CAL, EVA Air avoid airspace of Iran, Iraq on Wednesday

Focus Taiwan
Date: 01/08/2020
By: Wang Shu-fen and Frances Huang

Taipei, Jan. 8 (CNA) China Airlines (CAL) and EVA Airways (EVA Air) rerouted their flights to Europe on Wednesday to avoid the airspace of Iran and Iraq after Iran fired missiles at military bases in Iraq but would not say if that will continue in the coming days.

CAL and EVA Air, the two largest international carriers in Taiwan, were among many major airlines in the world to take action to divert or cancel flights amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.

CAL said its cargo flights to Europe were rerouted over the airspace of Turkmenistan or Saudi Arabia, while none of its passenger flights to Europe fly over the two Middle East countries.

EVA Air said that none of its flights to Europe fly over Iraq and that flights that use Iranian airspace, such as flights to London via Bangkok and to Vienna and Amsterdam were diverted Wednesday to ensure safety.    [FULL  STORY]