The EASA has advised airlines and air transport operators to avoid flights over Iran and Iraq until August 31 given the security risks and potential for more military activity in the region. EASA is committed to protecting civil aviation while the Middle East is at its worst.
Despite some easing of hostilities in some areas, EASA notes that the overall security situation remains precarious. “We can't rule out a sudden escalation,” it said in its latest safety assessment and the risks for commercial aircraft as they fly over Iran and Iraq are too high. European airlines are advised to avoid this airspace completely until the end of August, regardless of altitude.
This new guidance replaces an earlier conflict-zone bulletin, which expired on July 8. The advisory was to cover Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon but EASA has now issued separate bulletins for each country, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of the regional risks.
The broader advisory for the Middle East has also been discontinued, and the agency has provided an updated information note outlining medium-level risks across the region.
Alongside these limitations on Iran and Iraq, EASA is also urging airlines to be cautious in neighboring countries like Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, for a similar reason.
To operate in their airspace, airline operators should be aware of current risk assessments and contingency plans and it is also important to consult official aeronautical notices on each country prior to flying and to be prepared, they said.
This advisory will take place at a time when Iran and the U.S. are at high tensions but also at a time when the potential for unexpected strikes could occur. Aviation regulators are especially worried that if an escalation is occurring, civilian aircraft could be at risk, especially in busy or contested airspace.
In an airline context, that could mean longer flight times for international flights from Europe, Asia, and the Gulf, and more fuel and more travel. The airlines have already begun changing their routes in recent months to avoid conflict zones to protect passengers and crew safety despite the operational challenges that come with it.
EASA has promised to keep a close eye on the situation and will work closely with the European Commission and EU member states, and will update its guidance before August 31 if the security situation improves or worsens. Airlines will have access to the latest risk assessments for safe flight operations.
