EASA Updates Flight Safety Alert for the Middle East and Persian Gulf

The Cologne-based European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has updated its warning within the scope of the Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) regarding the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.

Accordingly, the civil flight warning over the Persian Gulf, covering the airspaces of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been extended until September 30, 2026.

The new recommendation came after military tensions between the USA and Iran escalated for the first time since the end of July.

Scope narrowed, risks remain

EASA has also narrowed its general advice, which had previously recommended avoiding all airspace of those countries. In the new bulletin, it was stated that risks remained high in the waters of the Persian Gulf, and that landings and takeoffs at airports in the affected Flight Information Regions (FIR) could be carried out provided that "sufficient risk mitigation measures are taken".

While airline companies were called on to be cautious when flying over the land areas of these countries, it was noted that flights should not be made over the waters of the Gulf of Oman within Oman's Muscat flight information region.

Jordan restriction lifted

EASA removed its previous advice to airlines to avoid Jordanian airspace, but advised caution in this area until September 30.

On the other hand, the institution extended the current recommendation not to conduct civilian flights in the airspaces of Iran, Iraq and Lebanon until the end of September. However, it was stated that flights arriving or departing from Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, can be carried out provided that the approach starts from the sea or the take-off ends over the sea.

Air defense systems pose a risk to civil aircraft

In the bulletin prepared in line with data from the European Commission and member states, it was emphasized that the security situation in the region remains unstable.

It was emphasized that the risk of missile or UAV attacks is high due to Iran's control efforts over the Strait of Hormuz, repeated attacks on commercial ships and the presence of US military bases. It was stated that the high alertness of national and US air defense systems in the region increases the risk of civilian aircraft being misidentified and targeted.

EASA also stated that it will continue to closely monitor the risk situation for EU airline operators.