Pilots and Crews Warn of Safety Risks on Middle East Flight Routes

Aviation professionals have accused some airlines of prioritizing operational efficiency and cost savings over safety by continuing to schedule flights through these high-risk zones. Pilots’ unions in Europe have argued for stricter oversight and the right of pilots to refuse assignments involving potentially dangerous routes. While airlines emphasize their adherence to international safety guidelines, flight crews claim the unpredictable nature of missile threats and sudden airspace closures make these routes inherently unsafe.