European airlines advised to avoid Middle East airspace amid renewed tensions

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has reinstated guidance advising airlines under its jurisdiction to avoid Middle East airspace.

The edict covers the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait, as well as designated areas of the Gulf of Oman following renewed military tensions between the US and Iran.

The Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), issued on Tuesday remains in force until July 29, unless reviewed, amended or withdrawn earlier. 

The guidance applies to European airlines, including Air France, Lufthansa and KLM, as well as non-European carriers authorised by EASA to operate flights to, from and within the European Union.

EASA warned that “the unpredictable nature and rapid evolution of military activity” could challenge the effective implementation of airspace restrictions.

It said renewed hostilities had heightened risks to civil aviation due to increased missile and drone activity, the presence of major military assets and the potential misidentification of civilian aircraft. 

The agency advised affected operators to avoid the designated airspace while the bulletin remains in force, emphasising that the guidance is a safety recommendation and not an airspace closure by Gulf aviation authorities.

The advisory comes a week after the expiration of EASA’s previous Gulf Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), following a temporary ease in regional tensions after the US-Iran ceasefire.

However, the security outlook has since escalated. US strikes on Iranian military targets resumed on July 12, followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, as well as renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) earlier revised its guidance for the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, warning that “the situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice” and advising travellers to keep departure plans under review.

Australia also updated its advice for the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, warning that military activity could disrupt flights and lead to temporary airspace closures, while maintaining its existing travel advice levels for those destinations.

Despite the ongoing events, airlines across the Middle East have continued rebuilding their networks following earlier disruption.

OAG Schedules Analyser data shows carriers are scheduled to operate around 22.9 million departing seats from and within the region during July, with much of the capacity suspended earlier this year now restored.

Several Gulf carriers have also resumed services and launched new routes as travel demand picks up for the summer season.