KLM avoids airspace of Iraq, Iran, and Jordan: flights to Asia with alternative route

amsterdam - Dutch airline KLM is adjusting its flight paths to Asia due to the recent Iran's attack on Israel, avoiding airspace over Iraq and Jordan.

Dutch airline KLM is adjusting its flight paths to Asia due to the recent Iran's attack on Israel, avoiding airspace over Iraq and Jordan.

The airspace of Iraq and Jordan has been closed, resulting in the discovery of an alternative route over Afghanistan, according to KLM.

Earlier today, the airline decided to suspend flights to Israel until the end of the year due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. However, the Netherlands is organizing a repatriation flight to Lebanon to evacuate Dutch nationals using a military aircraft from the Defense Ministry.

Other airlines have been avoiding Israel and Lebanon for some time now. KLM's budget subsidiary, Transavia, ceased flights to Beirut in late July and has not operated flights to Tel Aviv since October last year, following the Hamas invasion and attacks.

The European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a statement over the weekend warning about increased airstrikes and deteriorating security conditions. This advisory is in effect until October 31, due to tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine narrowing the routes to Asia.

KLM has a department dedicated to monitoring safety information around the clock, including military intelligence.

Ultimately, the decision on flight path rests with the captain. If the captain deems the situation unsafe, they will request an adjusted route or choose not to depart. Following the MH17 tragedy, the Netherlands established an expert group comprising aviation, intelligence agencies, and ministries to exchange information on conflict zones, involving the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs, the national coordinator for counterterrorism, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.