Airline pilots working routes across the Middle East have expressed widespread concern about safety and potential workplace repercussions if they refuse to operate flights during the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the head of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA).

Ron Hay, president of the Montreal-based federation and a captain at Delta Air Lines, said pilots from countries including Lebanon and India have reported fears of retaliation ranging from unpaid assignments to dismissal. He described a climate in which some aviators feel discouraged from declining flights, even when conditions are uncertain due to sudden airspace closures linked to missile or drone activity.

“There is an underlying fear of retribution,” Hay said, noting that while some pilots worry about losing their jobs, others risk forfeiting pay if they opt out of specific routes.

His comments come as some Middle Eastern airlines continue to restore services following a recently announced ceasefire, which remains fragile amid continued hostilities.

Hay declined to identify specific carriers but criticised what he described as a lack of a strong safety culture in parts of the region, where pilots may feel unable to voice concerns freely. He added that the current conflict has intensified longstanding issues.

IFALPA, which represents pilot associations in countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait and Lebanon, does not include unions at major Gulf airlines in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where labour organisations are not established.

Airlines in the region maintain that safety remains their top priority. Flights to and from key hubs in the UAE and Qatar continue to operate through designated corridors coordinated with aviation regulators.

Attempts to gather firsthand accounts from pilots based in Gulf countries were unsuccessful, with many declining to comment or not responding to inquiries.

Rising Operational and Mental Health Risks

Despite the ceasefire announcement, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended restrictions on European carriers flying through parts of Middle Eastern airspace, including the UAE and Qatar, until April 24. However, airlines based in Dubai and Doha, along with Indian carriers, continue to operate in the region.

In response to mounting concerns, IFALPA recently issued guidance stressing that pilots must retain a decisive and non-negotiable role in safety-related decisions.

A separate bulletin from the United Nations’ aviation agency highlighted the psychological strain on aviation personnel operating in or near conflict zones, warning that heightened stress, fatigue and anxiety could have critical safety implications.

Hay said many pilots have also reported insufficient guidance on navigating rapidly changing risks, such as sudden airport closures following drone strikes, complicating operational planning.

In India, members of IFALPA previously raised concerns over continued flights by Air India to affected Gulf destinations, describing the situation as serious and urging authorities to suspend operations pending a comprehensive risk assessment.

A source familiar with the matter said Air India has engaged external consultants to conduct daily safety evaluations. India’s aviation regulator has not publicly responded to these concerns.

The challenges extend beyond the cockpit. Hay cited reports from pilots in Beirut who faced difficulties returning home after landing, as infrastructure damage from the conflict disrupted access routes between the airport and residential areas.

Source: ZAWYA

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has announced a partial resumption of its services to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman beginning Saturday, April 11.

The national carrier will operate daily special flights on three key routes connecting Jeddah with the affected cities.

On the Dubai route, flight SV588 will operate from Jeddah to Dubai (DXB), while SV589 will return from Dubai to Jeddah.

For Abu Dhabi, flight SV570 will run from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi (AUH), with SV571 operating the return leg.

Services to Amman will include SV631 from Jeddah to Amman (AMM) and SV632 from Amman back to Jeddah.

The airline advised passengers to verify flight schedules and status before traveling to the airport to avoid disruption.

Saudia had suspended operations on these routes on February 28 following a military escalation in the region.

Source: ZAWYA

Airline pilots working routes across the Middle East have expressed widespread concern about safety and potential workplace repercussions if they refuse to operate flights during the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the head of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA).

Ron Hay, president of the Montreal-based federation and a captain at Delta Air Lines, said pilots from countries including Lebanon and India have reported fears of retaliation ranging from unpaid assignments to dismissal. He described a climate in which some aviators feel discouraged from declining flights, even when conditions are uncertain due to sudden airspace closures linked to missile or drone activity.

“There is an underlying fear of retribution,” Hay said, noting that while some pilots worry about losing their jobs, others risk forfeiting pay if they opt out of specific routes.

His comments come as some Middle Eastern airlines continue to restore services following a recently announced ceasefire, which remains fragile amid continued hostilities.

Hay declined to identify specific carriers but criticised what he described as a lack of a strong safety culture in parts of the region, where pilots may feel unable to voice concerns freely. He added that the current conflict has intensified longstanding issues.

IFALPA, which represents pilot associations in countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait and Lebanon, does not include unions at major Gulf airlines in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where labour organisations are not established.

Airlines in the region maintain that safety remains their top priority. Flights to and from key hubs in the UAE and Qatar continue to operate through designated corridors coordinated with aviation regulators.

Attempts to gather firsthand accounts from pilots based in Gulf countries were unsuccessful, with many declining to comment or not responding to inquiries.

Rising Operational and Mental Health Risks

Despite the ceasefire announcement, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended restrictions on European carriers flying through parts of Middle Eastern airspace, including the UAE and Qatar, until April 24. However, airlines based in Dubai and Doha, along with Indian carriers, continue to operate in the region.

In response to mounting concerns, IFALPA recently issued guidance stressing that pilots must retain a decisive and non-negotiable role in safety-related decisions.

A separate bulletin from the United Nations’ aviation agency highlighted the psychological strain on aviation personnel operating in or near conflict zones, warning that heightened stress, fatigue and anxiety could have critical safety implications.

Hay said many pilots have also reported insufficient guidance on navigating rapidly changing risks, such as sudden airport closures following drone strikes, complicating operational planning.

In India, members of IFALPA previously raised concerns over continued flights by Air India to affected Gulf destinations, describing the situation as serious and urging authorities to suspend operations pending a comprehensive risk assessment.

A source familiar with the matter said Air India has engaged external consultants to conduct daily safety evaluations. India’s aviation regulator has not publicly responded to these concerns.

The challenges extend beyond the cockpit. Hay cited reports from pilots in Beirut who faced difficulties returning home after landing, as infrastructure damage from the conflict disrupted access routes between the airport and residential areas.

Source: ZAWYA

Following the reopening of Bahrain’s airspace, Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has begun a phased resumption of flights, the Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) confirmed. The Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) under the Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications announced the reopening, marking a key step toward restoring normal air travel in the region.

The BAC highlighted that ongoing coordination with airlines, ground services, and other operational partners is ensuring a smooth and secure return to regular airport activity. Measures are being taken to prioritize passenger safety, manage traffic flow, and maintain operational efficiency across all airport functions.

While the full schedule of returning flights has not been disclosed, the gradual restart aims to allow airlines and passengers to adapt safely, avoiding congestion and ensuring compliance with international aviation safety standards. Airport officials have also emphasized that monitoring and adjustments will continue as operations scale up.

Source: ZAWYA

Bahrain’s flag carrier, Gulf Air, has announced the resumption of limited flight services at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) following authorization from the Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs. The move marks a key step toward reinstating the airline’s full scheduled operations.

The airline will operate direct flights between Bahrain and key destinations including Dubai (DXB), Jeddah (JED), Riyadh (RUH), London Heathrow (LHR), Nairobi (NBO), Dhaka (DAC), Mumbai (BOM), Kochi (COK), Delhi (DEL), Hyderabad (HYD), Islamabad (ISB), Lahore (LHE), and Thiruvananthapuram (TRV).

Gulf Air’s operations at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam will continue without interruption, sustaining its existing international schedule.

Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi expressed the airline’s appreciation for the support received from Bahrain’s leadership, including His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He also acknowledged the efforts of the airline’s Board of Directors and multiple governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Civil Aviation Affairs, Bahrain Defence Force, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Interior.

The Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), which manages Bahrain International Airport, confirmed the gradual resumption of flights, following the reopening of Bahrain’s airspace as declared by Civil Aviation Affairs.

Taqi highlighted collaboration with Saudi authorities, including the General Authority of Civil Aviation, King Fahd Causeway, and King Fahd International Airport, as pivotal in supporting Gulf Air’s uninterrupted operations in Dammam.

The airline emphasized that flight schedules may be adjusted based on evolving airspace conditions, with passenger safety and crew wellbeing remaining the highest priority. Travelers are advised to check updated flight information via Gulf Air’s official website or mobile app before departure.

Source: ZAWYA

Etihad Airways has announced plans to introduce a seasonal service connecting Dhaka with the United Arab Emirates starting 26 June 2026.

The new route is expected to enhance both passenger travel and cargo movement along the South Asia corridor. The airline said the decision reflects continued growth in demand for air connectivity between the UAE and Bangladesh, particularly in trade and logistics sectors.

By adding Dhaka to its seasonal network, Etihad aims to support stronger economic ties while offering more flexible travel options for passengers and businesses operating between the two markets. The service is also expected to facilitate increased cargo capacity, benefiting exporters and supply chains across the region.