Airline pilots are increasingly concerned about safety while flying in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict related to Iran. According to Ron Hay, president of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA), pilots fear repercussions such as loss of pay or termination if they refuse to fly in unpredictable conditions. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of support for pilots to voice safety concerns, with many feeling pressured to operate in dangerous environments. Despite a two-week ceasefire, Middle Eastern carriers are resuming flights, while the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended its ban on European airlines operating in certain Gulf airspaces until April 2024. The IFALPA has published guidance emphasizing the necessity for pilots to have a say in safety matters, addressing the heightened mental health risks associated with flying in conflict zones. Pilots from Air India have also expressed concerns, urging the Indian civil aviation regulator to suspend operations to the Gulf until a thorough risk assessment is conducted.