Saudi Arabia's state airline Saudia says it is rerouting flight paths to some Asian destinations in order to avoid Iranian airspace amid heightened tensions in the Arabian Gulf.
The statement on Saturday (June 22) evening follows the US Federal Aviation Administration's decision to bar US-registered aircraft from operating over parts of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, after Iran shot down a US military drone on Thursday.
The airline says it's a precautionary measure for aviation safety, and Saudi-owned Al Arabiya news channel says the airline's decision affects flight routes over the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
Other regional carriers like Etihad and Emirates on Friday (June 21) announced they too have changed their flight paths in the Arabian Gulf region, reports AP.
