EASA urges airlines to avoid airspace in the Middle East

The updated safety advisory covers the airspace over the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait, as well as designated areas of the Gulf of Oman. The Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) remains in force until 29 July, unless reviewed, amended or withdrawn earlier.

The guidance applies to airlines operating under EASA oversight. It also covers non-European carriers authorised by EASA to operate services to, from or within the European Union.

According to EASA, the rapidly evolving security situation makes it difficult to predict developments in the region. Increased missile and drone activity, the presence of significant military assets and the risk of civilian aircraft being misidentified have all contributed to a heightened threat to civil aviation.

EASA emphasises that the advisory is a precautionary safety measure rather than an airspace closure. Gulf aviation authorities have not closed the affected airspace, but the agency recommends that operators avoid the designated areas while the guidance remains in effect.

The latest advisory comes just one week after EASA allowed its previous recommendation for the Gulf region to expire following a temporary easing of tensions after the US-Iran ceasefire.

The security situation has since deteriorated. On 12 July, the United States resumed strikes against Iranian military targets. Iran subsequently launched missile and drone attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, while commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has once again come under attack.

Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs has urged Swedish citizens in several Gulf states to monitor developments closely and remain in contact with their airlines, warning that the security situation could change rapidly and that flight operations may be disrupted.