In August 2014 , Willie Walsh advised the airline would continue to use flight paths over Iraq despite the hostilities there . A few days earlier Qantas announced it would avoid Iraqi airspace , while other airlines did likewise . The issue arose following the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine , and a temporary suspension of flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport during the 2014 Israel – Gaza conflict
Malaysia Airlines Flight 17
Malaysia Airlines Flight 17
British Airways