Air France is investigating an incident involving Flight AF662, which flew over Iraq while Iranian missiles were launched at Israel on October 1. The airline received intelligence on the imminent attack and suspended overflights of Iraqi airspace. Despite the challenging circumstances, Air France prioritized passenger safety and is closely monitoring regional tensions as the conflict intensifies.
Air France has initiated an investigation regarding a jet, designated Flight AF662, that was operating between Paris and Dubai and inadvertently traversed Iraqi airspace while Iranian missiles were being launched towards Israel. These missiles were fired on October 1, 2023, as part of Iran’s reaction to the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and others in Lebanon. As Iran’s assault commenced around 4:45 p.m. UTC (11:45 a.m. ET), Flight AF662 was flying over Iraq and exited the airspace shortly before 5 p.m. UTC (12:00 p.m. ET), just prior to the official closure of Iraqi airspace at 5:56 p.m. UTC (12:56 p.m. ET). Air France reported that through their gathered intelligence, they anticipated the Iranian missile strike on Israel, prompting the airline to preemptively suspend all overflights in Iraqi airspace without waiting for local authorities’ directions. The airline confirmed that their operations were already avoiding flights through Israeli, Lebanese, and Iranian territories. Notably, the White House had prior indications of an imminent missile assault from Iran. Consequently, Air France diverted several flights to prioritize safety. Additionally, eyewitness accounts suggest that pilots aboard Flight AF662 may have witnessed the missiles crossing the sky, as indicated by French television channel LCI. The incident occurred in a context of escalating regional tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of potential protracted conflict as Israel retaliates against Hezbollah, which has been launching rockets into northern Israel. The Israeli government is deliberating on responses to Iran’s missile strike amidst ongoing military operations in Gaza, where reports of civilian casualties continue to emerge.
The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East remains fraught and volatile. The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, particularly following the killing of key military figures, prompting a wave of retaliatory strikes. As part of this ongoing situation, Iranian missile attacks have become more prevalent, significantly impacting air traffic in the region. Air France’s proactive response to the situation underscores the heightened vigilance airlines must maintain in monitoring geopolitical developments that threaten flight safety. The implications of this incident extend beyond immediate safety concerns, shedding light on the broader tensions that characterize the region and influence international travel and aviation routes.
In conclusion, Air France’s decision to investigate the circumstances surrounding Flight AF662’s route through Iraqi airspace during the Iranian missile attacks on October 1 reflects a significant concern for passenger safety amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The airline’s swift action to suspend overflights and divert other flights illustrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its passengers against the backdrop of continually evolving geopolitical threats. As tensions rise, the situation calls for ongoing scrutiny and a reassessment of flight routes in conflict-prone regions.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
