THAI Changes Flight Path to Europe

19th Jul 2014

Asian carriers flying to European destinations have rerouted their flight paths by avoiding the air space over Ukraine's war zone after the fatal incident involving Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

Flight MH17 was to return to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam, cruising at 33,000 feet above Ukraine's eastern region when it was hit by a surface-to-air missile. The jetliner was at an altitude way above the level considered safe for aircraft flying over the troubled region of Ukraine. All 298 people on board perished, along with the aircraft's 15 crew members.

Thai Airways quickly acted on its decision to avoid the same route MH17 tracked when it met its deadly end on July 17.

The region was reportedly a rebel-infested zone and authorities already warned airlines to avoid flying over it.

An official from the Ukrainian government confirmed that the jetliner was shot down by a missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. However, the rebels denied the accusation and returned the blame to the Ukrainian government.

Thai officials assured their customers that though their European flights will certainly get rerouted, they will try to get to their destinations on time.

The Transport Ministry of Thailand, through Soithip Trisuddhi, has already ordered airline and Aeronautical Radio of Thailand officials to ascertain if Thai planes flew the same path prior to the incident.

The office has given orders to the airline officials to inform the public of any reroute plans for their European flights, so as to assure them their safety.

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