News: Dubai’s Emirates airline to avoid Iraqi airspace as violence rises

Dubai’s Emirates airline said on Monday it will avoid Iraqi airspace, as the government in Baghdad struggles to contain Islamic insurgents who have captured vast areas of the country.
After Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down earlier this month by a ground-to-air-missile in eastern Ukraine, airlines around the world have been rethinking flight routes to avoid airspace over countries facing conflicts.
Emirates, along with Europe’s largest airline Lufthansa and other rivals, have called for an airline summit to discuss the industry’s response to the downing of an airliner, saying international security protocols should be reviewed.
“Emirates is taking precautionary measures and is currently working on alternative routing plans for flights using Iraqi airspace,” the Gulf airline said in a statement.
“We are closely monitoring the situation along with international agencies.”