Air France launched an investigation after Flight AF662 flew over Iraq as Iranian missiles targeting Israel were launched. The flight departed Iraqi airspace shortly before it was closed due to the attacks, prompting the airline to suspend operations over Iraq in the interest of safety.
Air France has initiated an investigation following an alarming incident involving Flight AF662, which was en route from Paris to Dubai. This flight crossed over Iraq during a time when Iranian missiles were launched toward Israel as retaliation for the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and others. The missiles traversed Iraq’s airspace to reach their target in Israel. The notable timeline of events indicates that the Iranian missile attack commenced around 4:45 p.m. UTC (11:45 a.m. ET), with Flight AF662 entering Iraqi airspace shortly thereafter. The aircraft departed the region just minutes before Iraqi authorities officially closed their airspace at 5:56 p.m. UTC (12:56 p.m. ET). Air France emphasized that they had preemptively identified an imminent attack from Iran, which led to their decision to prevent further flights over Iraq at precisely 5 p.m. UTC (12 p.m. ET). The airline had already been avoiding Israeli, Lebanese, and Iranian airspaces and Flight AF662 was traveling through a corridor designated for commercial airlines. Several hours prior to the Israeli missile strikes, the White House had indicated suspicions regarding an impending attack from Iran. Consequently, Air France underscored its commitment to the safety of its passengers and crew, noting ongoing monitoring of geopolitical changes that might affect flight routes. French media outlet LCI reported that pilots from Air France witnessed the missile launches from the cockpit, with Iraqi air traffic control reportedly wishing the crew “good luck” as tensions escalated. In response to the increasingly volatile situation in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned the populace of Lebanon about the risks of a prolonged conflict, while deliberations among Israeli officials continue regarding retaliation against Iran for its missile attack.
The incident involving Flight AF662 is set against a backdrop of escalating military tensions in the Middle East, primarily revolving around Israel and Iran. Following the assassination of prominent Hezbollah figures, Iran reacted by launching missiles aimed at Israel, heightening concerns for civilian air travel in the region. Air France’s swift response to reroute flights demonstrates a proactive approach to ensure passenger safety amid geopolitical uncertainties. Recent developments have also illustrated the broader implications of military actions, including warnings from Israeli leadership regarding the potential for extended conflict and ongoing violence in Gaza.
The investigation by Air France into the incident involving Flight AF662 serves as a critical reminder of the impacts of conflict on civilian air travel. The airline’s decision to reroute flights underscores its commitment to safety in light of increasing hostilities in the region. As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise, the global community watches closely, aware that such military actions can disrupt not only peace but also the security of innocent lives.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
