Freighter operator Cargolux has dismissed social media statements alleging that its aircraft have used Iranian airspace.
The denial comes after images were posted on social media of flight tracking website FlightRadar24 screenshots purporting to show Cargolux aircraft over Iran.
However, the Luxembourg-based airline said in a statement on its LinkedIn profile that none of its flights utilise Iranian airspace and blamed incorrect data being shown on the app.
“Cargolux would like to categorically state that none of its flights utilise Iranian airspace,” the airline said in a statement.
“Cargolux operates with state-of-the-art technology systems, similar to those used by all major airlines, ensuring that we know the exact position of our aircraft at all times.
“Our flight tracking systems provide real-time data, which confirms that no flight entered Iranian airspace.
“Any claims to the contrary are completely unfounded. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and transparency in all our operations.”
The airline added that other airlines may similarly be affected by the incorrect data being shown on the website.
Commentators under Cargolux’s LinkedIn profile agreed with the airline’s statement.
One said that one of the flight paths in question, carried out by LX-SCV, was showing up in grey, meaning it is an estimate of the route the aircraft would take.
This happens when GPS data is lost due to interference or a lack of coverage.
Under another social media post, the FlightRadar24 account also responded to a user asking why an aircraft would cut across Iranian airspace.
“They wouldn’t. Lost coverage on descent into Ashgabat leads to estimated tracking,” the website’s X account posted.
“Aircraft flying in GPS jamming areas transmit bad ADS-B data which can result in bad data being displayed on the FR24 map,” another post added.
“Aircraft flying outside of FR24’s coverage area will have their position estimated based on the great circle route, which means it may be inaccurate.”
Iranian airspace has been out of bounds for commercial aircraft since Israel and Iran began missile attacks against each other on 13 June.
As a result of the conflict, commercial aircraft have been flying around countries including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Kuwait.
This has added costs and extended flight times for cargo operations.
As a result, Emirates SkyCargo has constrained payload capacity due to the extra fuel uplift required to complete the flights.
Over the last day or so a few airlines have begun to resume flights in the region after a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Iran earlier this week.
