conflict zones Archives - Flight Safety Foundation

2021 FSF Press Releases

FSF Calls for Coordinated Response to Safeguard Commercial Aviation in Conflict Zones

BRUSSELS —Flight Safety Foundation notes with concern the increasing tension in eastern Ukraine and Crimea and reminds the countries and parties involved of their responsibility to protect non-combatants generally and civil aviation specifically. Armed conflict in the region seven years ago resulted in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

The Foundation believes that governments must proactively share timely, comprehensive information about the developing situation with their national aviation authorities, aircraft operators and other stakeholders so that informed, coordinated decisions about airspace safety and security can be made.

“Ukraine and the Russian Federation should be prepared to quickly close their respective airspace if the situation warrants, and other countries should be prepared to direct their airlines to avoid airspace above the conflict zone if necessary,” said Dr. Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Foundation. “It would be an unimaginable tragedy if history were to repeat itself,” he said.

In addition to the situation in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, the Foundation also is monitoring other conflict zones and urges all stakeholders to remain vigilant.

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About Flight Safety Foundation
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and communications to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to connect, influence and lead global aviation safety.

Media Contact:
Frank Jackman
Vice President, Communications
+1 703.739.6700, ext. 116
jackman@flightsafety.org

Photo: Wreckage from MH17. Credit: Netherlands Ministry of Defence via the Dutch Safety Board

FSF Communications Staff. April 9, 2021

News, conflict zones, Risk Management

ECA Suggests ‘Two out–All out’ Rule for Flying in Conflict Zones

The European Cockpit Association (ECA), an umbrella organization representing 40,000 pilots across Europe, has called for stopgap measures to address the problem of commercial aircraft flying in conflict zones until a more permanent solution is established to prevent tragedies like the recent shootdown of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in Iran.

One proposal being floated by ECA is a “two out–all out” rule. If two European Union (EU) member states or two major airlines decide to suspend flights to a conflict zone, then all European airlines would cease flying to the area in question. “This means that passengers and crew on all airlines would benefit from the secret and non-shareable intelligence available to some ‘privileged’ authorities and airlines, and by looking only at public outcomes of their risk assessments,” ECA said in a statement.

“What we urgently need is a method of sharing and acting, not upon closely guarded intelligence, but upon the outcome of risk analysis about conflict zones,” ECA President Jon Horne said. “With these outcomes from different European airlines and states swiftly shared amongst each other and authorities, no European airline or pilot should be left in the dark — all have the opportunity to benefit from the effect of the privileged information of the best informed. Whilst many believe there should be an EU or international authority to take responsibility for the closure of hostile airspace, it is not something that shows any sign of happening soon, and so we need a pragmatic, industry-based setup that can provide meaningful protection in the here and now.”

The Iranian government said its military mistakenly shot down the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737-800 on Jan. 8, killing all 176 people aboard, during a period of heightened tensions in the region.

ECA lamented the fact that, more than five years after the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine, Europe has not developed an effective solution to sharing information with airlines about conflict zones.

Stopgap measures such as “two out–all out” are “neither conventional, ideal, nor the only solutions,” ECA Secretary General Philip von Schöppenthau said. “But the international failure to effectively cope with flying over and into conflict zones keeps costing lives. We can continue to analyze and point fingers at individual states or institutions, but this will not help us save those lives.”

Flight Safety Foundation has called for the international community to reaffirm its commitment to protecting civilian aircraft operating in conflict zones.

AeroSafety World Editorial Staff. January 24, 2020

News, Sabotage/Intentional Acts, Flight Planning

Advances Seen in Managing Flights Over Conflict Zones

In the nearly five years since the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 by a surface-to-air missile, airlines and regulatory agencies have become more proficient in gathering information about flying over conflict zones and managing the associated risks, according to a report released Friday by the Dutch Safety Board.

The report, Flying Over Conflict Zones, is a follow-up to 11 safety recommendations issued by the board in October 2015 as part of its final investigation report on the July 17, 2014, crash of Flight 17 in Hrabove, Ukraine. All 298 passengers and crew were killed.

The final report concluded that the 777 was struck by a Buk surface-to-air missile — a type developed in the Soviet Union and, later, the Russian Federation — as it flew over an area of armed conflict near the Ukraine-Russian border.
At the time of the crash, Ukraine had not closed airspace over the area but instead prohibited flights of civil aircraft below 32,000 ft. MH Flight 17 was being flown at 33,000 ft.

After the crash, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) initiated a long-term process to amend standards, recommended practices and manuals to “embed and promote the sharing of threat information and the performance of risk assessments,” the new report said.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Commission also implemented enhanced risk management efforts, and as a result, European Union member states now “exchange relevant intelligence information in order to arrive at a joint assessment of the risks associated with flying over conflict zones,” the report said. “The advantage of this cooperation is that intelligence information and risk analysis capabilities of both larger and smaller states are combined. If the outcome of the assessment is that the risk for a certain area is considered high, EASA publishes a conflict zone information bulletin. … This European initiative … contributes to a better global understanding of the risks.”

Other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, publish similar information, the report said.

Airlines also play a more active role now than they did in 2014 in gathering information about risks presented by conflict zones to civil aviation, the report said. Risk assessments are conducted “in a more structured manner,” the report added, and indications are that “if there are doubts about the safety of a flight route, airlines are more inclined not to fly.”

FSF Editorial Staff. February 26, 2019

News, Safety Recommendation

Dutch Safety Board Launches Investigation into Flight Over Conflict Zones

The Dutch Safety Board, which issued 11 recommendations about flying over conflict zones in its final report on the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over Ukraine, Thursday said it is launching an investigation to assess the follow-up on its recommendations. The Board said it wants to determine the measures that parties have taken regarding airspace management in conflict zones and regarding the sharing of information about threats.

The Board also said it will look at how operators take into account overflying conflict zones in their risk analyses. The investigation started Thursday, but no end date was indicated by the Board.

MH17, a Boeing 777-200, was flying from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 14, 2014, when, according to the Board’s investigation report, it was brought down by a Buk surface-to-air missile launched from the eastern part of Ukraine, where an armed conflict was taking place. All 298 passengers and crew were killed.

In the final report, released in October 2015, the Board concluded that Ukraine had sufficient reason before July 14, 2014, for closing the airspace above Eastern Ukraine as a precaution. The investigation also revealed that none of the parties concerned recognized the risks that the conflict in that part of Ukraine posed to overflying civil aviation. The Board’s recommendations were intended to improve management of the risks associated with flying over conflict zones worldwide.

In September 2016, the Dutch Safety Board said it would assess in 2018 the adequacy of the follow-up to its recommendations to improve the management of risks associated with flying over conflict zones.

Photo credit: Dutch Ministry of Defense via Dutch Safety Board

FSF Editorial Staff. March 22, 2018

2016 FSF Press Releases

Flight Safety Foundation Urges Independent Criminal Probe of MH17 Shoot-Down

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Flight Safety Foundation released the following statement on the results of a two-year Dutch-led investigation into the July 17, 2014, downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in which 298 passengers and crew were killed.

“Flight Safety Foundation often has been in the forefront of opposing efforts to essentially criminalize honest mistakes in aviation that happen to have catastrophic consequences,” said President and CEO Jon Beatty. “In the case of MH17, however, evidence is mounting that this shoot-down of a civilian aircraft was a premeditated act, where criminal investigation and prosecution may well be appropriate, if authorities find out who knew about or gave the command to fire a deadly missile at this plane. We urge all states to cooperate fully in this investigation. Also, because Russia claims the Joint Investigation Team to be biased and difficulty remains in obtaining all evidence, we again call on all states to support a resolution at the U.N. Security Council to form an independent, international panel to fully investigate this tragedy. The 298 souls on board MH17 and their loved ones deserve nothing less.”

The investigative report by a team of prosecutors from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia and Ukraine says evidence indicates that the Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 was brought down by a Buk missile taken across the Ukrainian border from Russia, according to multiple media reports. Investigators also said that the Buk missile launcher later was returned to Russia.

Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.

Flight Safety Foundation . September 28, 2016

Press Release, 2014 FSF Press Releases

FSF Statement in Response to Preliminary MH 17 Report

Alexandria, VA, September 9, 2014 – The Flight Safety Foundation released the following statement from its President and CEO, Jon Beatty, in response to the release of the preliminary report on the crash of MH 17:

“The Flight Safety Foundation continues to extend its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of Malaysia Airlines 17. We owe it to the families and to the entire traveling public to see this investigation completed and we applaud the Dutch Safety Board and all the other investigative bodies who are assisting for the work they have already completed and the publication of this preliminary report.

There is nothing unexpected in the report – all evidence is consistent with an unexpected in-flight break up. The report does confirm that MH17 was flying in unrestricted airspace under the control of ATC. The crew was properly licensed, had valid medical certificates and the aircraft was in airworthy condition when it departed Schiphol airport
Our concern continues to be that investigators have yet to have unfettered access to the site and that a proper on-site investigation has not yet happened. The full forensic analysis of the wreckage must be conducted. Those who are in control of the site have a moral duty to step aside and allow the investigators to continue and complete this investigation.
The ICAO Task Force on Regional Conflict Zones, chaired by FSF Chairman David McMillan, is making good progress on its work and will present its recommendations to ICAO well in advance of the February meeting.”

Flight Safety Foundation (www.flightsafety.org) is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.

Contact: Emily McGee, +1 703 739 6700, ext. 126; mcgee@flightsafety.org

Flight Safety Foundation. September 9, 2014

Press Release, 2014 FSF Press Releases

FSF Chairman McMillan Elected to Chair ICAO Task Force on Regional Conflict Zones

Montreal, Canada – At the inaugural meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Task Force on Risks to Civil Aviation Arising from Conflict Zones (TF RCZ) in Montreal this week, Task Force members unanimously elected David McMillan as Chair. McMillan was nominated by the Government of Malaysia and supported by the Government of the Netherlands, two countries vitally affected by the shoot down of MH17 in the Ukraine.

David has served on the Flight Safety Foundation Board of Governors since 2007 and was elected chairman of the Board in 2012.

“It is an honour to be elected to lead this important task force,” stated McMillan. “Civil aviation is fundamentally very safe, but we do need to apply lessons learned from the tragedy of MH17 and recent events to fill any gaps that may exist to better assess and share risks from and near regional conflict zones.”

“We’re enormously proud of David’s election, and can’t think of a better person to lead this important ICAO task force,” stated FSF President and CEO, Jon Beatty. “The Foundation is directly participating in this new ICAO Task Force, and pledges our full support.”

ICAO agreed to this task force at a special meeting at the end of July in reaction to the tragic shooting down of MH 17 as well as increased tensions in other parts of the world. It will assist in providing greater clarity of procedures and responsibilities with respect to civilian airspace over conflict zones.

McMillan served as Director General of EUROCONTROL from January 2008 through December of 2012. EUROCONTROL consists of member states from the European Region, including the European Community. It is involved in almost every aspect of air traffic management in Europe.

Contact: Emily McGee, +1 703 739 6700, ext. 126; mcgee@flightsafety.org

Flight Safety Foundation. August 14, 2014

Sabotage/Intentional Acts, 2014 FSF Press Releases

Flight Safety Foundation Commends ICAO Initiative on MH17

Alexandria, VA- In reaction to the joint statement issued today by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Civil Air Navigation Organization (CANSO) and Airports Council International (ACI), regarding the formation of a task force on better guidance on threats against civil aviation, Flight Safety Foundation President and CEO Jon Beatty stated:

“We commend ICAO and our industry colleagues in exercising critical leadership in condemning the shoot down of Malaysia 17 and forming a task force to urgently analyze and recommend changes to close gaps that clearly exist regarding analyzing, sharing and communicating threats against civil aviation to airline operators. States need to make sure they get the right information to the right people at the right time to prevent tragedies like MH17 or avoid confusion like at Ben Gurion airport.

“Where states may not be able either to know the threat or control the safety or their airspace, we still need to find ways for operators to get accurate threat information and implement mitigation measures to safeguard the traveling public. We also need to look at the broader issues regarding threats posed by both MANPADS and long-range missiles, particularly when controlled by non-state actors.

“The Flight Safety Foundation stands by ready, willing and able to help in this global effort in any way. We applaud the leadership of ICAO President Dr. Olumuyiwa Aliu and Secretary General Raymond Benjamin in bringing the world together to combat these latest threats and make the safest mode of transportation even safer.”

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Contact: Emily McGee, +1 703 739 6700, ext. 126; mcgee@flightsafety.org

Contact: Emily McGee, +1 703 739 6700, ext. 126; Mcgee@flightsafety.org

Flight Safety Foundation. July 29, 2014

Press Release, 2014 FSF Press Releases

FSF Calls for High-Level Ministerial Summit, Criminal Responsibility, in Wake of MH17

Alexandria, VA – The Flight Safety Foundation today requested today that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) call for a High-Level Ministerial meeting to review the systems in place to warn airlines of hostile airspace and take action in response to the shoot down of Malaysia Airlines 17 in the Ukraine, and for authorities to bring criminal prosecutions against those who brought down the aircraft and interfered with the investigation. “This tragically unfolding affront to safety, security, and humanity must be dealt with swiftly and surely by the international aviation community and law enforcement,” said Jon Beatty, President and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation.

“Where known threats to civil aviation exist, States should assess and widely publish this information, or close the airspace. If States cannot discharge their responsibilities to manage their airspace safely, ICAO should play a leading role to alerting or prohibiting airlines from flying through known, hostile airspace,” Beatty further stated.

“The failure to secure the wreckage, the refusal to grant full and unimpeded access to investigators, the delay in turning over the cockpit voice recorder and digital flight data recorder, and the inhumane treatment of MH 17 victims’ remains represent appalling acts of inhumanity and interference,” Beatty continued. “Those obstructing this investigation should be held criminally responsible. ICAO investigators must be given immediate and unimpeded access to the site.

While noting that FSF is often against the criminalization of aviation accidents, Beatty stated: “Let’s be clear: this is now a crime scene, not an accident scene; the perpetrators of this barbaric act of sabotage, must be held criminally responsible.”

“If States are unwilling or unable to discharge their responsibilities in the wake of a downed civil aircraft, ICAO must be ready and able to assert control over the investigation,” Beatty concluded.

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Contact: Emily McGee, +1 703 739 6700, ext. 126; mcgee@flightsafety.org

Flight Safety Foundation. July 21, 2014

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