Brussels: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its advisory for airlines to avoid flying over most of the Middle East and Gulf airspace until April 24 due to ongoing regional hostilities that pose significant risks to civil aviation. This decision underscores the safety concerns that have arisen from the military escalation in the area.

According to Anadolu Agency, EASA stated in its updated Conflict Zone Information Bulletin that the advisory’s validity has been extended without any changes to its content. The advisory remains in effect unless reviewed earlier and urges air operators to steer clear of the affected airspace. This includes all flight levels and altitudes over countries such as Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and parts of Saudi Arabia, with certain exceptions for higher-altitude operations in specific Saudi and Omani airspace subject to stringent risk assessments.

The advisory is applicable not only to EU air operators but also to third-country operators authorized by EASA when flying to, from, or within the EU. The previous deadline for the flight suspension was set for April 10.

EASA’s bulletin was issued in response to the military escalation that began on February 28, following strikes by the US and Israel in Iran, which led to retaliatory attacks from Iran. The agency warns that the broader region is exposed to spillover risks, including misidentification, miscalculation, and potential failures in interception procedures.