QANTAS: Perth to London paused for predicted Israel attack by Iran
Daily non-stop flights between Perth and London are being paused so they avoid Iranian airspace due to fears that the Islamic Republic is set to attack Israel imminently.
Qantas is re-routing these flights to operate via a Singapore stop. This will be their route for the foreseeable future.
It is only possible to maintain this roughly 17-hour nonstop route using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner if the aircraft travels through Iranian airspace.
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Perth to Londen one of the longest airline routes
The Perth to London route is the fourth longest airline route in the world.
This route is only beaten for length by Singapore (SIN) to New York (JFK), Singapore (SIN) to Newark (EWR), both on Singapore Airlines, and Doha (DOH) to Auckland (AKL) on Qatar Airways.
At 9,000 nautical miles, this flight is at the upper limit of the range of a 787-9. Making the route longer to avoid Iranian airspace is not possible without adding the stopover in Singapore.
Qantas has cancelled the QF9 service between Perth and London as of Friday, April 12th, and will continue until the 15th of April. However, expect the cancellation/diversion to be extended.
Qantas will operate flight QF209 via Singapore with a roughly one-hour stopover. The Melbourne departure has been brought forward and will leave four hours earlier so it can arrive in London at 5:05 a.m., its usual scheduled arrival time.
Passenger communication
Qantas will be contacting customers who are directly affected
Australia has also updated its advice for citizens travelling to Israel, warning that “there’s an increased threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region”. Smartraveller.gov.au advice regarding travel to Iran is:
‘Do not travel to Iran as there’s a high risk you could be arbitrarily detained or arrested.’
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/middle-east/iran
The Australian government also warns that the security situation could deteriorate quickly and without notice. The consequences could easily be further airspace closures and flight diversions or cancellations. Expect disruptions.
2PAXfly Takeout
This is not great news for travellers on the Perth to London non-stop route. Not great for anyone intending to fly to the Middle East.
I urge anyone flying to these destinations or on Qantas via Perth to check arrangements with their airline or travel agent.
As a general guide, expect some disruption, so be prepared if your trip is delayed. Make sure you have sufficient cash or credit available. Gather your contact details for hotels, airlines and your travel agent if you use one. Also, have enough of your medications with you to cover any reasonable delay.
Forewarned is forearmed, as they say.
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