Qantas scraps non-stop UK flight due to Middle East unrest
Add BT as a preferred source
DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
AUSTRALIAN airline Qantas scrapped its non-stop Perth to London flight on Thursday, saying the decision was taken as a “precaution” due to tensions in the Middle East.
The flight, usually a non-stop 17-and-a-half hour journey, will now refuel in Singapore, allowing it to carry a full load of passengers on a route that avoids contested air space.
It is the second time this year the airline has been forced to redirect flights due to unrest in the Middle East.
The return service - London to Perth - will continue to fly non-stop on a readjusted path due to prevailing winds.
Qantas joins other airlines including Lufthansa in redirecting flights from the area.
The region is bracing for a military retaliation from Iran against Israel, following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, last week in Tehran.
SEE ALSO
Navigate Asia in
a new global order
Get the insights delivered to your inbox.
Both Iran and Hamas blamed Israel for the assassination and, along with Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, threatened reprisals.
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied that it was behind Haniyeh’s killing. AFP
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
TRENDING NOW
‘Boring’ is the new black: The stars are aligning for a Singapore stock market revival
Near sell-out launches in March boost developer sales to 1,300 units after four slow months
China pips the US if Asean is forced to choose, but analysts warn against reading it like a sports result
Genting Singapore’s Lim Kok Thay receives S$7.5 million pay package for FY2025
