IATA stresses need to safeguard civil aviation as West Asia tensions rise

07 Oct 2024 CW Team

Amid growing tensions in West Asia, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized on Friday that ensuring the safety of flight operations is critical, and that airports and air navigation infrastructure should not be targeted during hostilities. IATA, which represents approximately 330 airlines, including Indian carriers and covering more than 80 per cent of global air traffic, raised this concern.

IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, highlighted the importance of keeping civil aviation neutral in political conflicts. He reminded all parties involved in the conflict that it is essential to maintain flight safety and protect critical airport and air navigation infrastructure from becoming targets.

Walsh noted that the aviation industry operates on global standards and the international rules-based system, which are necessary for its functioning. He added that civil aviation, as its name suggests, serves the civilian population and should be safeguarded by all actors in any conflict situation.

Additionally, Walsh stressed that combatants must be aware of and adhere to the rules of conflict and humanitarian aid as outlined in international law. He underscored the principle that civilian aircraft, airports, and air navigation services should not be harmed, a stance that must be respected even during intense hostilities.

The statement comes in the context of ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as Hamas groups, with Iran recently launching ballistic missiles towards Israel. These developments have affected flight operations, with many airlines avoiding Iranian and Israeli airspace. Earlier in the week, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin advising operators to avoid Iranian airspace at all flight levels.

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