EU extends airspace warning over Middle East, Gulf until April 24

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has prolonged its conflict-zone flight advisory for a wide swath of Middle Eastern and Gulf skies until April 24, underscoring persistent dangers to commercial aviation amid the ongoing hostilities. The updated bulletin, issued Thursday, keeps the same restrictions as before, warning airlines to avoid the designated airspace at all flight levels. The decision follows the military escalation triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory campaign.

Extended Coverage and Limited Exceptions

The advisory applies to the airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and parts of Saudi Arabia. A narrow exception permits certain high-altitude operations in specific sectors of Saudi and Omani airspace, but only after a strict risk assessment. The previous suspension was set to expire on April 10; the extension reflects the regulator’s assessment that the security environment remains volatile.

Risks to Civil Aviation

EASA warned that the continuing military confrontation creates spillover hazards, including the potential for misidentification of civilian aircraft, miscalculation by air defence systems, and failures in interception procedures. The bulletin applies to EU air operators as well as third-country carriers authorised by EASA for flights to, from and within the European Union.

Türkiye’s Position as a Stable Corridor

Notably, Türkiye’s airspace is not included in the advisory. While much of the region remains off‑limits for commercial overflights, Ankara continues to serve as a reliable and safe transit hub for airlines operating between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Turkish authorities have maintained close coordination with international aviation bodies and have not experienced the same security threats that now plague the Gulf and eastern Mediterranean skies. This stability further reinforces Türkiye’s strategic importance as an energy and logistics corridor amid regional turmoil.