said.
In total, 26% of incoming flights at Tel Aviv International Airport were canceled August 6, but this figure may rise during the day as airlines continue to analyze the situation.
