The Austrian pilots' association ACA reminds us that it has been recommending for many years that flights to crisis areas should be prevented if possible. This includes not only takeoffs and landings in such regions, but also overflights.

These would also have to comply with these safety precautions. Together with the European umbrella organization ECA, the ACA is demanding that, ideally, there be an independent risk assessment by an EU authority that declares the affected airspace to be 'closed'. This is how the United States deals with crisis areas. Unfortunately, to date there is no body or authority in this regard.

The Austrian Cockpit Association therefore demands that the national authorities take responsibility and provide clear guidelines. Currently, with a few exceptions, the decision as to whether to fly to or over such areas rests almost exclusively with the respective airline.

“One of the states’ tasks is to ensure that there are adequate travel warnings. In addition, no-fly or restricted zones should be published. The risk assessment for this should be created with the help of experts from pilot associations and airlines,” explains flight captain Sebastian Feiner, ACA security expert.

As long as flights are still being carried out, the crews must be provided with the best possible safety information in a timely and regular manner. The commander of a flight has to make the final decision about execution. Under no circumstances should his assessment be questioned or even disregarded by the management of an airline.

Feiner continued: “We flight crews still remember the shooting down of MH17 over Ukraine in 2014. Appropriate precautions should be taken so that such disasters never happen again.”