Photo: Shutterstock The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued an exceptional safety warning of a high level of risk to civil aviation in the airspace of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. The warning came into effect against the backdrop of the security escalation in the region and was extended until March 27, 2026.
According to the agency, the warning is based on up-to-date information collected together with the European Commission and EU countries, with the aim of alerting aviation operators to areas of increased risk and ensuring flight safety.
The background to the announcement is the military attacks carried out by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory in late February, and the Iranian response thereafter. EASA notes that on February 28, attacks were carried out against targets in Iran, which were met with retaliatory actions by Tehran.
EASA emphasizes that the risk is not limited to Iranian airspace, but extends to other countries in the region. “Given the ongoing military intervention and Iranian strikes, there are additional high risks not only to the airspace of Iran but also to that of neighbouring States hosting U.S. military bases or otherwise affected by the hostilities and associated military activities, including interceptions."
The agency's warning went on: "The possession of all-altitude capable air-defence systems, cruise and ballistic missiles and the use of air assets capable to operate at all-altitudes, including interception capability make the entire affected airspace vulnerable to spill-over risks, misidentification, miscalculation and failure of interception procedures."
According to the data, Iranian attacks have so far focused mainly on eastern Saudi Arabia, while more limited military activity has been recorded in Omani airspace, mainly at low and medium altitudes.
The agency recommends that aviation operators avoid flying in the airspace of the countries mentioned in the document, at all altitudes, as much as possible. However, it is noted that flights over Saudi Arabia and Oman may be considered at altitudes above FL320 only, and this too is subject to a strict risk assessment and ongoing monitoring of developments.
The warning refers to a long list of countries in the region, including: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
EASA emphasized that they continue to closely monitor developments, and that further updates will be published in accordance with changes in the situation.