Routes through the middle east

[opusman]

Interesting that airlines still seem to be flying across the top of Iran, I would have thought they'd go a bit further north to avoid it.

(Not checked many, but QF1 and MH20 both have this sort of flight path).

 

[MELso]

The white line means there’s no actual tracking occurring.

 

[offshore171]

Where's the screenshot from? As per above, that's not the actual route flown, but rather just the mapping tool drawing the most direct line between two known points.

The actual path flown can be seen on FR24

Here's QF1 and 2 right now. You can see they passed north of Iran, but yes fairly close. It actually passes closer to Iran than flying via Dubai/Qatar etc.

 

[MG1]

I've got a layover (i.e. staying airside) in BAH next month: should I continue with this or look at possible alternatives? The Aus government currently has that country listed as Level 4 but neighbouring countries as Level 3.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I've got a layover (i.e. staying airside) in BAH next month: should I continue with this or look at possible alternatives? The Aus government currently has that country listed as Level 4 but neighbouring countries as Level 3.

You should go with whatever makes you comfortable.

Thousands of passengers are flying via the ME every day, with no reported issues. But many others don’t feel comfortable and are looking for alternatives.

A ‘do not travel’ may only affect your travel insurance while in the ground in BAH. Check your PDS.

 

[markis10]

Interesting that airlines still seem to be flying across the top of Iran, I would have thought they'd go a bit further north to avoid it.

Iran has got nothing that will harm an airliner at altitude.

 

[oz_mark]

Iran has got nothing that will harm an airliner at altitude.

But the other side does, and has been known to shoot down civilian aircraft.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

But the other side does, and has been known to shoot down civilian aircraft.

Such as?

 

[Warragul]

Iran Air 655

 

[Pierre_a]

Such as?

Iran Air flight 655 also referred to as USS Vicennes incident.

 

[Cossie]

Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Happy Trails]

My only concern would be becoming stranded in the region, not shot down.

 

[MG1]

Thank you all for your advice.

Thousands of passengers are flying via the ME every day, with no reported issues. But many others don’t feel comfortable and are looking for alternatives.

@MEL_Traveller, that was my thinking when I posed the question.

My only concern would be becoming stranded in the region, not shot down.

@Happy Trails, I have to say that I agree. This would be of higher concern as I'd be a bit stuffed if I were to be stranded there as help likely would be available due to the Level 4 status.

It's still possible that the Level 4 status could lower before my flight (next month) but I accept that that is unlikely.

At this stage, I'll hope for the best. If I make it through, I may write up a trip report and let you know how it went.