Singapore Airlines extends flights to avoid Iran

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Travellers flying with Singapore Airlines (SIA) on routes between Singapore and various European destinations are now experiencing longer flight times as the airline has decided to reroute its flights to avoid Iranian airspace. This precautionary measure was taken in response to the recent increase in tensions in the Middle East, specifically after Iran’s drone and missile attack on Israel, which Iran stated was retaliation for an earlier incident involving its consulate in Damascus.

An SIA spokesperson indicated that all flights connecting Singapore to major European cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, and Zurich, as well as flights to New York’s JFK and Newark airports, are currently taking alternative, longer routes. This adjustment also affects Scoot, SIA’s low-cost subsidiary, which has extended the flight duration for its Singapore to Athens route.

According to the spokesperson, these changes have led to a reconfiguration of flight paths over Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus instead of the usual route over Iran. For example, the flight from Singapore to London Heathrow, which usually takes about 13 hours and 39 minutes, now extends just over 14 hours. Likewise, the Singapore to Rome flight has seen a slight increase in air time.

Despite these extended flight times, Singapore Airlines has ensured that no flights have been canceled. They are actively assisting passengers who might face misconnections due to the changes, offering re-accommodations on alternative flights. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely and may adjust flight paths as necessary to ensure passenger and crew safety, which remains their top priority.

Passengers are encouraged to keep themselves updated by checking their flight status on SIA’s website, updating their contact details, and subscribing to mobile notifications for the latest information on their flights. The airline has apologized for any inconvenience these changes may cause to travelers.

This situation highlights the broader implications for air travel when geopolitical tensions arise, affecting not only flight routes but also the operational strategies of international airlines. Other airlines, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Qantas, have similarly adjusted their flight paths in response to the situation, showcasing a common industry approach to prioritizing safety over convenience.

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