Iran-Israel conflict: Aviation, shipping sectors brace for disruption
NEW DELHI, MUMBAI : The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel could disrupt the aviation and shipping industries, sparking concerns over air travel safety and maritime security worldwide, besides a potential rise in airfares, increased war-risk premium for vessels operating in the area, as well as risks to agriculture trade. Following Iran's recent attack on Israel with drones and missiles, several countries in the region, including Iran, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Israel, temporarily closed their airspaces on 12 April as a precautionary measure, before reopening on 14 April, albeit with restrictions.
The mounting tensions prompted airlines to reconsider alternative routes to avoid potential risks associated with flying over conflict zones. Flight tracking websites reported diversions of air traffic away from Iranian airspace, towards Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
However, even with these changes in routes, the specter of GPS jamming and spoofing looms large, further complicating navigation safety. The recent escalation in tensions was in response to a suspected Israeli airstrike earlier in the month on an Iranian consular building in Syria, resulting in the loss of 12 lives.
In fact, the US and Israel were bracing for an attack for days after Iran vowed to retaliate. According to Manan Bajoria, group vice-president, growth, ixigo, re-routing can result in longer routes and higher expenses for flights originating from Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Air India, the largest group airline for international air traffic to and from India, said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East, and is operating its fleet on alternative flight paths. Tata Group airline, Vistara,
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