EASA has warned of growing threats to aviation due to wars and drones
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has warned of growing risks to international air traffic amid armed conflicts and drone activity.
This was reported by NOS.
“The safety of international air traffic is increasingly under pressure due to armed conflicts that restrict airspace,” the agency notes.
In particular, the war in the Middle East has significantly complicated the use of airspace. The conflict with Iran, which has been ongoing for over a month, is affecting air traffic between Asia and Europe, causing delays and disruptions in flights.
Russia’s war against Ukraine is creating additional difficulties. As a result, airlines are forced to use narrow routes, particularly through the Caucasus and Central Asia. The concentration of aircraft in such corridors increases risks and complicates the work of air traffic controllers.
EASA emphasizes that military activity in conflict zones, particularly missiles and air defense systems, poses a serious danger. In some cases, this leads to the complete closure of airspace. The regulator has already extended its recommendation to avoid flights over Iran, Israel, and parts of the Persian Gulf until at least April 10.
The restrictions also have economic consequences: routes are becoming longer, airline costs are rising, and fuel consumption is increasing.
Separately, the agency highlighted the threat posed by drones. EASA is calling for clear rules on how to respond to drones that may pose a danger to flights.
According to the agency’s Executive Director Florian Guillermet, modern challenges increasingly resemble hybrid warfare. Several drone incidents have already been recorded in Europe, notably at airports in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Munich.
As a reminder, the German parliament previously finalized the expansion of the country’s armed forces’ (Bundeswehr) powers to combat drones over its territory.
