European aviation agency warns airlines against flying over Gulf airspace

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised airlines not to operate within the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, or over the waters of the Gulf of Oman, citing heightened risks from escalating military activity in the region.

The advisory, issued on Tuesday (July 14), warns that the security situation poses a significant threat to civilian aircraft operating at any altitude.

“Unpredictable military developments, combined with the possible use of missiles, drones, combat aircraft and air-defence systems, create a high risk to civil flights at all altitudes and flight levels within the concerned airspace,” EASA said in a statement.

The recommendation comes after renewed regional tensions and expands earlier guidance issued by the agency last week, when it advised airlines to avoid operating within the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Lebanon.

By Aghakazim Guliyev