The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) warning aircraft operators against flying in Iranian airspace.
The rare EASA warning was circulated on October 2, 2024, in light of recent military developments in the Middle East involving Israel and Iran.
EASA is concerned that an escalation in the Middle East could put operators and their passengers at risk of harm so wants to limit air travel above Iran until October 31, 2024.
“In view of the Iranian attack against Israel on October 1, 2024, and Israel’s announcement of its intention to retaliate, the European Commission and EASA have decided to issue a CZIB recommending operators not to perform flights in the airspace of Iran at all flight levels,” EASA said in the CZIB.
The European regulator added: “EASA will continue to monitor the situation closely, to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of risks for EU aircraft operators as a result of the evolution of the threat.”
EASA said the recommendation applies to operators “subject to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) 965/2012” and “third Country Operators authorized by EASA, when conducting operations under their TCO authorization to, from and within the EU”.
“In view of the Iranian attack against Israel on 1 October 2024 and the announced Israeli retaliation, the Iranian airspace represents high risks to be considered by air operators in their risk assessments,” EASA told operators.
EASA advised operators to “closely monitor airspace developments in the region” and follow official aeronautical guidance.
EASA has already issued CZIBs to operators in recent days recommending them to not carry out flights over Israel and Lebanon due to the conflict.
The Federal Air Transport Agency in Russia, also known as Rosaviatsiya, has limited the times when it recommends operators should not fly to Israel, Lebanon and Iran.
