Singapore Airlines reroutes flights to avoid North Korean missiles

Singapore: The Singapore Airlines has rerouted few of its flights to avoid the North Korean missiles, as a precautionary measure.

According to Channel NewsAsia, the move has come after the July 27 missile launch by North Korea into the Sea of Japan, Singapore Airlines said on Tuesday.

Various other commercial airlines have become cautious due to the North Korea’s missile testing as it doesn’t comply with the international agreements of giving a prior notice before conducting a test.

Earlier in October, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had condemned North Korea for the repeated launching of ballistic missiles.

The repeated missile tests have seriously threatened the safety of international civil aviation, the ICAO had said.

The CNA quoted reports of a spokesman for Cathay Pacific, as saying that the crew “witnessed the DPRK missile blow up and fall apart near our current location”.

The Singapore Airlines has said that the rerouting had not affected its planes as they have been doing it since July this year.

“Singapore Airlines is aware of the reports on the sighting of the North Korean missiles and is closely monitoring the situation,” a spokesperson said.

“The safety of our passengers and crew are our upmost priority and we will re-route our flights when necessary,” the spokesperson added.

North Korea joined the ICAO in 1977 and as a member it is obliged to give prior notice of any activity that may threaten the safety of any civilian aircraft. (ANI)