Restrictions on Flight Routes

As we can see from the screenshot above, airplanes avoid Iraqi and Syrian airspace due to ongoing conflict in both countries.

On the other hand, in Saudi Arabian airspace, alcohol is not allowed to be served onboard. Since there are many airlines serving alcohol in-flight, therefore it is better for them to avoid Saudi Arabian airspace altogether.

Airliners usually avoid hostile regions at all costs. This is based on advisory from international body such as ICAO and United States’ own Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)