UAE regulator asks airlines to reassess flight paths

DUBAI / WAM

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) called on registered air operators within the UAE to evaluate flight paths affected by recent airspace restrictions in the region.
In a statement, the GCAA said that given current regional developments and as a precautionary measure, UAE-registered air operators need to avoid operating in areas that could jeopardise civil aviation safety and operations.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has announced it is suspending operations through Iranian airspace over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. In a statement, the national airline of the UAE said, “following the decision of the US Federal Aviation Administration to restrict US airline operations in Iranian-controlled airspace, Etihad Airways consulted closely with
the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and other UAE airlines to evaluate the US action.”
“Etihad Airways has subsequently suspended operations through Iranian airspace over the Straits of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, and will use alternative flight paths on a number of rou-
tes to and from Abu Dhabi until further notice,” it added.
The airline said that these changes will cause delays on some departures from Abu Dhabi, “due to increased congestion in available airspace, and will increase journey times on some routes.”