Shocked to see that a passenger plane has allegedly been shot down. Air traffic controllers lost contact with Malaysia Airlines flight 17 at 1415 GMT ) as it flew over eastern Ukraine towards the Russian border.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry advisor Anton Herashchenko has claimed that Malaysia Airlines MH17 was allegedly shot down from its 10,000 metres (33,000 ft) height cruise altitude. 

MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. The Boeing 777-200 had 283 passengers (early reports said 282) and 15 crew members. Amsterdam airport CEO says the flight  had  154 Dutch, 27 Australians, 23 Malaysians and six Britons on board. 

 

The Washington Post has a series of pictures of the crash. NB Rather disturbing images.

Tragic situation. And the second tragedy to hit Malaysia Airlines this year after losing MH370.The airline,  which I enjoy flying, is struggling with the financial impact of the earlier loss which compounded its delicate financial situation. It is  weird that MH 17 was lost on 17 July. Strange coincidence which will have conspiracy searchers frothing at the mouth to link to something.

My deepest sympathies to all who have lost loved ones in this situation.

Air France and Lufthansa , British Airways,  Turkish Airlines and Transaero — have both announced they will be avoiding Ukrainian air space, while Virgin said it would reroute some flights. Malaysia Airlines will now also be taking alternative routes avoiding the usual route.

This situation is always something that is bothered me as I have watched the moving maps aboard my planes. How close am I to potential or actual conflict zones? How safe am I as a passenger? Considering how many planes are up in the sky at any one time, the chances of this situation are so remote.  Tragically for 298 people that remoteness vanished today. RIP

MAS’ emergency hotline is +31 70 3487770.

 

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