Originally Posted by
Chris2303
Actually I don't think that article asked the right people, an aviation commentator and a veteran instructor?
I rather suspect it was more China flexing it's muscles than a paper work error. Probably under normal circumstances the paper work could have been easily rectified without any need for a turn back. China's not happy with any of the Five Eyes group of countries (banning Huawei from 5G projects) and saw an opportunity to make a point.
Air New Zealand had to take it on the chin, as saying anything different was likely to cause more pain.
As for the refusal by Iran for an overflight permission, once again possibly politics at play. Haven't we all (most of the western world) agreed to sanctions on Iran? Perhaps they were getting one back.
After all one of the major shareholders in Air New Zealand is the New Zealand government.. A hit at Air New Zealand might be seen as a hit at the New Zealand government.