The military conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate significantly due to military activities involving the US, Israel, and Iran. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, on 28/2, countries including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Israel announced airspace closures or restrictions to ensure national security amid the escalating hostilities.

Airports such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi (UAE), and Doha International Airport (Qatar) have temporarily ceased operations or restricted flights due to airspace closure orders and safety risks to civil aviation. This situation has caused widespread disruption to the global flight network, with many airlines canceling or adjusting their schedules. Routes to and from the Middle East, and especially those connecting Europe and Asia through the region, are severely affected.

A Vietnam Airlines aircraft landing at Noi Bai airport. Photo: Luu Quy

To ensure absolute aviation safety, maintain smooth air transport operations, and mitigate risks for passengers and airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has directed the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) to develop flight control solutions. This is especially critical for flights requiring schedule adjustments due to the conflict, and to provide accurate information to relevant airlines and units for flight management.

Vietnamese and foreign airlines with routes to, from, or over the affected airspace are requested to monitor and update the situation in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran and countries that have closed their airspace. They must proactively assess potential risks and the extent of impact on international routes, including those connecting Europe and Asia that typically use the region's airspace. Airlines are required to fully update safety warnings and information from aviation authorities of these countries, proactively assess risks, and promptly adjust operational plans and alternative routes to ensure absolute aviation safety and security.

Airlines must select safe alternative air routes, avoiding closed airspace or high-risk areas, to ensure that operating aircraft do not fly over conflict zones or around affected airspace. Concurrently, airlines need to fully inform passengers of any schedule changes resulting from the military conflict.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam and international airports are tasked with monitoring and closely coordinating with airlines and ground service units. They are to implement support plans for passengers affected by flight schedule changes, cancellations, or route adjustments.

Currently, Vietnamese airlines do not operate direct flights to Iran or other Middle Eastern countries. Vietnam Airlines has several flights between Vietnam and Europe. Vietnam Airlines stated that its flights between Vietnam and Europe are far from the conflict zone.

The airline continues to closely monitor the operational situation and proactively prepare suitable plans to ensure passengers' journeys remain safe and on schedule.

Some international airlines, such as Emirates and Qantas, operate flights from Vietnam to the Middle East or transit passengers through the region. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam reported that one Emirates aircraft and two Qatar Airways flights are currently waiting at Noi Bai, unable to fly back to the Middle East.

Doan Loan