Carriers are also required to carry out their own risk assessments and implement safety measures. Put simply, Bakr says: “If an airline didn’t believe a route was safe, it simply wouldn’t operate it. Safety and security come first, before convenience, and before cost and scheduling disruption.”
Beyond protocols and risk assessments, in times of conflict, air defense systems bring additional layers of security for travelers. The UAE is able to call upon some of the world’s most advanced, including Thaad and Patriot missile defense systems. As an air-worrier, it’s not something I wish to think about on the runway, but as Bakr explains, all these systems are working together to scan the skies for threats—from runway level to high altitude.
“Investment in multi-layered air defense systems is one of the key drivers behind the UAE’s decision-making to keep its airspace open to a certain level and a certain degree,” he says.
Former commercial airline pilot Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation security at the UK’s Buckinghamshire New University, agrees that anyone with travel plans should feel reassured about flying in the Middle East right now. “It’s not simply because I used to fly planes,” he tells me, “but as a consumer, as a passenger, I have complete confidence in the industry because I know how risk-averse we are. If there’s a shred of uncertainty, they will cancel the flight.”
It’s also comforting to know that Gulf carriers like Emirates and Etihad Airways fly the latest aircraft, especially on international flights. If a plane does need to reroute mid-air, the technology and range of today’s long-haul jets allow for greater flexibility. “Today’s long-haul jets can fly much farther than the typical route they’re assigned,” Chan explains, “which means airlines have the option to reroute flights around areas of concern, if needed. That might involve taking a longer route or carrying additional fuel, so it’s not always the most economical option, but it’s very safe.”
Beyond fuel range, Chan adds that “flights are supported by sophisticated planning systems and ongoing ground monitoring. Airlines track airspace restrictions, weather, and geopolitical developments in real time, and routes can be adjusted even after departure.”
“Pilots are also trained to make decisions in flight, whether that’s avoiding a specific area or diverting if required,” he continues. “So, from a passenger’s perspective, flights aren’t locked into a fixed path. The system includes built-in flexibility to adapt to changing conditions, with safety as the overriding priority.”
While I personally have no plans to fly in the immediate future, Condé Nast Traveller Middle East’s social media editor, Jessica Blanchard, flew home to Dubai International Airport from Sydney with Emirates last week. Was she worried, I asked?
“I’m normally an anxious flier, but I had full confidence that UAE airspace would only reopen if it was safe. The check-in process at Sydney Airport felt completely normal. However, when we got closer to the gate, I noticed there weren’t many people boarding. The flight itself felt very empty.”
