Photo :AI-GENERATED. 

June6, 2025

Andrew Campbell 

The increasing number of international crisis zones is placing significant strain on airlines' operations and revenue. Costly reroutings and frequent last-minute flight cancellations are leading to financial losses and a decline in market share for airlines.

Airlines have fewer route options due to the growing number of airspace closures in regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and between India and Pakistan, as well as around Russia and Ukraine.

The worst-case scenario for civil aviation is a commercial aircraft being struck by a weapon, whether intentionally or accidentally. According to aviation risk consultant Osprey Flight Solutions, there have been three near-misses and six shoot-downs of commercial aircraft since 2001.

Since the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine in 2022, most Western carriers have been banned from operating in Russian airspace. Additionally, following reciprocal missile and drone attacks between Iran and Israel that began in April 2024, airlines started rerouting their flights across Afghanistan instead of Iran. As tensions escalated between India and Pakistan in May, airlines once again adjusted their routes to avoid Pakistani airspace.

As conflict zones proliferate, it is essential for governments to enhance information sharing to ensure the security of civil aviation, according to Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).