Exceptional operations require exceptional safeguards. Conflict zone operations must continue to be treated as exceptional circumstances regardless of duration, as the passage of time does not reduce risk or diminish operational complexity. Normalisation of degraded conditions must be actively prevented, particularly where repeated uneventful outcomes may mask underlying and evolving hazards. Fatigue management, fitness-to-fly decisions, commander authority, and mental health protections must reflect the true operational burden on aircrew and remain free from commercial or operational pressure.
IFALPA calls on operators and National Aviation Authorities to ensure that these protections are explicitly embedded, actively supported, and never compromised.
