View Map
Updates Alerts
Afghanistan 05 Jul
US SFAR extended, change to warning: US operators remain permitted to overfly the OAKX/Kabul FIR at FL320 and above, but they can now use airways P500/G500 at FL300 and above.
Iran 03 Jul
Risk summary updated: Germany cancelled Notam advising against flights in the OIIX/Tehran FIR. Safeairspace risk level changed from "Level 1 – Do Not Fly" to "Level 2 – Danger exists".
Egypt 03 Jul
UK Notam extended, no change to warning: Caution to UK operators over the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba due to risk from heightened military activity.
Lebanon 03 Jul
UK Notam extended, no change to warning: Caution to UK operators in the OLBB/Beirut FIR due to potential risk from military activity.
Russia 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine, and exercise caution in the rest of the UUWV/Moscow and URRV/Rostov FIRs.
Iraq 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators overflying the ORBB/Baghdad FIR should only be on airways UM860 or UL602/L718 northbound or UM688 southbound, at or above FL320.
Ethiopia 27 Jun
France AIC updated, change to warning: French operators should not fly in the northern section of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR below FL320 (previous advice advised against all flights in this area).
Ukraine 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, including the contested UKFV/Simferopol FIR over Crimea (claimed by Russia as the URFV FIR).
Somalia 27 Jun
French AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should stay at or above FL260 in the HCSM/Mogadishu FIR, except in the overwater portion.
South Sudan 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators overflying the part of the HSSS/Sudan FIR above South Sudan should be at FL260 or above.
North Korea 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution advised to French operators for all North Korea overflights, especially in the maritime part over the Sea of Japan (due to unannounced rocket launches).
Sudan 27 Jun
French AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should not enter the airspace of Sudan, nor file Sudanese airports as alternates.
Pakistan 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators overflying Pakistan airspace should be at FL260 or above.
Afghanistan 27 Jun
France AIC updated, no change to warning: French operators should not overfly the OAKX/Kabul FIR below FL320.
Yemen 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should avoid Yemeni airspace, except at or above FL320 in the oceanic airspace in the east of the OYSC/Sanaa FIR (airway B400 and east of).
Libya 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should avoid Libyan airspace.
Saudi Arabia 27 Jun
France AIC updated, no change to warning: French operators should exercise caution in the southwest of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR where ATC could apply ESCAT procedures.
Mali 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators overflying the part of the DRRR/Niamey FIR located above the Malian territory should be at or above FL320.
Moldova 27 Jun
France AIC updated, change to warning: French operators should not enter the airspace of Moldova in close proximity to the country’s border with Ukraine. LUKK/Chisinau is not in this area, so flights here are permitted.
Belarus 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should not enter the airspace of Belarus due to the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine.
Iran 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should not overfly the western half of the country (everywhere west of 54 Degrees East longitude); overflights of the eastern half should be at or above FL320.
Syria 27 Jun
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should avoid Syrian airspace.
Haiti 12 Jun
Risk Summary updated: MTPP/Port-au-Prince airport reopened in May, but gangs still control much of the capital.
Haiti 12 Jun
US Notam extended: Caution due to unpublished airport and airspace restrictions. Operators should talk to ATC directly for the current status of airports, given ongoing civil unrest and security risks.
South Korea 10 Jun
New South Korea Notam: Watch out for GPS interference in the RKRR/Incheon FIR. It has been reported in the vicinity of Seoul, including RSKI/Incheon. The interference likely originates from North Korea in response to ongoing military drills in the area.
Congo DRC 24 May
UK Notam extended: UK operators should not enter the airspace along the border between Congo DRC and Rwanda near FZNA/Goma airport below 25,000ft AGL, due to the potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
South Korea 16 May
Reports of GPS spoofing around Seoul in the north of the country, close to the border with North Korea.
Iran 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to German operators in the OIIX/Tehran FIR due to risk posed by anti-aircraft weaponry.
Syria 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators are prohibited from entering the OSTT/Damascus FIR.
Russia 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators should not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Iraq 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators should not overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL280.
Ethiopia 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to German operators in the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR due to risk posed by anti-aircraft weaponry.
Ukraine 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, including the contested UKFV/Simferopol FIR over Crimea (claimed by Russia as the URFV FIR).
Somalia 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators should not overfly the HCSM/Mogadishu FIR below FL260, except for airway UR401.
South Sudan 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to German operators below FL260 in South Sudan due to the potential risk from anti-aviation and ground-to-ground weaponry.
North Korea 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to German operators in North Korean airspace (ZKKP FIR) due to launching of test missiles without prior notice.
Sudan 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators are prohibited from entering the HSSS/Khartoum FIR.
Pakistan 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to German operators below FL260 in the airspace of Pakistan due to potential risks from anti-aviation weaponry.
Egypt 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to German operators over the Northern Sinai Peninsula below FL260 due to anti-aviation and ground weaponry.
Afghanistan 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR below FL330.
Yemen 16 May
Germany AIC updated, change to warning: German operators are banned from the airspace over the Yemen landmass within the OYSC/Sanaa FIR up to (but not including) airway B400 over the ocean. For the rest of Yemen’s oceanic airspace, operators should exercise caution.
Libya 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators should avoid Libyan airspace.
Myanmar 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to German operators for flights below FL160 due to a potential risk from military ops, surface-to-air fire and anti-aviation weaponry.
Saudi Arabia 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators should exercise caution in the southwest of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR where ATC could apply ESCAT procedures due to the risk of drone and missile attacks from Yemen.
Mali 16 May
Germany AIC updated, change to warning: German operators are prohibited from the northern part of Mali below FL260, and should not enter the southern part of the country below FL260.
Belarus 16 May
Germany AIC extended, no change to warning: German operators should not enter the airspace of Belarus within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Israel 15 Apr
Risk summary updated: Iran missile attack on Israel on Apr 14, airspace level 2 again - Danger exists.
Mali 21 Feb
Updated US FAA Background Notice, advice remains the same: Caution for US operators in Mali's airspace at all levels due to ongoing fighting, militant activity, and foreign private military presence with advanced air defense systems.
Mali 21 Feb
Updated US FAA Notam, advice remains the same: Caution for US operators in Mali's airspace at all levels due to ongoing fighting, militant activity, and foreign private military presence with advanced air defense systems.
Congo DRC 19 Feb
Risk summary updated: Flights at lower levels in airspace near the border between Rwanda and Congo DRC may be at increased risk, following a recent incident where a parked civilian aircraft at FZNA/Goma was damaged by at least one bomb dropped from a drone.
Rwanda 19 Feb
Risk summary updated: Flights at lower levels in airspace near the border between Rwanda and Congo DRC may be at increased risk, following a recent incident where a parked civilian aircraft at FZNA/Goma was damaged by at least one bomb dropped from a drone.
Somalia 18 Feb
Risk summary updated: Aircraft transiting Somalia contacted by unauthorized ATC units, who have been issuing climb/descent instructions that conflict with the official ones issued by Mogadishu Control.
Ethiopia 01 Feb
Risk summary updated: New flare-up in fighting in the Amhara region (south of Tigray region), including air strikes.
Russia 24 Jan
Risk summary updated: Crash of military transport aircraft in Russian airspace near Belgarod, approx 20nm from the Ukrainian border. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shooting it down.
Pakistan 17 Jan
Risk summary updated: Iranian missile strike in western Pakistan, and crew reports of GPS spoofing around OPLA/Lahore airport.
Yemen 14 Jan
Risk summary updated: US and UK carried out airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen including targets near the capital, Sanaa. This is in response to recent missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea.
Myanmar 11 Jan
Risk summary updated: Armed group shot down a military helicopter in the northern state of Kachin, which borders China. Also a report of GPS jamming on airway A599 that connects with Chinese airspace.
Niger 09 Jan
Risk summary updated: Report of intermittent GPS spoofing in Niger, which began during climb out of DRRN/Niamey and remained until descent to DXXX/Lome in Togo to the south.
Lebanon 08 Jan
Canada Notam extended, no change to warning: Caution to Canadian operators in the OLBB/Beirut FIR due to potential risk from military activity.
Israel 08 Jan
Canada Notam extended, no change to warning: Caution to Canadian operators in the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR due to potential risk from military activity.
Mali 20 Dec
Risk summary updated: German operators are now prohibited from the northern part of Mali below FL260, due to escalating military conflict.
Turkey 22 Nov
Risk summary updated: GPS Spoofing being encountered over the Black Sea in Turkish airspace.
Lebanon 08 Nov
Risk summary updated: GPS spoofing reported in the OLBB/Beirut FIR.
Cyprus 07 Nov
Risk summary updated: GPS spoofing reported across the Mediterranean region.
Syria 31 Oct
Risk summary updated: OSDI/Damascus and OSAP/Aleppo airports were targeted again by airstrikes. OSDI closed temporarily due to runway damage.
Saudi Arabia 27 Oct
Risk summary updated: Cruise missiles and drones launched from Yemen targeting Israel. Some shot down over the Red Sea, others landing on Egypt/Israel border.
Egypt 27 Oct
Risk summary updated: Cruise missiles and drones launched from Yemen targeting Israel. Some shot down over the Red Sea, others landing on Egypt/Israel border.
Iraq 26 Sep
Risk summary updated: Several reports of GPS spoofing over the ORBB/Baghdad FIR.
Armenia 20 Sep
Risk summary updated: Ceasefire agreed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, following military conflict in the border zone. Azerbaijan has reopened the border airspace, but most operators are still actively avoiding the region, and routing north via Georgian airspace (UGGG/Tbilisi FIR) instead.
Azerbaijan 20 Sep
Risk summary updated: Ceasefire agreed between Armenia and Azerbaijan, following military conflict in the border zone. Azerbaijan has reopened the border airspace, but most operators are still actively avoiding the region, and routing north via Georgian airspace (UGGG/Tbilisi FIR) instead.
Libya 14 Aug
Risk summary updated: Major evacuation of aircraft from Tripoli due to security risk, violent clashes and gunfire.
Afghanistan 25 Jul
Risk summary updated: The US FAA has eased its airspace warning to now permit US operators to overfly the OAKX/Kabul FIR at FL320 and above.
North Korea 11 Jul
Risk summary updated: North Korea is threatening to actively shoot down reconnaissance aircraft in their airspace. This may put civil aviation at higher risk of mistaken identity in or near the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR boundary.
Venezuela 27 Jun
US KICZ Notam cancelled. There are now no longer any airspace warnings in place for Venezuela.
Sudan 02 May
Risk summary updated: Conflict continues despite ceasefire, Sudan airspace closed.
South Sudan 15 Apr
Risk summary updated: Impact of Sudan military coup.
Ukraine 28 Feb
Country summary updated to reflect flight bans issued by several countries due to risk from military conflict.
Moldova 17 Feb
Country summary updated: Added info on spillover risks from the conflict in Ukraine including Russian drone and missile strikes.
Indonesia 08 Feb
The security situation in Papua remains poor. While there are no active airspace warnings for Indonesian Papua or neighbouring Papua New Guinea, the region has a recent history of armed groups targeting either low flying aircraft or airports themselves.
Central African Republic 30 Nov
Risk summary updated: Flights at lower levels near Bangui may be at increased risk, following recent incident where unidentified aircraft dropped bombs targeting a militant group 150nm north of Bangui.
United Arab Emirates 25 Oct
Risk summary updated: No reported drone or missile strikes from Yemen since a ceasefire was agreed in April 2022, but this has not been extended as of Oct 2022, and there are concerns that the conflict may start up again soon.
Japan 04 Oct
Risk summary updated: North Korea fired a ballistic missile directly over Japan - the first to incur on Japanese airspace since 2017. Risk to aircraft from debris from missile re-entries striking aircraft overflying the oceanic part of the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR over the Sea of Japan.
05-Jul Afghanistan
US SFAR extended, change to warning: US operators remain permitted to overfly the OAKX/Kabul FIR at FL320 and above, but they can now use airways P500/G500 at FL300 and above. [SFAR 119]
03-Jul Iran
Risk summary updated: Germany cancelled Notam advising against flights in the OIIX/Tehran FIR. Safeairspace risk level changed from "Level 1 – Do Not Fly" to "Level 2 – Danger exists".
03-Jul Lebanon
UK Notam extended, no change to warning: Caution to UK operators in the OLBB/Beirut FIR due to potential risk from military activity. [Notam EGTT V0025/24]
03-Jul Egypt
UK Notam extended, no change to warning: Caution to UK operators over the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba due to risk from heightened military activity. [Notam EGTT V0023/24 & V0024/24]
27-Jun Ethiopia
France AIC updated, change to warning: French operators should not fly in the northern section of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR below FL320 (previous advice advised against all flights in this area). [AIC 12/24]
27-Jun Pakistan
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators overflying Pakistan airspace should be at FL260 or above. [AIC 12/24]
27-Jun Iraq
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators overflying the ORBB/Baghdad FIR should only be on airways UM860 or UL602/L718 northbound or UM688 southbound, at or above FL320. [AIC 12/24]
27-Jun Sudan
French AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should not enter the airspace of Sudan, nor file Sudanese airports as alternates. [AIC 12/24]
27-Jun Moldova
France AIC updated, change to warning: French operators should not enter the airspace of Moldova in close proximity to the country’s border with Ukraine. LUKK/Chisinau is not in this area, so flights here are permitted. [AIC 12/24]
27-Jun South Sudan
France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators overflying the part of the HSSS/Sudan FIR above South Sudan should be at FL260 or above. [AIC 12/24]
27-Jun North Korea
France AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution advised to French operators for all North Korea overflights, especially in the maritime part over the Sea of Japan (due to unannounced rocket launches). [AIC 12/24]
27-Jun Afghanistan
France AIC updated, no change to warning: French operators should not overfly the OAKX/Kabul FIR below FL320. [AIC 12/24]
OAZZ / Afghanistan 05-Jul The US has slightly amended its airspace warning for Afghanistan, effective today. US operators remain permitted to overfly the OAKX/Kabul FIR at FL320 and above, but they can now use airways P500/G500 in the far east of the airspace at FL300 and above. The FAA’s reason for the change: some operators were struggling to use these airways at higher levels, there have been no incidents here so far, and you don’t spend much time at all in Afghan airspace when transiting them.
LLZZ / Israel 05-Jul Hezbollah in Lebanon carried out a large-scale rocket and drone attack on Northern Israel on July 4. At least a hundred were fired, but most were intercepted. It is the latest in growing tension between the two countries with concerns a wider conflict may be imminent. There were no reports of flight disruptions but be wary of ops near the Lebanese border - several airspace warnings exist for the OLBB/Beirut FIR due to military activity. Safeairspace.net has more.
ZZZZ / Worldwide 02-Jul France and Germany have both issued new AICs with their airspace warnings for various different countries around the world. They have basically cancelled all their Notams which carried extra airspace warnings for some countries, and incorporated these into the AICs. So, a tidying exercise essentially, with some minor wording changes.
VYTD / Thandwe Myanmar 02-Jul Nothing in the Notams, but the US Embassy is reporting the airport is closed due to active fighting nearby. The country is in a state of civil war - several risks are reported for the VYYF/Yangon FIR including extensive GPS interference and military activity. See safeairspace.net for more info.
KZZZ / USA 02-Jul A couple of things to be aware of if operating on July 4. TFRs for fireworks displays are being published by the FAA. There has also traditionally been an increased number of laser strikes on aircraft during this holiday. Make sure you report these - the FAA has more info on how to do this via the link.
KPWM / Portland USA 01-Jul Look out for some hard-to-read Notams about Runway 11/29 being closed at night. You can still cross it, or use it for taxiing but don’t land or take off from it. There was an incident on June 25 - a 737 used it to depart and overflew men and equipment during this period.
OLZZ / Lebanon 01-Jul The US Embassy has issued a warning reminding US citizens to avoid travel here. Several countries have also been advising their citizens to leave. The security situation is volatile, and there are signs a wider conflict with Israel may be imminent. Existing airspace warnings for the OLBB/Beirut FIR remain in place - most advise caution at all levels due to risk from military activity. Safeairspace.net has more info.
OAZZ / Afghanistan 28-Jun The Kabul FIR has re-issued its procedural Notams for overflights. A reminder of the big ticket items: the entire FIR is Class G. Only some airways and levels are available (see OAKX Notam G0282/24 for those). Flights should not change their level or mach number unless avoiding other traffic or there is an emergency. If you do need to climb or descend, deviate 5nm right of track. Make TIBA reports every five mins on 125.2. Lastly, security is at your own risk - for US operators, the FAA allows overflights at or above FL320. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
KZZZ / USA 27-Jun A major outage is affecting US-based phones roaming abroad at the moment. No data/cell coverage. Affecting at least Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile - possibly other carriers too. All roads seem to lead to a roaming consolidator called Syniverse. This started overnight, and so far is not resolved - "they" say 12-24 hours for a fix, but who knows. Reports from Thailand, Canada, Holland, Germany, Croatia ... very much a worldwide issue.
SAEZ / Buenos Aires Argentina 27-Jun A cautionary note from one of our members who was robbed at gunpoint on an overnight in Buenos Aires. The crew, operating a return flight to Mexico, was on layover and at 1pm visited the Obelisk (Plaza de la República). It was here that they were held at gunpoint and robbed of their valuables. A distressing incident, and they recommend others to take care here.
SLZZ / Bolivia 27-Jun An attempted military coup in La Paz appears to have failed. The situation has settled and armed troops have left the inner city. Ops have continued at SLLP/La Paz and no major carriers are cancelling flights. Continue to monitor the US Embassy website for crew security, as things may escalate again at short notice.
SLZZ / Bolivia 26-Jun A suspected military coup is underway. Heavily armed troops are reported in La Paz and roads have been blocked. The US Embassy has issued a warning to avoid the area of the city east of the airport. So far there are no reports of disruptions at SLLP/La Paz but this may change at short notice.
HKZZ / Kenya 26-Jun There were violent political protests in Nairobi on June 25 - several people were shot, and parliament was set on fire. The US Embassy has issued a warning that there may be more to come over the next few days which may spread throughout the city. Hotels near the airport may be a safer option for crew layovers for the time being.
RKSI / Seoul South Korea 25-Jun The airport has resumed normal ops following the arrival of more North Korean nuisance-balloons overnight. This also coincided with an announced ballistic missile test north of the border which landed in the Sea of Japan. Risks to aircraft in the RKRR/Incheon FIR appear to be on the rise - see our latest briefing for more info (attached).
RKSI / Seoul South Korea 25-Jun North Korea have launched another round of nuisance-balloons towards the south. A number of them have reached RKSI/Seoul Incheon, and as a result the runways there have been closed. Multiple inbound aircraft are holding at present, though none have diverted so far. For the moment, no ops into or out of RKSI are possible.
XNAT / 25-Jun DON'T CLIMB! Gander Oceanic asked us to get the word out on this growing problem. More and more crews are getting this wrong, especially since OCR/RCL is starting to happen elsewhere on the ocean. The same issue is common on the other side of the pond, most frequently in the Shannon FIR.
XEUR / 25-Jun We've had several reports indicating a ramp up of ramp checks in sunny Europe (especially Germany). It's summer, and there's a lot of extra football traffic, so this makes sense. High on the list of findings are: fuel checks not done, bogus flight planning to alternates, and for business jets - beds not folded up for landing/departure. Also increasingly popular is a breath test to get things rolling. We've updated two helper guides on this: SAFA Ramp Check Top 5, and the OPSGROUP guide to Ramp Checks.
ZSZZ / China 25-Jun Be careful taking photos or videos at joint civil-military airports (about a third of all of them). China’s Ministry of State Security isn’t happy and has issued a warning saying not to do it. There have been several recent incidents of passengers being detained for taking snaps. They’re worried about spying - shots of buildings, facilities and military aircraft are a definite no-no.
EFZZ / Finland 24-Jun Environmental activists are planning a week of protests in Helsinki this week. It hasn’t been made public where. The ‘Extinction Rebellion’ group is involved, which has previously targeted airports and business aviation. Unattended aircraft may be at higher risk from vandals over the next several days - especially at EFHK/Helsinki.
ZBAA / Beijing China 23-Jun Another member report on GPS jamming at ZBAA. Loss of GPS signal while on the DUMAP arrival for Runway 01 - loss present from approx 10,000 feet through touchdown. Regained GPS signal on the ground while taxiing to the gate. No aircraft issues with GPS MMR prior or after loss of signal – thus suspected jamming. OPSGROUP has now had 3 reports in the last few months of GPS issues going into ZBAA, including a spoofing report in April.
EGSS / London Stansted United Kingdom 20-Jun On June 20, two vandals used an angle-grinder to cut through the perimeter fence, and sprayed a G650 and at least one other Gulfstream with orange paint. For some background context, the same group defaced Stonehenge (a 5000 year old monument) a day earlier, and public backlash against the "Just Stop Oil" goons has been severe. However, this will continue, especially in Europe, especially this summer. A first step would be for FBO's - especially at highly visited locations - to recgonize the risk, and post an overnight security guard on the FBO ramp. Given that the average handling bill is $5K, surely that's not too much to ask? Are there other solutions? We'd like to hear your ideas.
EKCH / Copenhagen Denmark 19-Jun Anti-aviation protestors are planning action at the airport on the afternoon of June 22. Road access may be blocked. Similar protests elsewhere have led to attempts to get airside and vandalise parked aircraft. Extra security or hangarage would be a good idea if leaving one unattended throughout the day.
FTTJ / N'djamena Chad 19-Jun There have been a series of explosions at an ammunition depot just north of the airport. There is a very large fire, along with reports of live shells landing on nearby properties. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that the runway has been damaged, and footage has been seen showing the fire in very close proximity to the terminal.
LTZZ / Turkey 18-Jun Something that we're really not liking in the Turkish ATC dispute is the multiple reports we've had from members of "Phantom Holding". Crews are reporting arriving at destinations (including LTFE/Bodrum, LTAI/Antalya) that appear quiet, yet they are being instructed to hold before being given an approach. The hold instruction is ostensibly part of a "work-to-rule" action, but crosses the safety line from our perspective. Our fuel reserves are there for emergency purposes. This behaviour creates a safety risk. This particular round of strike action appears to have finished up yesterday (17 Jun), but given the lack of published information about the dispute, it would be sensible to carry additional fuel for the moment, in case. Unplanned holding reports vary from 15-60 minutes. We will provide another update towards the end of this week.
EDZZ / Germany 17-Jun A gotcha to watch out for in Germany (and nearby FIR's) over the next few weeks: there are some seemingly innocuous GPS Notams published, that may have significant impact not only on navigation but also CPDLC. Security agencies will employ jamming around Euro 2024 games, to mitigate rogue drone usage. This will affect aircraft in two ways, and enroute ATC already reports that this is happening. First - the normal GPS interference issues we are used to in jamming/spoofing areas. Second - some CPDLC uplinks from ATC will not be received because of the GPS time shift. The GPS interference is typically centred on Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf - and likely other Euro 2024 venues - with a radius of 130-150nm. If you do encounter any such issues, please report to team@ops.group.
NWWW / Noumea New Caledonia 16-Jun The airport is now fully operational - the PPR requirement to uplift fuel has been cancelled. The security situation in Noumea is gradually improving - the latest official update is cautiously optimistic. Some airlines are resuming services there, others are still waiting. It seems to be a viable tech stop again but too early to confirm that crew layovers are safe.
MTZZ / Haiti 13-Jun The FAA has extended its airspace warning for Haiti, which says that operators should talk to ATC directly for the current status of airports, given ongoing civil unrest and security risks. MTPP/Port-au-Prince reopened in May, and a new government has since been formed, but gangs still control much of the capital, and the US still advises against all travel to the country. For flights, crew security cannot be guaranteed.
LLZZ / Israel 13-Jun Hezbollah fired more than two hundred rockets into Northern Israel on June 12. Air defences were activated, but there was no impact to ops at LLBG/Tel Aviv. We continue to advise caution at all levels when operating near the border with Lebanon due to sporadic fighting. Be especially aware of GPS spoofing in and out of LLBG - several reports have been received of erroneous tracking towards this area.
VYZZ / Myanmar 11-Jun The US Dept of State has renewed its highest level of travel warning for Myanmar. Their advice is not to go there due to an ongoing civil war, social unrest and unlawful detainments. Overflights should be aware of several recent reports of extensive GPS jamming and spoofing in the VYYF/Yangon FIR. See Safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
VIDP / Delhi India 04-Jun Authorities have upgraded security measures at the airport as they’re worried about a number of upcoming political events in the city - this follows a spate of recent bomb threats. Illegal drone operations and laser strikes on aircraft are also causing concern. Additional security screening may cause delays.
NWWW / Noumea New Caledonia 02-Jun The airport has reopened following weeks of civil unrest - a state of emergency was lifted last week. Police now reportedly control most of the city, however the US Embassy there is still advising the situation is volatile and could escalate again. Crew security remains a concern for any layovers here.
LSGG / Geneva Switzerland 30-May Member report: It seems that LSGG has recurrent problems with GPS Signals. While taxiing on the ground on the outer taxiway around taxiway “C” there seems to be a GPS weak spot. We got a FMS Failure during taxi for take off. After informing ground, they’ve said that this has been a recurring issue for the last few days. Multiple other aircraft then reported the same issue. Once you are clear of the area, everything goes back to normal.
RKZZ / South Korea 30-May Hundreds of balloons were sent across the border into South Korea from the North on May 29. It appears to have been some kind of political stunt. They were seen at low-level as far south as Seoul - no flight disruptions were reported. This follows recent reports of increased GPS interference in the RKRR/Incheon FIR along with renewed potential for unannounced North Korean rocket launches. See safeairspace.net for a full risk briefing.
NWWW / Noumea New Caledonia 30-May The airport is still closed due to civil unrest. If you really need to go, you can ask for special permission by emailing coz-emz@nouvelle-caledonie.gouv.fr. Things seem to be improving - a bunch of extra police have been deployed and the state of emergency has been lifted. The existing Notam is set to expire on June 1.
FAUT / Umtata South Africa 29-May On May 27, armed individuals attempted to break into the airport. They fired on police, and were subsequently arrested. The airport was closed and resumed operations the next day. The attack happened the same day as a taxi protest in the city where police confiscated nearly 50 guns from guards and taxi drivers, so it sounds like this incident had something to do with that.
LFZZ / France 29-May There’s a military exercise going on in France (“Black Crow 24”) which could see GPS jamming throughout French airspace up to FL400. Looks like this is going to happen every day until June 6. Check LFFF Notams F0767/24 and F0795/24 for specific daily timings.
ZBAA / Beijing China 24-May Member report: GPS jamming in ZBAA on departure today. ATC seems aware of it because they cancelled our SID before takeoff clearance, and gave us RWY track, then headings to the end of SID. Another aircraft in last night had on arrival for south runways, and also after us today on takeoff. So it has been persistent for a couple days.
NWWW / Noumea New Caledonia 22-May Following ongoing riots and blockades in New Caledonia. NWWW/Noumea airport remains closed and all flights are cancelled - the Notam has been extended until May 24. If you happen to be doing some humanitarian flight, get your fuel secured beforehand, as another Notam indicates refuelling is only available with prior permission.
MTPP / Port-au-prince Haiti 21-May The airport reopened to commercial flights on May 20, having been closed since Feb 29 due to gang violence in the city. Haitian carrier Sunrise Airways is currently the only airline to have resumed flights, with US airlines expected to begin flights in late May or June. But gangs still control much of the capital, and the US still advises against all travel to the country.
NWWW / Noumea New Caledonia 17-May Following ongoing riots and blockades, a 12-day state of emergency is now in force in New Caledonia. NWWW/Noumea airport is now reportedly under the control of the French army, but it remains closed and all flights are canceled until further notice.
OIIE / Tehran Iran 17-May Member report: Coming from the south into OIIE, be aware of potential direct routings to the initial approach fix for RWY 29R, as they can infringe prohibited areas to the south. Air Defense not too happy and will raise you on guard for confirmation and potential action.
RKZZ / South Korea 16-May Member report of GPS spoofing into RKSS/Seoul on approach to RWY 32R. They disabled hybrid and deselected GPS after seeing the risk reported on ATIS. It’s especially important to watch out for spoofing here - it’s right next to the border with North Korea and a bunch of prohibited areas which carry chart warnings that say in very clear language that you might get shot at if you inadvertently enter. There’s a Notam published by the RKRR/Incheon FIR warning of GPS interference in this area, likely originating from North Korea, so watch out for ops to the Seoul airports of RKSS and RKSI, and maybe even RKNY/Yangyang too.
NWWW / Noumea New Caledonia 15-May The airport closure has now effectively been extended until further notice. The new Notam says that it’s been extended to May 17, but expect the airport to remain closed until security forces manage to get a hold on the violence. This follows another night of riots in the capital, which continued despite a curfew, resulting in two dead and hundreds injured.
NWWW / Noumea New Caledonia 14-May Noumea airport has been closed until the morning of May 16 following protests and riots over proposed voting reforms. Businesses and factories were set on fire, shops looted, and major roads blocked. There’s a curfew in place tonight to try to bring the violence to an end. For now, watch out especially for night ops in the region - with NWWW/Noumea closed and no ATC at night at nearby NVVV/Port Vila, there’s not really any tech-stop options between Australia’s East Coast and Fiji.
VYZZ / Myanmar 07-May Myanmar is seeing increasing reports of GPS jamming, and possibly spoofing, in the northwest of the FIR. A member report (B777F) reports heavy GPS interference, right after passing waypoint CHILA eastbound entering Yangon ACC at FL410. The B777 has two differently configured GPS channels, one kept coming back intermittently, the other was gone right away. After 10 minutes the remaining one was also gone. The jamming seemed to be quite harsh since both receivers did not come back for the remainder of the flight through Chinese airspace and had to be reset on the ground at destination. The map below shows the affected route, which matches other reports received by OPSGROUP.
HCZZ / Somalia 03-May Update on the issue in Somalia of aircraft being contacted and given conflicting instructions by fake ATC: There’s a new HCSM/Mogadishu FIR Notam (i.e. the real ATC) saying that in the northern half of the country (where all these issues have been happening) they will now only issue level change instructions to aircraft via CPDLC or SATCOM. So if you’re overflying up north and get a call on the radio, ignore it. For the full background to all this, check the article.
OERK / Riyadh Saudi Arabia 30-Apr Watch out for potential confusion if taking off 33R at Riyadh. On Apr 22, a Boeing 747 attempted a take off from Taxiway K, reaching 100 knots before aborting. On some charts, Taxiway K is not shown. A very similiar incident happened at OERK back in 2018.
LCZZ / Cyprus 30-Apr A heads up if entering the Nicosia FIR, or heading for Cyprus. You will be GPS spoofed! From the level of reports we are now getting, that's almost a guarantee. Expect a GPS position showing you as over, or at, Beirut. One operator this morning reports being spoofed all the way from LLBG-LCLK (Tel Aviv to Larnaca). Had good DME/DME updates so was able to navigate well without GPS. The Terrain DB had us almost in the right place but at 540'. Another operator (Boeing 767) reports regular spoofing enroute, with positions showing as either Beirut or Cairo. Also seeing very specific weather radar interference, on bearings from Israel. Please keep reports coming - email team@ops.group, or WhatsApp +1 747 200 1993. Thanks everyone!
EETU / Tartu-ulenurme Estonia 28-Apr A number of diversions were reported last week due to GPS interference. The only instrument approaches available here are an RNP, or ILS (which requires GNSS). The airport is also uncontrolled which means no vectors. The safest bet is to avoid IMC or nighttime arrivals.
VIZZ / India 28-Apr A number of bomb threats were made against major airports on April 26 including VECC/Kolkata, VABB/Mumbai, VOMM/Chennai and VIJP/Jaipur. No explosives were found, but all reports should be considered real. The US Dept. of State maintains a terrorism warning for crowded places in India - make sure you report anything suspicious to authorities.
KZZZ / USA 25-Apr An unprecedented number of cicadas are expected this Spring - extending from the Southern States through to the upper Midwest. See our article for a horror story from an OPSGROUP member who experienced this nightmare first-hand whilst trying to escape from an airport in the region: cicadas clogged an APU intake, contaminated packs and caused an aborted start. If operating around these insects, the best advice is to avoid running the APU until necessary, keep cabin doors closed, and hangar the night before if possible.
KBED / Bedford USA 22-Apr Anti-aviation protesters breached security and entered the tarmac area on April 20. They briefly blocked a number of taxiing private jets before getting arrested. The fuss is over plans to build new bizav hangars at the field which may attract more unwanted attention from the group in the near future. If practical, consider beefing up security of unattended aircraft - especially for longer stays.
OIZZ / Iran 21-Apr The OIIX/Tehran FIR has published a list of available routes for overflights of Iranian airspace. You’ll find those in Notams A1409/24 through A1420/24. This follows a missile strike by Israel on April 19. Several airspace warnings remain in place for Iran, including a complete ban on US operators at all levels. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
CYYR / Goose Bay Canada 20-Apr A major fire is affecting Goose Bay airport. The fire is not yet under control, and has already consumed the old (not currently used) ATC tower. NAT operators take note, CYYR is currently unavailable. Notam E2240/24 confirms.
OIZZ / Iran 19-Apr Ops in the OIIX/Tehran FIR have returned to normal following a missile strike in central Iran by Israel (approx 200nm south of Tehran). Previous Notams closing the western portion of the FIR, along with its boundary with the ORBB/Baghdad FIR have been cancelled. OIIE/Tehran airport is also open again. Likely some ATC reroute issues to be resolved during the day, but security wise, nothing going on right now. Overflying traffic should continue to plan for short notice disruptions in the event air defences are active again.
OIZZ / Iran 19-Apr Emerging reports of a possible missile strike in Central Iran by Israel (approx. 200nm south of Tehran). A western portion of the OIIX/Tehran FIR has been closed until 07z, and overflights between the OIIX/Tehran and ORBB/Baghdad FIRs have been stopped (OIIX Notams A1353/24 and A1336/24 refer). OIIE/Tehran airport is also closed for the same period. ATC have activated contingency routes for other traffic.
KZZZ / USA 18-Apr The FAA has announced that KAUS/Austin, KIND/Indianapolis, KBNA/Nashville and KDAL/Dallas will be the first four airports to have a new electronic system installed to protect against runway incursions. This will happen by July. The system uses ADS-B to replicate surface radar at airports which are not otherwise equipped. The system will be rolled out to a large number of other US airports in the coming year.
MTPP / Port-au-prince Haiti 18-Apr The closure of the airport has been extended until at least May due to ongoing gang violence in the capital - it was meant to reopen this week. This isn’t being reflected in the Notams. The US FAA previously warned that anyone inbound to Haiti should confirm the operational status of all airports directly with ATC (KICZ Notam A0004/24). There are no major improvements in the security situation to report.
HCZZ / Somalia 17-Apr Germany has issued a slightly amended airspace warning for Somalia. German operators should not overfly the HCSM/Mogadishu FIR below FL260, except the oceanic part east of E54 degrees. So that basically means that oceanic airways UM314 and UN764 are fine.
LCLK / Larnaca Cyprus 17-Apr OPSGROUP member reports strong GPS spoofing on the way into Larnaca this morning, including a GPWS "Pull Up" warning on turn to final Runway 22 (Airbus 320 aircraft). Cyprus is seeing increasing GPS spoofing activity.
XMID / 15-Apr In the early hours of Sunday morning, Iran attacked Israel. At the same time, FIR's including Amman, Baghdad, Tel Aviv and Beirut closed their airspace entirely. This rapid closure caused chaos throughout the region, forcing immediate diversions, turnbacks and reoroutes, together with widespread GPS spoofing, and general confusion. The enroute traffic situation has now largely returned to normal with the exception of Israel and Iran, which most continue to avoid.

Iran launched 120 ballistic missiles, 170 drones, and more than 30 cruise missiles at Israel. Despite this, the Israeli CAA has already published a Notam advising that there was just a "limited exchange of fire", and that "currently there are no expected activities that will pose risks on civil aviation". EASA states that "There was no overflight risk for civil aviation at any time". We beg to differ on all counts. One crew report we received yesterday (Boeing 777) told us that "In flight, abeam Hurghada, over the Sinai, massive missile defence responses were visible towards Israel. These were visually higher than our flight level. From Cairo to Athens FIR GPS was spoofed, with one system INOP until landing" Another (Boeing 767) reported similar events, with GPS spoofing at levels 2-3 times higher than in the past few months. Another slew of aircraft were turned around while within Iraqi airspace, precisely at the moment that missiles were being launched from Iran across their route of flight.

The OPSGROUP position is that there remains significant risk within the Tel Aviv FIR from the ongoing conflict and situation, despite what is now beginning to be misleading guidance from Israel and EASA. Based on member input, we advise our pilots and operators to take extreme care in planning flights into Tel Aviv. Ongoing GPS spoofing, sporadic attacks in the north from Lebanon, and the Gaza conflict create a hostile and non-routine environment. Elsewhere, for the coming days, and probably longer, a Middle East transit is most sensible via Egypt and Saudi Arabia - many are choosing to transit west of Cairo, fly south, avoid Sinai, and then continue eastbound over Saudi Arabia. The northern option via Turkey and Iraq is open again, though warnings for Iraq remain below FL320. A US patriot missile battery near Erbil (ORER) was also active on Saturday night, used to bring down an Iranian missile.

A full briefing is available at https://ops.group/dashboard/briefings/middle-east/
XMID / 14-Apr A briefing with all known information on the Israel/Iran situation is now live in the OPSGROUP Members Dashboard. Situation summary, group intel, airspace closures, reroute options, and operator/crew reports. ALL CALL currently active, please continue to report any information in confidence to team@ops.group. Briefing URL: https://ops.group/dashboard/briefings/middle-east/
XMID / 13-Apr A drone attack by Iran on Israel has been confirmed. LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR will close 2130-0400 per Notam 280/24. There are reports that ORBB/Baghdad FIR (Iraq) will also close (via Iraqi Transport Ministry), but no Notam yet, and traffic continues.
XMID / 13-Apr Increasing signs of escalating situation in the Middle East tonight. Jordan will close its airspace entirely from 2000 UTC (Notam OJAC 129/24). Several more large airlines avoiding Iran overflight. Reports of increased GPS interference over Israel. The context is the threat of an Iranian attack on Israel. Regardless of outcome, anticipate potential for diversions, reroutes, and further national airspace closures.
EDZZ / Germany 12-Apr OPSGROUP member report: Watch out for LBA Security Department checks on bizjets at airports (EDDS/Stuttgart might be one of the worst offenders, but we’ve had reports of this happening at other airports in Germany too). These are not ramp checks, they are annoying checks to see whether crew follow the right security procedures. They basically try to enter the aircraft, and your job is to make sure you stop them. So man the doors! Check their identity, make sure they’re wearing the right ID cards, and you will have passed the test. Another common thing is that they leave a note behind the GPU hatch to check if you do the security check properly.
OIZZ / Iran 12-Apr Germany has published a new Notam advising operators not to enter the airspace of Iran (the OIIX/Tehran FIR) due to “potential risk from escalating conflict and anti-aviation weaponry.” This trumps their long-standing airspace warning which only advises caution. Tensions are high at the moment over a possible Iranian attack on Israel.
OIZZ / Iran 11-Apr Lufthansa has suspended flights to Iran, amid concerns of a possible Iranian attack on Israel - retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran's embassy in Syria on April 1. Austrian Airlines (the only other Western airline flying into Tehran) is continuing flights but is adjusting timings to avoid an overnight layover. None of the other major airlines which fly to Iran have made any announcements. This week, an Iranian news agency reported that airspace over Tehran had been closed for military drills, but then removed the report and denied issuing it. The only solid news is an OIIX Notam saying that all VFR flights in Iranian airspace are suspended until April 14.
MDSD / Santo Domingo Dominican Republic 10-Apr A Boeing 787 was badly damaged by pavement failure during landing on April 7. The runway was temporarily closed for emergency repairs but has since re-opened. There are no new weight restrictions to report.
HCZZ / Somalia 09-Apr The US Embassy has issued a new security alert for Mogadishu - new info suggests that terrorist attacks may be imminent at several locations including HCMM/Mogadishu airport. Security is a major concern here - aircraft using the Class A airspace above should be aware of the risks of an unplanned diversion and landing.
ZSZZ / China 08-Apr An OPSGROUP member has reported GPS Spoofing in China, the first report we've received in this area: “Aircraft was spoofed 15 NM north of ZBAA on vectors to the ILS 18R. EPU went to 7.0+, lost synthetic vision, had a dramatic map shift and had the Ground Prox yelling at us. At night, over the hills north of Beijing. We quickly switched to green needles, held 1,200 meters and the heading to intercept. VFR hazy night. It was over and the map returned to normal on about a 4 NM final.” If you've experienced similar, please report to team@ops.group.
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Click Country for More information
Open country information in new window