EVA & probably other airlines adjusted their route after military action between Iran & Israel. The first picture is from 1 May & is similar to the route my plane took in the winter.
The second picture shows their route today (in progress). I remember taking something similar a few years ago, when India & Pakistan had another skirmish. Although, on that date, Thai Airways even cancelled one flight.
Incidentally, the first route has the plane going over Afghanistan. Apparently charging for overflights is a good source of foreign currency for them.
Now that India and Pakistan decided, "Hey! I've got a great idea. Let's have a war" I don't think I would want to be on a plane flying anywhere near those countries.
The war between Russia and Ukraine already brought changes of flight routes. Particularly Helsinki - Bangkok now takes longer in space and time. Many years ago, I flew Aeroflot and Ukrainian airlines, not possible any more.
I didn't know about overflight fees, but here it is: https://simpleflying.com/overflight-fees/ Some countries, mainly smaller ones, charge a flat fee for flying through. For example, Afghanistan assesses a flat overflight fee of $950. China requires an overflight permit - our research shows this costing $500. In addition to this, there is an air navigation fee calculated by distance. A 2012 article had indicated the cost was $0.44 per kilometer at the time.
And other interesting facts (outdated, they still mention Western aircraft over Russia): Finally, with Taiwan considered a 'renegade province' by China, its airlines do not have overflight rights through Chinese airspace. This means flights from Taiwan to Europe must inefficiently go around - either going 'below' China through South Asia, or 'above' through Russia.
christianpfc wrote: ↑Thu May 08, 2025 8:21 pm
Bangkok now takes longer in space and time.
Several airlines, including Thai Airways, are temporarily changing their routes to avoid the danger areas, which can add 40 minutes to an hour and a half for long haul flights.
Thai Airways announced they are not canceling any of their flights to and from India.
It just amazes me that here we are in 2025, but the world still isn't happy unless wars are happening. If it isn't civil wars it's international wars - to accomplish what? Far too many people who have nothing to do with any of it are still killed and maimed every day. Again, for what? I don't understand it - and I hope I never will understand it.
