Airline industry can expect significant fuel and time savings from Jordan / Israel airspace agreement

The airline industry can expect to have significant savings in time, fuel usage and CO2 emissions from the new overflight agreement reached between the Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Israel.

Airlines have historically flown around Israel when flying east / west operating over Middle East airspace. The new agreement paves the way for commercial airlines to be able to fly through the Israel-Jordan corridor. This direct routing through Jordanian and Israeli airspace will on average cut 106 km eastbound and 118 km westbound on flights operating from the Gulf States and Asia to destinations in Europe and North America. 

Based on the number of eligible departure airports, this will result in a saving of 155 days of flying time per year and an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 87,000 tonnes. This is equivalent to nearly 19,000 passenger vehicles being taken off the road for one year. 

Furthermore, should the number of eligible departure airports be increased, and traffic reach pre-COVID-19 levels the result will be a saving of 403 days of flying time per year and an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 202,000 tonnes. This is equivalent to taking nearly 44,000 passenger vehicles off the road for one year.   

The International Airlines Association has welcomed the news, “The connecting of the airspace between Jordan and Israel is welcome news for travelers, the environment and the aviation industry, during these very difficult times. The direct routing will cut return journey times for passengers by about 20 mins and reduce CO2 emissions. Airlines will also save on fuel costs which will help as they struggle to survive the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Muhammad Al Bakri, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.

The operational elements of the new agreement are being led by the Civil Aviation Authorities of both Jordan and Israel, supported by Eurocontrol, the European air traffic management agency, and IATA. 

Taking the direct route...✈

Significant time & CO2 savings expected from recent #Jordan / #Israel overflight airspace agreement. See how much👉 https://t.co/ahitKBToes @eurocontrol @flightradar24 @etihad #aviation #avgeeks pic.twitter.com/ii8MHOTAx9

— IATA (@IATA) October 21, 2020

The pact is welcome news,  for both the aviation industry in the middle east and the environmental lobby as both benefit from a more direct overfly route and as such, the agreement has received much attention.

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