European Aviation Agency Extends Middle East Airspace Warning to July 1

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its advisory for European airlines to avoid the airspace of Iran and ten other Middle Eastern and Persian Gulf countries until July 1. The agency cited a persistent "high state of tension" in the region, even after a recent memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.

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the situation has passed from an active and intense conflict, with a high number of armed incidents, to a high state of tension, characterized by limited, sporadic and localized military incidents.

EASA's Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) now covers Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The agency noted that while the situation has moved from active, intense conflict to a state of elevated tension with limited, sporadic incidents, the sustainability of the ceasefire remains uncertain.

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isolated infringements of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran are still possible, especially in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding airspace.

"Isolated infringements of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran are still possible, especially in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding airspace," EASA stated. The agency warned that a breakdown of the current truce could expose the mentioned airspaces to imminent threats. While proactive airspace management can mitigate some risks, EASA highlighted that these measures are less effective against threats to ground-based aviation infrastructure.

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Although the general level of risk in the region has decreased, the sustainability of the ceasefire remains uncertain in the long term and there is a possibility of rapid escalation.

Furthermore, EASA pointed out that Iran maintains a high alert level for its air force and anti-aircraft defense units. Iraq's airspace continues to be affected by recurrent Iranian attacks and activities of non-state actors, particularly Iran-backed militant groups. The agency also emphasized the ongoing possibility of military activities affecting Lebanon's airspace, despite the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

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it is essential to maintain close monitoring and updated risk assessments to ensure flight safety.