Both airlines had suspended flights over Iran in April amid Middle East tensions but resumed normal routes in late June.
SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its low-cost subsidiary Scoot have resumed flights over Iranian airspace after a more than two-month hiatus. The decision comes as tensions in the Middle East have eased, allowing for a return to standard flight paths.
An SIA spokesperson confirmed to CNA on Monday (Jul 8) that flights over Iranian airspace had resumed on Jun 27, 2024. The airlines had initially suspended flights over the area on Apr 13 as a precautionary measure following heightened geopolitical risks.
“The SIA Group regularly reviews and determines the flight paths taken by its aircraft based on multiple factors,” the spokesperson stated. These factors include weather conditions, safety and security considerations, advisories from international and regional bodies, input from external security consultants, and regulatory restrictions.
BACKGROUND TO THE SUSPENSION
The decision to bypass Iranian airspace in April followed an escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel. The tension began after an Apr 1 airstrike, presumed to be conducted by Israel, destroyed an Iranian diplomatic building in Syria and killed seven members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, including two generals. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Israeli territory, prompting airlines like SIA, Qantas, Lufthansa, and SWISS to reroute their flights.
SIA’s rerouting impacted flights between Singapore and several European destinations, including Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Zurich, as well as New York. Avoiding Iranian airspace required taking a longer northerly route over Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus, resulting in extended flight times.
For instance, a Singapore to London flight on Apr 15 recorded a travel time of 14 hours and 3 minutes, compared to the average flight time of 13 hours and 39 minutes.
RESUMED FLIGHT OPERATIONS
With the easing of tensions, flights have reverted to their original routes, reducing travel times and fuel costs. On Monday evening, data from Flightradar24 showed that other airlines, including SWISS, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, had also resumed using Iranian airspace.
“The safety of our customers and staff remains the SIA Group’s top priority,” the spokesperson emphasized, underscoring the meticulous assessments involved in determining flight routes.
