Wiggy
Totally agree as SLF and have had interesting routes North due to either Political changes underneath the route or more often weather over Africa. I can quite understand why Swallows and maybe Swifts draw breath after crossing the area metaphorically. Another area at certain times of year running towards Singapore/ Bangkok out of Dubai.
Closest encounter with cataclysmic effects was been on LH tracking behind AF from BA . I met the Captain while stretching my legs in the galley when stretching my legs post ITC and I was talking to CSD in English and he did not realise I spoke German when he spoke to her. When he realised I understood, he said it was terrible listening to ATC calling for AF and hearing no reply. I said, and he agreed that we had all been through worse, and could not understand what had happened, but we’re pretty sure survivors would be limited. He said not to say anything during flight which I obviously complied with.
Cheers
Mr Mac