EU urges airlines to avoid Israeli and Lebanese airspace

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised airlines to refrain from flying over Lebanon and Israel due to escalating tensions in the region.

“The European Commission and EASA are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and its impact on civil aviation in light of the recent surge in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah,” the agency stated, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"There has been a general increase in airstrikes and a deterioration in the security situation, which is affecting the safety of the airspace over Israel and Lebanon,” it further noted.

“In this context, the European Commission and EASA have decided to issue a directive recommending that flights in Lebanese and Israeli airspace should not be flown at all flight echelons,” the agency stressed. The recommendation, as specified in EASA, is valid until October 31, 2024, and may be reviewed earlier, adjusted, or withdrawn depending on developments.

EASA noted that it “will continue to closely monitor the situation” to reduce or increase the risks to EU aircraft.

By Tamilla Hasanova