MONTREAL (April 7): Pilots must be given a "final and non-negotiable" say allowing them to refuse to fly over or within conflict zones without influence from commercial pressures, global union group International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) said. Montreal-based IFALPA said airlines should recognize how conflict zone operations can create mental and emotional strain in the cockpit. "The Commander’s decision regarding the conduct or rerouting of a flight, including refusal to overfly a conflict zone, must be final and non-negotiable," the paper said. That equates to hundreds of flights per day in airspace that has been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones. The IFALPA paper said airlines needed to provide pilots operating in conflict zones with mitigation measures like post-flight recuperation time and confidential support.

Source: The Edge Markets April 07, 2026 11:44 UTC