26/06/2025

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THURSDAY | JUNE 26, 2025

Airlines on alert amid airspace closures

o Middle East situation raises concerns among regional carriers as conflict could affect flight operations, safety

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian aviation sector is on high alert, prioritising safety to avoid a repeat of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 incident more than a decade ago. This caution follows airspace closures by Arab states after Iran launched a missile strike on a United States (US) base in Qatar. Qatar, one of the busiest aviation hubs in the region, temporarily closed its airspace on Monday in response to the attack as geopolitical tensions intensified amid the military conflict involving Iran, US and Israel. Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology economist Assoc Prof Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian said the ongoing tension in the region poses a risk to local aviation operators, adding that Southeast Asian carriers may be forced to reroute westward flights. Endau Analytics aviation analyst Shukor Yusof said Southeast Asian airlines are vulnerable, as they rely on Middle Eastern airspace for Europe-bound flights. The development has raised concerns among regional carriers, including Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia X, as the conflict could affect flight operations and safety. AirAsia X focuses on destinations within Asia and to Australia, but its seasonal flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah and Medina pass through the Southern Gulf region. “The risk could extend to other (areas), such as economic downturn, a decline in financial stature and a slowdown in trade and commerce,” Mohd Harridon told Bernama.

Other Arab states have followed suit in closing their airspace. Bahrain confirmed a suspension of air navigation due to escalating regional volatility, while the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Oman have implemented similar measures. Malaysia Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to safety, stating that all flights are subject to ongoing risk assessments in light of regional tensions affecting the Middle Eastern airspace. The national carrier added that it remains vigilant and would implement necessary operational changes, including rerouting or suspensions if required. Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed several Malaysian flights to the Middle East have been cancelled. Mohd Harridon said the affected region is a key corridor for flight traffic. “Any diversions would entail an increase in operational costs due to higher fuel consumption during flights. This would also increase flight duration and require rescheduling of timetables. “There is a possibility that the conflicted area, especially coastal regions, could become constricted in terms of movements and overflight access. This would create a domino effect. “The restriction of trade, particularly fuel, would increase financial pressure on the logistical supply chain and affect other areas around the Middle East that are prone to closure due to the expansion of attacks. This

Shukor said Southeast Asian airlines are vulnerable as they rely on Middle Eastern airspace for Europe-bound flights. – P I C C O U RTE S Y OF FLIGHT RA D AR 2 4 WE BS ITE

hurt the balance sheets of airlines and could reshape how people travel, with a shift away from global destinations towards regional options. “The frequency of westbound flights is significant, and thus the economies of scale are depleted and would take a considerable amount of time to recover. “Mitigation plans should be in place by these airlines to optimise flight operations and adherence to lean operations is both an economic and financial obligation.”

would further erode the economy of the aviation industry.” Shukor said the current conflict signals the deepening of a long-standing risk corridor. “The (dangers) from geopolitics to airlines began when MH17 was (downed). What we are seeing today is an extension of the breakdown in international relations,” he said. “We live in uncertain times. Airlines would be cautious about reinstating flights until there is stability.” He added that prolonged instability would

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