Qantas over the Caspian Sea. Does anyone know if Qantad has ceased flying over the Caspian Sea for their QF 1/2 and QF 9/10 services. Anyone monitored the in-seat flight path to check on a recent flight if they're diverting over Saudi Arabia instead?
I assume you are concerned about Russia shooting down another plane? I cannot confirm the QF status, but most of the flight paths (BA, EK, EY, TK, QR) are passing over Iran and Turkey, Caspian Sea is out of the way (checkout flightradar24). Russia are using surface to surface or air to surface missiles as their enemies in that area do not have aircraft as far as I know. The issue in Ukraine was because Ukraine was using its airforce at the time, thats why the rebels/russians were using surface to air missiles.
Air France/KLM probably dont want to be associated with another tradgedy flying over a known war zone (MH17 was KLM codeshare). They probably will fly over Palestine, or some of the rebels in Sanai, instead if they fly over Saudi Arabia. I think there are risks everywhere in that area from poorly informed group making a wrong decision. The Caspian Sea, is probably safer given its the Russian Navy firing the missiles (who dont want a repeat of MH17), not a non-state army. I doubt Russia could let it happen again, and the flight paths are not where the missile ships are. My opinion is, its publicity and a dig at Russia rather than the most cautious option.
Any concern about missiles from the Russian navy ships in the Caspian Sea is about accidental collision with a civilian airliner. These are cruise missiles, not used to deliberately shoot anything down. As drno says, they are surface to surface. That said, there is some small risk. Cruise missiles don't emit squawk codes. But they are usually subsonic (approx 500 knots). Observant aircrew might spot one on a collison course. ATC might pick one up. Other aircraft might report a sighting. Or, an accident could happen. Prudence suggests staying out of the line of fire. Passengers should be informed before the flight, one way or the other.
TheRealBabushka
TheRealBabushka
Member since 21 Apr 2012
Total posts 2,058
Qantas over the Caspian Sea. Does anyone know if Qantad has ceased flying over the Caspian Sea for their QF 1/2 and QF 9/10 services. Anyone monitored the in-seat flight path to check on a recent flight if they're diverting over Saudi Arabia instead?
drno
drno
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 03 Jan 2014
Total posts 9
I assume you are concerned about Russia shooting down another plane? I cannot confirm the QF status, but most of the flight paths (BA, EK, EY, TK, QR) are passing over Iran and Turkey, Caspian Sea is out of the way (checkout flightradar24). Russia are using surface to surface or air to surface missiles as their enemies in that area do not have aircraft as far as I know. The issue in Ukraine was because Ukraine was using its airforce at the time, thats why the rebels/russians were using surface to air missiles.
TheRealBabushka
TheRealBabushka
Member since 21 Apr 2012
Total posts 2,058
Is Air France pandering/scare mongering as it takes the decision to divert? Cautious or silly?
drno
drno
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 03 Jan 2014
Total posts 9
Air France/KLM probably dont want to be associated with another tradgedy flying over a known war zone (MH17 was KLM codeshare). They probably will fly over Palestine, or some of the rebels in Sanai, instead if they fly over Saudi Arabia. I think there are risks everywhere in that area from poorly informed group making a wrong decision. The Caspian Sea, is probably safer given its the Russian Navy firing the missiles (who dont want a repeat of MH17), not a non-state army. I doubt Russia could let it happen again, and the flight paths are not where the missile ships are. My opinion is, its publicity and a dig at Russia rather than the most cautious option.
Serg
Serg
QFF
Member since 12 Apr 2013
Total posts 923
Finnair flying above Russia far away from any conflict zones :-)
drno
drno
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 03 Jan 2014
Total posts 9
I like Finnair
moa999
moa999
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Jul 2011
Total posts 835
When flying above Iran is the safe option !
hutch
hutch
Member since 07 Oct 2012
Total posts 771
The reason flying above Iran wouldn't be safe, is thanks to the US Navy!
wilsoni Banned
wilsoni Banned
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Sep 2011
Total posts 302
Any concern about missiles from the Russian navy ships in the Caspian Sea is about accidental collision with a civilian airliner. These are cruise missiles, not used to deliberately shoot anything down. As drno says, they are surface to surface. That said, there is some small risk. Cruise missiles don't emit squawk codes. But they are usually subsonic (approx 500 knots). Observant aircrew might spot one on a collison course. ATC might pick one up. Other aircraft might report a sighting. Or, an accident could happen. Prudence suggests staying out of the line of fire. Passengers should be informed before the flight, one way or the other.
Hayden
Hayden
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Jan 2015
Total posts 94
and it would be extremely unlucky to be hit by a cruise missile