US-Iran War: As the tension, which erupted after the US and Israel’s joint attack on Iran alongside the nuclear talks with Tehran, continues to escalate in the Middle East, the uncertainty around foreigners stranded in the region grows. While missiles are continuously being fired in the region at each other by opposing forces, several flights carrying Indian passengers have landed in different airports in India since the partial resumption of services from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, among others. Amid the airspace closures in the region, flights are forced to either cancel services or take longer routes.
Although it is likely to be a month of uncertainty for flights operating from the conflict zone, travellers stuck in the affected zone and major transit hubs are slowly being rerouted and repatriated after days of uncertainty amid the conflict.
Now that we know flight services have resumed, though partially, even when missiles are reigning the skies of the Middle East, the question is how these passenger flights are protected from missiles during the Israel-Iran war.
How Airlines Are Protected From Missiles During War
Passenger planes face various safety risks in conflict zones, and the worst of it is the danger of being shot down by missiles. As airlines follow the directions of regional and related authorities while operating over a conflict zone, the risk of being shot down unintentionally or by misidentification is higher than being targeted.
How Pilot Knows Where To Go And Where Not
Pilots are given conflict zone guidance, cautions and warnings by States, either in their aeronautical publications, or through permanent NOTAMs in their flight briefing packs. European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) posts conflict bulletins containing all the main state restrictions and warnings, which can be viewed by all.
The pilot stays in touch with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to ensure guidance and monitoring, reducing the risk of getting caught by missiles, drones or debris.
The majority of the time, flight services are either suspended or rerouted to a longer path to avoid the conflict zone. States involved in conflict mainly do not target the passenger flights.
ALSO READ: MediaTek Showcases Satellite Emergency Alerts And AI Glasses At MWC 2026
Misidentified Flight Shot Down By Missile In 2014
In 2014, a flight MH17 was misidentified while flying over eastern Ukraine and was shot down by a surface-to-air missile during the armed conflict between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian forces. The flight was heading from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.
All 283 passengers and 15 crew members were killed. They represented some 17 nationalities and included 196 Dutch citizens, 43 Malaysians and 38 Australian citizens or residents.