Europe Extends Aviation Restrictions Over Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Parts of the Gulf Until End of September

Europe Extends Aviation Restrictions Over Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Parts of the Gulf Until End of September

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its advisories to airlines concerning flights over several regions of the Middle East until September 30, due to ongoing risks associated with military tensions in the area.

According to the new update, the agency has narrowed the scope of the advisory related to the Gulf countries, focusing on avoiding flights over the Gulf waters within the airspace controlled by Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, instead of the previous recommendation to avoid the entire airspace of these countries.

The agency indicated that the level of risk over the Gulf waters remains high, though takeoffs and landings at airports in the mentioned countries can be conducted with appropriate measures to mitigate risks. It concurrently urged extreme caution when flying over their territories.

The agency also recommended against flying over Omani waters within the Muscat Flight Information Region but lifted its previous recommendation to avoid Jordanian airspace while still advising caution until the end of September.

Regarding Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon, the agency maintained its recommendations against flying in the airspace of these countries until the end of the month, allowing arrivals and departures from Beirut Airport provided that approach and departure routes are from the sea.

These measures are part of ongoing updates to assess civil aviation risks in the region, coinciding with renewed military confrontations between the United States and Iran and growing concerns about the safety of air navigation.