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 Arabia has inaugurated a second gateway for its Makkah Route Initiative in Morocco, marking a further step in efforts to simplify pilgrimage travel. The new facility was opened at Rabat-Salé International Airport in the initiative’s dedicated hall.

The launch ceremony was attended by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Morocco, Dr Sami Al-Saleh, and Morocco’s Minister of Endowments, Ahmed Toufiq.

The Makkah Route Initiative is designed to enhance the travel experience for pilgrims from participating countries by handling key procedures before departure. According to Saudi Press Agency, the programme allows travellers to complete formalities in their home country, beginning with the electronic issuance of Hajj visas and the collection of biometric data.

Authorities then finalise entry procedures through the General Directorate of Passports, ensuring that pilgrims meet all health and regulatory requirements at the departure airport.

The initiative also covers the organisation of baggage, with luggage coded and sorted based on pilgrims’ transport and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, pilgrims are transported directly by bus to their residences in Makkah and Madinah along designated routes, while partner agencies oversee the delivery of their belongings.

Source: ZAWYA

Emirates SkyCargo has introduced a new weekly freighter service to Toronto Pearson Airport, enhancing cargo connectivity between Canada and the United Arab Emirates while supporting expanding trade ties between the two markets.

The additional service is expected to provide Canadian exporters with increased access to international markets, reflecting a steady rise in bilateral trade. According to Emirates SkyCargo, exports from Canada to the UAE grew by 24% between 2023 and 2024, driven by improved air links and strengthening economic relations.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, described the launch as a key step in the airline’s broader network expansion strategy. He noted that the Toronto route aligns with evolving global trade corridors and adds 100 tonnes of weekly export capacity, supplementing existing cargo space available on passenger flights.

The service also enhances connectivity beyond the UAE. On inbound journeys, the freighter will stop in Amsterdam, facilitating trade between Canada and the European Union. This segment is expected to support the transportation of pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, and manufactured products into Canada.

Toronto Pearson officials welcomed the development, highlighting the airport’s role as Canada’s largest air cargo hub, handling roughly 45% of the country’s total cargo volume. Chief Commercial Officer Kurush Minocher said the new service strengthens the airport’s position as a key gateway for global trade and offers businesses more direct and reliable shipping options.

Emirates has been operating passenger flights to Toronto since 2007, playing a significant role in facilitating trade. Since 2023, the airline has transported more than 11,000 tonnes of export cargo from Canada, underlining its growing importance in the country’s logistics network.

Source: ZAWYA

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority has taken action against four travel agencies, ordering their closure after they were found to be in violation of applicable regulations.

According to the authority, the decision reflects its continued efforts to reinforce regulatory oversight within the air transport industry and ensure strict adherence to national laws governing the sector.

The Air Transport Department, operating under the authority, said it is maintaining regular inspection campaigns targeting travel agencies and air cargo service providers. These checks are intended to verify compliance with established legal and operational standards.

Officials reiterated that the authority remains committed to strengthening monitoring procedures and improving enforcement measures across the industry.

The authority also urged all licensed entities to comply fully with relevant regulations and to avoid engaging in travel or air cargo operations without obtaining the required approvals from the competent department. It cited Article (3) of Law No. (3) of 2025, which governs licensing requirements and operational permissions in the sector.

Source: ZAWYA

Saudi citizens and nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been allowed to continue performing Umrah rituals until the 15th of Dhul Qada, which falls on May 3, according to official guidelines. During this period, these pilgrims are not required to obtain a Hajj permit to enter Makkah.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had earlier designated the 1st of Dhul Qada, corresponding to April 19, as the final departure deadline for individuals who entered the Kingdom on Umrah visas. This measure aligns with the commencement of the Hajj season, when international pilgrims begin arriving in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

In the days leading up to the cut-off, there has been a noticeable surge in domestic Umrah activity. Large numbers of Saudi citizens have gathered at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, making use of the remaining time before Hajj preparations intensify.

The influx has also driven a sharp rise in hotel occupancy rates in areas surrounding the Grand Mosque. Accommodation facilities have reported particularly high demand over weekends, as visitors travel from various regions across the Kingdom to perform their rituals.

Source: Saudi Gazette

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost airline, has announced the introduction of a new direct route connecting Zayed International Airport with Amman City Airport (ADJ) in Jordan.

The service is scheduled to begin operations on May 1, 2026, and will run three times a week. The new connection is designed to offer passengers more affordable and convenient travel options between the UAE capital and Jordan’s capital region.

With this addition, Amman becomes the second destination in Jordan served by the carrier. The airline already operates flights to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, further strengthening its presence in the country.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, highlighted the significance of the expansion, stating that the new route reflects the airline’s continued focus on enhancing travel choices for customers traveling between the UAE and Jordan. He added that operating services to two airports in the Jordanian capital will help support stronger links in travel, tourism, and trade between the two nations.

Following the launch, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will operate daily flights to Queen Alia International Airport and three weekly services to Amman City Airport (also referred to in operational references as Amman Civil Airport), bringing its total weekly frequency on the route to ten flights. This expansion is expected to provide passengers with greater scheduling flexibility.

The new service also aligns with the wider Air Arabia Group network between the UAE and Jordan, where Amman is additionally served by non-stop flights from Sharjah International Airport.

Source: ZAWYA