Malaysia Airlines' Europe Flights On Schedule After Iranian Airspace Closure, Affected Flights Rerouted

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has confirmed that all Malaysia Airlines passenger flights to London and Paris, as well as cargo operations to Amsterdam that utilise Middle East routings, continue to operate as scheduled following the temporary closure of Iranian airspace. 

It said the affected flights were rerouted via alternative established flight paths, including the Afghanistan corridor.

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“This routing is a usual and approved alternative and is deployed based on prevailing wind conditions to ensure the most optimal flight route,” the group told Bernama today.

Iran had temporarily closed its airspace to all flights except authorised international civil arrivals and departures, citing security protocols.

Iranian airspace, however, reopened today after the temporary closure to most flights expired. 

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A check on the flight-tracking website FlightRadar24 showed that flights have resumed in and out of Iranian airspace, although the number of aircraft using the route remains limited.

The initial notice stated that Tehran’s airspace would remain closed until Jan 15, allowing only specific civilian flights to operate with prior approval from the Civil Aviation Authority.

The move comes amid rising regional and domestic tensions, including anti-government protests in Iran and mounting international scrutiny.

MAG stated that the national carrier would continue to monitor the situation and adhere strictly to international aviation safety standards to safeguard passengers and crew.

“Safety remains of utmost importance to Malaysia Airlines,” it added.

-- BERNAMA