The EU aviation regulator has extended its recommendation to avoid the airspace over the Persian Gulf
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has officially extended until April 10 its recommendation to airlines to avoid the airspace of Iran, Israel, and several Gulf countries.
The decision is due to the high level of military activity in the region, which poses critical threats to civil aviation and passenger safety.
The previous deadline for the restrictions was March 27, but the current security situation forced the regulator to extend the deadline. Experts emphasize that the concentration of weapons in the specified area has reached peak levels.
“The presence of air defense systems, cruise and ballistic missiles capable of operating at all altitudes, and the use of airborne assets capable of operating at all altitudes, including the capability for interception, makes the entire affected airspace vulnerable to risks of proliferation, misidentification, miscalculations, and failures in interception procedures,” the official recommendation states.
EASA experts warn of a high probability of accidental incidents due to the difficulty of distinguishing between civilian aircraft and military targets in conflict zones.
The use of modern air defense systems and ballistic missiles creates an environment where any error in identifying a target can lead to tragic consequences.
That is why completely avoiding dangerous zones is considered the only effective method for minimizing risks for airlines.
Aviation operators are strongly advised not only to adhere to established deadlines but also to continuously monitor operational information regarding changes in regional airspace.
The regulator urges operators to follow aeronautical publications and data disseminated through the European Platform for Information Exchange and Cooperation on Conflict Zones.
In addition to international guidance, carriers must follow the instructions and orders of their own national authorities.
As a reminder, the war with Iran is having a severe impact on the global economy: energy prices are rising, and the most vulnerable countries are already feeling the effects.
Global oil prices also plummeted following Trump’s statement.
