Brussels: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised airlines to steer clear of the airspace over Iran and Iraq until August 31, following recent US attacks on Iran and subsequent comments from President Donald Trump, which have sparked fears of renewed military tensions.

According to Anadolu Agency, EASA announced on Wednesday that it had updated the EU conflict zone advisories for air operators in the Middle East. This decision, made in collaboration with the European Commission and EU member states, was in response to the latest developments in the region. The agency explained that the Integrated EU Aviation Security Risk Assessment Group chose not to extend the existing Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) for the Middle East and the Gulf, which is set to expire on July 8.

Instead, the broader advisory was replaced with a specific information note detailing medium-level risks across the Middle East and the Gulf. Separate CZIBs were also issued for Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, emphasizing the high risks still present in these airspaces. The previous advisory had provided guidance for the Middle East and Gulf region more generally, including Lebanon, and advised caution in the airspace over Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

The recent update comes in the wake of US military actions against Iran and President Trump's declaration that the ceasefire with Tehran was "over," escalating concerns of renewed conflict in the area. Although the revision follows ceasefire agreements and what EASA described as a reduction in short-term tensions, the agency has maintained more stringent warnings for specific countries where risks remain high.

EASA, alongside the European Commission and member states, will continue to monitor the situation closely to evaluate any evolving threats and risks for EU aircraft operators, including potential changes in risk levels, the agency stated.