Qantas pilots fear missiles over Iraq, but costly diversions over war-torn country rejected

QANTAS rejected costly diversions to flights over Iraq because it insists it is safe, despite its own pilots being worried they could be downed by a missile.

WIRE: A gull flies near a Qantas, top, and Emirates A380 as they fly in formation over Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia, Sunday, March 31, 2013. The airlines have announced a partnership deal. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

QANTAS has rejected costly diversions to flights over war-torn northern Iraq because it insists it is safe — despite its own pilots being worried they could be downed by a missile fired by Islamic militants.

The Flying Kangaroo has refused to divert its two daily packed A380 services from Iraqi airspace despite a decision by its international ­alliance partner Emirates to change it routes to avoid being shot down.

Despite flying between 38,000 and 41,000 feet, the flight level deemed safe by international aviation authorities, Qantas pilots on the Dubai-London route said they were vulnerable to missile ­attack from ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) rebels.

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A tale of two plane routes

A veteran Qantas A380 captain told The Daily Telegraph that, following the MH17 disaster in Ukraine, Qantas should immediately divert the QF2 route to fly over Egypt instead. This could add 45 minutes to the journey.

The Qantas pilot said the diversion could also add up to $22,000 to the flight’s fuel bill, each way.

The Flying Kangaroo has refused to divert its two daily packed A380 services from Iraqi airspace / Picture: AP

Dubai-based Emirates, a partner of Qantas, said yesterday that within the next 10 days it would re-route aircraft to Europe via Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea and Egypt to avoid flying over ISIS-held territory.

Emirates chief Tim Clark said he expected other airlines would follow suit.

The Qantas pilot, who asked not to be identified, said his colleagues had reported seeing ground fire when flying A380s over northern Iraq.

“Pilots have spoken about being concerned when they see ground fire,” he said. “The only option is to go via Egypt. ... it’s a longer flight, but certainly a little less volatile and we will feel less vulnerable.”

Qantas chief executive officer Alan Joyce and Emirates president Tim Clark / Picture: AFP

The pilot said even flying at 41,000 feet the A380 would still be in range of the same surface-to-air missile believed to have downed MH17, which could reach 70,000 feet.

Qantas has always maintained its decisions are based on safety rather than cost.

A Qantas spokesman said flights over Iraq would continue, based on its latest security assessments.

“We regularly review our flight paths and make any ­adjustments we consider prudent,” he said.

“There is no suggestion flying over Iraq is unsafe for commercial airlines, particularly given the cruising altitude that most, including Qantas, maintain.’’

The International Civil Aviation Organisation is scheduled to host a meeting with airlines today in Montreal to discuss ways to reduce the risks when flying over troubled areas.

Originally published as Qantas pilots fear missiles over Iraq, but costly diversions over war-torn country rejected