IATA stresses need to safeguard civil aviation as West Asia tensions rise
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

IATA stresses need to safeguard civil aviation as West Asia tensions rise

Amid growing tensions in West Asia, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized on Friday that ensuring the safety of flight operations is critical, and that airports and air navigation infrastructure should not be targeted during hostilities. IATA, which represents approximately 330 airlines, including Indian carriers and covering more than 80 per cent of global air traffic, raised this concern.

IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, highlighted the importance of keeping civil aviation neutral in political conflicts. He reminded all parties involved in the conflict that it is essential to maintain flight safety and protect critical airport and air navigation infrastructure from becoming targets.

Walsh noted that the aviation industry operates on global standards and the international rules-based system, which are necessary for its functioning. He added that civil aviation, as its name suggests, serves the civilian population and should be safeguarded by all actors in any conflict situation.

Additionally, Walsh stressed that combatants must be aware of and adhere to the rules of conflict and humanitarian aid as outlined in international law. He underscored the principle that civilian aircraft, airports, and air navigation services should not be harmed, a stance that must be respected even during intense hostilities.

The statement comes in the context of ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as Hamas groups, with Iran recently launching ballistic missiles towards Israel. These developments have affected flight operations, with many airlines avoiding Iranian and Israeli airspace. Earlier in the week, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin advising operators to avoid Iranian airspace at all flight levels.

Amid growing tensions in West Asia, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized on Friday that ensuring the safety of flight operations is critical, and that airports and air navigation infrastructure should not be targeted during hostilities. IATA, which represents approximately 330 airlines, including Indian carriers and covering more than 80 per cent of global air traffic, raised this concern. IATA's Director General, Willie Walsh, highlighted the importance of keeping civil aviation neutral in political conflicts. He reminded all parties involved in the conflict that it is essential to maintain flight safety and protect critical airport and air navigation infrastructure from becoming targets. Walsh noted that the aviation industry operates on global standards and the international rules-based system, which are necessary for its functioning. He added that civil aviation, as its name suggests, serves the civilian population and should be safeguarded by all actors in any conflict situation. Additionally, Walsh stressed that combatants must be aware of and adhere to the rules of conflict and humanitarian aid as outlined in international law. He underscored the principle that civilian aircraft, airports, and air navigation services should not be harmed, a stance that must be respected even during intense hostilities. The statement comes in the context of ongoing fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as Hamas groups, with Iran recently launching ballistic missiles towards Israel. These developments have affected flight operations, with many airlines avoiding Iranian and Israeli airspace. Earlier in the week, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin advising operators to avoid Iranian airspace at all flight levels.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Develop 30,000 Women-Led Enterprises by 2025

The Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department is accelerating efforts to create sustainable livelihoods for women in urban areas, in line with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s goal of fostering one lakh women entrepreneurs by 2025. Under this initiative, the MAUD Department has set a target to establish 30,000 women-led enterprises across towns and cities in Andhra Pradesh. To support this vision, the department plans to establish Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for women in TIDCO housing complexes. Vacant plots across 163 colonies have been earmarked ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

G Kishan Reddy discusses mining expansion, clearances with Chhattisgarh CM

Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy met Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday to expedite land acquisition and environmental clearances for mining projects. Reddy, who was on a two-day visit to review operations at South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), discussed measures to boost mining-led economic growth in the state. Key topics included speeding up land acquisition for mine expansions, obtaining quicker environmental approvals, and setting up integrated rehabilitation and resettlement sites. The minister also highlighted the importance of developing critical minerals in the region, alo..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NITI Aayog's Vision for India's Auto Industry

NITI Aayog has launched the report titled "Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains," offering a roadmap for the country’s automotive future. Released by Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, the report outlines key strategies to grow India’s automotive sector to $145 bn in component production by 2030. India is currently the fourth-largest automobile producer globally, but with only a modest three per cent share in the global automotive component market. The report emphasises the need to strengthen India’s position through competitive manufacturing, skill d..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?