Get insured, avoid layovers, keep buffer, urge travel agents
Air travel faces significant disruptions due to the Israel-Iran conflict, leading to flight cancellations and rerouting. The recent Boeing Dreamliner crash has heightened safety concerns, prompting airlines and travel agencies to prioritize stringent safety measures and certifications.
Air travel, especially to Europe and the US, is currently fraught with uncertainty, as the Israel-Iran conflict has pushed several airlines to cancel or reschedule flights on a large scale.
On the other hand, the fatal Boeing Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on June 12 has become a major source of anxiety, especially for Indian flyers. Even airlines are taking extra precautions, resulting in two Dreamliners – a British Airways London-Chennai flight (June 15), and an Air India Hong Kong-New Delhi flight (June 16) – returning to base soon after take-off following technical snags. Here's what travel agencies told about the current scenario.
People are ready to pay extra to ensure a safe flight. Our clients are not only asking about safety certifications, but also about pilot training undertaken by airlines
– Komal Yadavv, manager at a travel agency
'Compliance to safety certifications is non-negotiable'
In light of the June 12 Air India flight 171 crash and other recent incidents, travel agencies are keeping a strict watch on airlines' operational safety standards. 'We only partner with airlines that share safety performance matrix,' says Kavya Dutta, director & owner, Barganzaa Travel Company, adding, 'Trusted agents will only work with airlines that hold IOSA* certification.
For international carriers, it is necessary to prioritise EASA** compliance.
'
'Travel insurance a must'
Check flight status before leaving for airport
Maintain contact with your agent, especially for cancellations and emergencies
Make sure you have a travel insurance that covers you not just for accidents but also delays and disruptions
– Zakauddin of Holiday Hub
'Keep extra time in hand for layovers and diversions'
According to travel operators, given the closure of Iran, Iraq and Jordan airspaces, flyers to Europe or the US need to keep extra time in hand. 'We are asking flyers to keep at least 48 hours in hand when taking long-haul flights,' says Saif Bakhtiyar, a Delhi based travel curator. To this Komal Yadavv, manager at Adventurers.com added, 'The longer routes require extra fuel, which is impacting fares, and also having a cascading effect on the time taken to travel.
'
Cancellations hit conflict zones
Iraq, Iran, Jordan and Syria closed their airspace following the airstrikes
Flydubai flights to Iraq, Iran, Israel and Syria are suspended till June 30
Emirates has suspended flights to Jordan and Lebanon till June 22 and Iran till June 30
Almost all major airlines have suspended their flights to Tel Aviv
Europe-bound flights from India and Southeast Asia are taking longer routes via Central Asia or Egypt and the Mediterranean. These flights are facing average delays of 45 to 90 minutes
US-bound flights are being rerouted via Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or northern Africa, to avoid risk zones. This has led to flight delays ranging from 90 minutes to 3 hours
Our suggestion
to flyers with compulsions and to tourists is to book flights only with major airlines and keep the trips short. Avoid multiple layovers, and when possible,
book non-stop flights
– Anil Punjabi, National Committee member, Travel Agents Federation of India
Most European destinations and flights from North America to India are affected. This is peak travel time & last-minute cancellations aren't feasible. We're getting lot of queries about flight disruptions & longer flying hours
– Akash Rastogi, Gurgaon-based travel agent
We're in constant touch with my sister, who is touring east Europe. Flight delays have derailed her plans– Natalie Pote, Kolkata
This Flight Radar 24 live map shows flights navigating around the high-risk and conflict zones (in red) over Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Iran at 1.10pm on June 19
There has been a 20% rise in flight fares due to rerouting***
Flight routes to and from the Gulf region are facing delays & congestion***
There has been a rise in demand for emergency exit seats since the AI171 crash***
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