Revived Skies: Airlines Opt for Afghan Routes Amid Middle Eastern Turbulence

Major airlines such as Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa are resuming flights over Afghanistan. This strategic shift comes as the Middle Eastern airspace, particularly between Iran and Israel, becomes riskier. Increased flights over Afghanistan have been facilitated by relaxed aviation regulations and the need to mitigate route risks and save costs.

Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa have increased their flights over Afghanistan after years of largely avoiding it. The ongoing Middle Eastern conflict has rendered these routes comparatively safer.

Airlines mostly stopped transiting Afghanistan when the Taliban took over and air traffic services halted. Flights were re-routed through Iran and the Middle East after Russian airspace closed in 2022. With the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, airlines find Afghan airspace a safer option.

"As conflicts evolved, the calculus of which airspace to use has changed," said Ian Petchenik, spokesperson for flight tracking organization Flightradar24. Flights over Afghanistan surged in August, showcasing a marked shift that began amid Iran-Israel conflicts in April.

(With inputs from agencies.)