Safe Airspace – Conflict Zone and Risk Database

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Updates Alerts

Somalia 12 Nov

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.

Myanmar 07 Nov

France Notam extended, no change to warning: French operators should remain at or above FL260. VYYY/Yangon is the only airport that can be filed as an alternate.

Congo DRC 06 Nov

UK Notam extended, no change to warning: UK operators should avoid entering the airspace within 200NM of the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the area near FZNA/Goma airport, due to the potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry. The restriction applies along the entire eastern border of the DRC, covering areas near Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi.

Sudan 04 Nov

Risk summary updated: Il-76 reportedly shot down by a surface-to-air missile near Babanusa, southern Sudan on Nov 4.

Iraq 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators should not overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL320, due to the potential risk from anti- aviation weaponry and military operations.

Armenia 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to Canadian operators in the airspace of Armenia due to potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military ops.

Azerbaijan 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to Canadian operators in the airspace of Azerbaijan due to potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military ops.

Ukraine 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian 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 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators overflying the HCSM/FIR Mogadishu FIR should be at FL260 or above, due to the potential risk from anti- aviation weaponry and military operations.

North Korea 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators should not enter the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR due to risk posed by unannounced rocket launches.

Sudan 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators should avoid the HSSS/Khartoum FIR due to risks from anti-aircraft weaponry and military activity.

Afghanistan 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators should not enter the airspace of Afghanistan except for overflights at or above FL320.

Haiti 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators are recommended not to fly below FL100 in Haitian airspace (MTEG/Port-au-Prince FIR) due to risks to aviation from gang activity.

Libya 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators should not enter the HLLL/Tripoli FIR, due to the potential risk from anti- aviation weaponry and military operations.

Moldova 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators are prohibited from the LUUU/Chisinau FIR.

Lebanon 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators should not enter the OLBB/Beirut FIR due to potential risk from military activity.

Yemen 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators should not enter the OYSC/Sanaa FIR, including the oceanic part up to airway UT702, due to the potential risks from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations.

Syria 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators are prohibited from entering the airspace of Syria.

Congo DRC 16 Oct

Canada warning moved from Notam to AIC: Canadian operators should not enter an easterly portion of DROC airspace (the FZZA/Kinshasa FIR) near the Rwanda/Burundi borders below FL260 due to the potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.

Saudi Arabia 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators advised caution in the OEJD/Jeddah FIR due to potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations; also due to short notice ESCAT rules in airspace next to Yemen.

Belarus 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators are prohibited from the UMMV/Minsk FIR.

Iran 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators should not enter the OIIX/Tehran FIR, due to the potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations.

Israel 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Caution to Canadian operators in the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR due to potential risk from military activity.

Russia 16 Oct

Canada AIC extended, no change to warning: Canadian operators are prohibited from the URRV/Rostov FIR, and the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine in the UUWV/Moscow FIR.

Iran 30 Sep

EASA Information Note extended, no change to warning: Operators should take potential risk into account in the airspace of Iran.

Israel 30 Sep

EASA Information Note extended, no change to warning: Operators should take potential risk into account in the airspace of Israel and neighbouring airspace within 100 NM of the Israeli borders with Egypt and Jordan.

Lebanon 28 Sep

UK Notam extended, change to warning: UK operators should avoid the airspace of Lebanon.

Haiti 25 Sep

US Notam extended, no change to warning: US operators are prohibited from certain parts of the airspace in Haiti - below 10,000ft MSL in an area around MTPP/Port-au-Prince airport plus a small 10NM area to the north.

Israel 08 Sep

Risk summary updated: The ceasefire between Israel and Iran has held so far. All airspace in the region has largely reopened, but the corridor between Israel and Iran remains high risk if the conflict resumes.

Iraq 28 Aug

France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators overflying the ORBB/Baghdad FIR should only be on airways M860/L602/L718 northbound, or UM688 southbound, at or above FL320.

Afghanistan 28 Aug

France AIC updated, no change to warning: French operators should not overfly the OAKX/Kabul FIR below FL320.

Haiti 28 Aug

France AIC extended, no change to warning: French operators should remain at or above FL100 in Haiti airspace, and not go to MTPP/Port Au Prince airport.

Haiti 15 Aug

UK Notam extended, no change to warning: UK operators should not enter the airspace of Haiti below 10,000ft AGL due to the risk of small arms fire.

Russia 31 Jul

EASA CZIB extended, no change to warning: Operators should not enter the airspace of Western Russia (west of longitude 60 Degrees East) at any level.

Ethiopia 31 Jul

New EASA Information Note: Operators should take potential risk into account below FL260 in the airspace of Ethiopia - in particular northern parts.

Ukraine 31 Jul

EASA CZIB extended, no change to warning: Operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine.

Sudan 31 Jul

EASA CZIB extended, no change to warning: Operators should not enter the airspace of Sudan at all levels.

Afghanistan 31 Jul

EASA CZIB extended, no change to warning: Operators should not enter the airspace of Afghanistan below FL320.

Saudi Arabia 31 Jul

New EASA Information Note: Operators should take potential risk into account in the airspace of Southern Red Sea.

Myanmar 31 Jul

New EASA Information Note: Operators should take potential risk into account below FL260 in the airspace of Myanmar.

Cambodia 28 Jul

Country summary added: Cambodia and Thailand agreed to a ceasefire.

Iran 14 Jul

Germany Notam extended, no change to warning: German operators should not enter the airspace of Iran (overrules the recommendation in the AIC which just advises caution).

Iraq 07 Jul

EASA CZIB extended, no change to warning: EASA recommends not to operate in the airspace of Iraq below FL320.

Lebanon 07 Jul

EASA CZIB updated: EASA recommends not to operate within the airspace of Lebanon at levels, unless operating to/from OLBA airport over water.

Iran 02 Jul

UK Notam extended, no change to warning - UK Operators recommended not to enter the OIIX/Tehran FIR.

Iran 01 Jul

Lebanon 01 Jul

Iraq 01 Jul

Bahrain 01 Jul

Jordan 01 Jul

Egypt 01 Jul

Afghanistan 01 Jul

US SFAR extended, no change to warning: US operators are permitted to overfly the OAKX/Kabul FIR at FL320 and above, and airways P500/G500 at FL300 and above.

Syria 01 Jul

Saudi Arabia 01 Jul

Belarus 26 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should avoid the UMMV/Minsk FIR.

Russia 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators are prohibited from the URRV/Rostov FIR, as well as any Russian airspace within 200nm of the Russia/Ukraine border. They must do a risk assessment if planning to operate in the UUWV/Moscow, ULLL/St Petersburg, or UWWW/Samara FIRs.

Cyprus 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Caution to Italian operators in the LCCC/Nicosia FIR due to firing exercises - follow ATC instructions closely.

Ethiopia 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Caution to Italian operators in the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR due to risks from anti-aircraft weaponry.

Ukraine 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, including the contested UKFV/Simferopol FIR over Crimea (claimed by Russia as the URFV FIR).

Somalia 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should avoid the HCSM/Mogadishu FIR below 25000FT AGL.

North Korea 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should avoid the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR due to risks from missile launches.

Pakistan 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should avoid the airspace of Pakistan below 25000ft AGL

Sudan 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should avoid the HSSS/Khartoum FIR.

Afghanistan 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR below 25000 feet AGL. Airways P500/G500 not affected.

Mali 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should avoid the airspace of Mali below 25000FT AGL.

Yemen 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should avoid the OYSC/Sanaa FIR.

Syria 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should avoid the OSTT/Damascus FIR.

Lebanon 25 Jun

New Italy Notam: Italian operators should not enter the OLBB/Beirut FIR.

Saudi Arabia 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Caution to Italian operators in the OEJD/Jeddah FIR where ATC could apply ESCAT procedures with short notice.

Myanmar 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should avoid the VYYF/Yangon FIR below 15000FT AGL.

Israel 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: Italian operators should exercise caution in the airspace of Israel.

Iran 25 Jun

Italy Notam extended, no change to warning: caution to Italian operators in the OIIX/Tehran FIR.

Russia 04 Jun

Risk summary updated: Drone attacks across Russia are ramping up - including areas around Moscow, with some reaching as far as Siberia.

Myanmar 15 May

UK warning moved from Notam to AIP, no change to warning: Caution to UK operators for flights below 25000ft AGL due to potential risks from anti-aircraft weaponry.

Pakistan 12 May

Risk summary updated: Ceasefire on May 10 following four days of conflict in Kashmir region. Most operators still avoiding the region and routing via Gulf of Oman and UAE.

India 07 May

Risk summary updated: New airspace warning issued by France recommending operators not to enter a section of cross-border airspace in northern Pakistan/India below FL260.

Yemen 06 May

Risk summary updated: OYSN/Sanaa Airport closed due to damage from Israeli airstrikes in Dec 2024 and May 2025.

Congo DRC 28 Jan

Risk summary updated: Rebel forces have now entered Goma - the capital of North Kivu Province (Eastern DRC). Heavy gunfire is being reported in the city. They have declared that FZNA/Goma and its airspace are now closed.

Haiti 12 Nov

Risk Summary updated: Two aircraft targeted and hit by bullets on approach to MTPP/Port-au-Prince. Operations suspended, major risk to aircraft. The FAA have since banned US operators from flights in the airspace of Haiti below 10,000ft MSL. Elevated to Level 1 - Do Not Fly.

Mali 17 Sep

Risk summary updated: Terrorist attacks in Bamako, including at GABS/Bamako airport where insurgents broke in and set the presidential jet alight.

Afghanistan 09 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.

Western Sahara 12 Jun

Risk summary rewritten and updated.

South Korea 16 May

Reports of GPS spoofing around Seoul in the north of the country, close to the border with North Korea.

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.

Ethiopia 01 Feb

Risk summary updated: New flare-up in fighting in the Amhara region (south of Tigray region), including air strikes.

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.

Turkey 22 Nov

Risk summary updated: GPS Spoofing being encountered over the Black Sea in Turkish airspace.

Media in India say the DGCA has issued a new rule requiring pilots to report GPS spoofing within 10 minutes of it happening. We can’t find that circular yet - the only one published is a long 2023 advisory about GPS interference that tells pilots to email a report after the flight, not in real time. The renewed attention follows recent spoofing at VIDP/Delhi, and to cut reliance on GPS, new CAT III ILS systems on both ends of runway 10/28 are set to go live from Nov 27, confirmed by Notam. One OPSGROUP crew arriving on Nov 12 said they saw only a minute of jamming when crossing the Pakistan border, with nothing at VIDP itself. Treat the “10-minute” rule as unconfirmed for now, but stay alert for GPS interference in northern India and report any anomalies to ATC.

Eurocontrol advise that GPS jamming activity will take place in the Shanwick FIR in a large piece of airspace off the coast of Ireland and Scotland from Nov 17 - 21, and again from Nov 24 - 28. This will occur daily between 10 - 18z. There are two suggested routes to avoid the area: north via ATSIX - 610000N 0200000W or south via RESNO - 550000N 0200000W. If you do choose to enter the affected airspace, expect increased separation standards and less optimal levels. Report to ATC if you encounter any degradations. EGGX Notam G0223/25 has this info.

Be aware of an ongoing authority dispute in the north of the HCSM/Mogadishu FIR. Both Somalia and the self-declared state of Somaliland have issued conflicting instructions for overflights. Somaliland says all flights need a PPR from its own CAA from Nov 10, while Somalia has reaffirmed through an AIC that it controls the entire FIR and operators should follow its AIP. Expect mixed messages on permit requirements near northern Somalia and the Hargeisa region. The Somali CAA remains the only internationally recognised authority for all Class A airspace above FL245 - be cautious of conflicting or unauthorised clearances. Check safeairspace.net for the history on this ongoing dispute and its impact to flights in the region.

There was a large explosion at Red Fort, Central Delhi on Nov 10 - a well guarded area frequented by tourists. The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack. Police have invoked an ‘anti-terror’ law which includes enhanced security measures at airports. The impact of this is longer processing times, intensified patrolling, stricter ID checks and additional security screening. Be wary of crew security - the US Dept. of State continues to advise extra caution at areas frequented by tourists, airports and shopping malls.

There are unconfirmed reports that an Il-76 military transport plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile near Babanusa, Southern Sudan on Nov 4. An anti-government group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The country’s airspace remains almost completely closed since a military coup in 2023, with the exception of limited contingency routes ops in and out of HSPN/Port Sudan airport in the far east of the country. Several airspace warnings exist due to the risk of anti-aircraft fire. The country remains an active conflict zone, and should be considered dangerous at all levels. Safeairspace.net has more info.

The US State Department has issued an updated security alert for Mali, urging all US citizens to depart immediately due to a rapidly deteriorating security situation. The warning stems from widespread fuel shortages, closure of public institutions, and escalating armed conflict near the capital. The situation is highly unstable. GABS/Bamako airport remains open, but all overland routes are considered unsafe due to the risk of terrorist attacks. Crews should exercise extreme caution and avoid layovers in Mali. You can take a look at the notice here.

Heads up for Kuwait. There’s a rough, uneven surface on taxiway E1 at the E1/E9 intersection where Loop 2 sits. Loop 2 is closed, but you still have to cross this spot when moving between the GA ramp and Loop 1 for 15L or 33R. Crews report a heavy jolt at normal taxi speed with no good daytime visual cues. It’s hard on the nose gear if you hit it fast. At night you can see it with lights. Slow to walking pace when crossing that section of E1. There’s no clear Notam warning about the surface condition.

EASA have extended their vague and inaccessible “Information Notes” for airspace risk in Israel and Iran to the end of January 2026. There are no content changes - both still advise operators to “take potential risk into account in their risk assessment and routing decisions.” The Israel note covers the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR and airspace within 100 NM of Egypt and Jordan, while the Iran note applies to the entire OIIX/Tehran FIR at all levels. The full text of these notes is not publicly viewable and remains locked to EASA’s internal portal, replacing the former public CZIBs issued after this year’s conflict. N-reg aircraft remain banned from Iranian airspace under FAA rules. For more info, check our article from Aug this year.

There was a military coup on Oct 14 following weeks of protests across the island. The military unit responsible has declared control of the country. The president has reportedly fled. A heavy military presence and gunfire was reported in the capital, Antananarivo. No new Notams have been issued for FMMI/Antananarivo yet, but the operational impact of the coup is still emerging. Short notice airport or airspace closures are possible. We advise a high degree of caution for crew security at this time.

Venezuela has placed its air defences on high alert after claiming five US F-35s were detected about 75km off the northern coast near Caracas on Oct 2. The military has since moved coastal air defence units, signalling increased vigilance along the SVZM/Maiquetia FIR boundary. There’s no change for overflights - the FAA’s FL260 restriction expired in 2023, and no countries currently have active airspace warnings for Venezuela. Airlines are flying as normal, but crews should stay alert for short-notice ATC measures and have diversion plans ready given poor ground security. Check the Dyami publication for more info.

Both ENGM/Oslo and EKCH/Copenhagen were shut for several hours overnight after multiple large drones were spotted near their airspace - Oslo for about three hours, Copenhagen for nearly four. Around 50 flights were diverted from Copenhagen, with additional diversions and delays at Oslo. Both airports are now open, though delays continue. Investigations are ongoing, and there is no confirmation yet whether the drones were linked to Russia or Ukraine. The incidents came just hours after Ukraine launched a large overnight drone attack on Moscow, in which Russian forces reported shooting down dozens of drones.

There was another alleged airspace incursion by Russian military aircraft on Sep 19 - this time in Estonia (the EETT/Tallinn FIR). The event occurred over the Gulf of Finland near the boundary with the ULLL/St Petersburg FIR. There have been a number of similar events in NATO member airspace in recent weeks. In response, NATO is carrying out additional military exercises in Eastern Europe. Spillover risks persist near Ukraine’s borders where air defence activity may occur without warning. Monitor safeairspace.net for updates.

IFALPA has issued an updated warning urging operators to suspend crew layovers in Caracas. They note that crews have been targeted and, in some cases, abducted. If a layover must go ahead, they recommend it should only happen with strict security measures in place, including safe transport and plans to extract crews quickly in case of unrest or attacks. Most foreign travel advisories agree that Caracas remains extremely dangerous, with high levels of violent crime, kidnappings, and civil unrest, and conditions can deteriorate without warning.

The FAA has issued a new Safety Alert (SAFO) for the risks of carrying lithium batteries in passenger compartments. These devices, including power banks and portable chargers, can self-ignite and cause onboard fires. There is an additional risk when these are stored in hidden or hard-to-access areas. The SAFO encourages proactive risk management, crew training in firefighting (including using water to cool batteries) and briefing passengers on safe storage. Our recent article also highlights that BizAv may be at increased risk.

The airport has reopened after a 24-hour shutdown caused by violent protests across the city. The closure halted all flights while the army secured the airport and city. Operations are now allowed, but tight security and a city-wide curfew remain in place. Expect delays from extra screening, restricted airfield movements, and possible last-minute changes if unrest flares again. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India canceled flights yesterday, so service will be limited for the next day or two as schedules recover.

Overnight on Sep 9-10, Polish and Nato aircraft shot down several Russian drones infringing the EPWW/Warsaw FIR during strikes against Ukraine. Airspace over EPWA/Warsaw, EPRZ/Rzeszow and EPLB/Lublin was closed temporarily due to ‘unplanned military activity’ but has since reopened. Flight tracking shows overflights avoiding the airspace east of Warsaw towards Belarus. Poland has held emergency security meetings and is coordinating with Nato, but any further response is still TBD. While there are no active warnings in place, Poland has seen several spillover incidents since the Ukraine-Russia war began in 2022, at times leading to temporary airspace restrictions.

The CAA has reported a significant increase in GPS interference in Swedish airspace over the past year - both over land and water. Poland and the Baltic States are also being affected. This is believed to originate from Russia (likely military jamming) which is often traced to sources such as Kaliningrad or St. Petersburg. The issue is being actively addressed in an upcoming ICAO Assembly at the end of the month. The extent, duration and nature of the interference continues to present a safety risk for all aircraft operating in the region.

Israel carried out a precision strike in Doha today targeting senior Hamas leadership, with smoke reported over parts of the city. The exact location isn’t confirmed, but OTHH/Hamad and nearby airports remain open, and flights still appear to be operating normally at the moment. No official closures or restrictions have been announced so far, but crews should stay alert for sudden changes such as temporary airspace restrictions or reroutes if the situation escalates. Qatar has condemned the strike, labelling it a violation of sovereignty. The US Embassy has instituted a shelter-in-place order for their facilities, and has also advised US citizens in Qatar to shelter in place. OPSGROUP members should check the #crew_lounge channel Slack for updates and to share info.

Kathmandu’s airport is closed today, with all domestic and international flights suspended after violent protests escalated overnight. Heavy smoke near the airport is also affecting visibility on the main southern approach. Protestors stormed government buildings, fires broke out across the city, and the Nepali Army has been deployed to provide security across the city and at the airport. No Notam has been published yet, but authorities confirm the shutdown is real and indefinite until the situation stabilizes. Crews should not plan ops into Nepal today.

New member report of GPS interference (possible spoofing). The event occurred in the north, after waypoint POGOK enroute to ENTC/Tromso, Norway. One FMS position froze, the other was recovered using IRS and DME. The event lasted approx 45 mins (aircraft type Gulfstream). ATC reported this is normal ops for the region. Expect similar events when operating near the border with Russia. These disruptions are more likely the result of Russian military GPS jamming (often traced to sources such as Kaliningrad and the St Petersburg region) spilling over into adjacent airspace.

EASA has downgraded its airspace warning for Iran. The previous Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), which advised operators to avoid Iranian airspace at all flight levels, has been withdrawn. It has been replaced by an information note recommending that operators conduct a thorough risk assessment before entry. This change appears linked to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, announced on June 23. The ceasefire has reduced immediate tensions, but if the conflict resumes, the risk to civil aviation could rise quickly - especially from sudden or uncoordinated military activity. The FAA continues to prohibit US operators from entering the OIIX/Tehran FIR at all levels. See safeairspace.net for more info.

Good news: Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire starting midnight local time on Monday July 28 (1700z), following five days of intense fighting along their shared border. Both sides have committed to reopening communication lines and setting up a monitoring mechanism to maintain the truce. While this is a major step toward de-escalation, the situation remains fragile - caution is still advised near the border region. No changes so far to the Phnom Penh FIR danger area (SFC–UNL). VDPF Notam A0092/25 remains active.

A major military escalation began on July 24 along the central Cambodia-Thailand border, approximately 100-150 NM north of VDSA/Siem Reap. Cross-border fighting has involved artillery exchanges and Thai airstrikes using F-16s. Both countries have activated danger areas along much of the border, with restrictions extending up to UNL. The Notams do not reference the conflict directly, but military activity may pose a hazard to civil aviation at all levels. Caution is advised throughout the region. Check our article for more info.

There’s major construction happening at the airport, including runway work and taxiway expansion. Some important changes are covered in the Notams (like the suspension of certain ILS and RNP approaches and some SIDs). But a few pretty critical operational details are missing, like the runway being shortened to 2300 meters, THR 27 being displaced by 900 meters, and the loss of key lighting systems. These aren’t mentioned in any Notams and are only published in SUPs 56/25 and 75/25. Crews relying just on Notams or ATIS won’t get warned about the shorter runway or displaced threshold.

A reminder for crews operating into Germany: the LBA Security Department is still carrying out unannounced security checks on business jets. These are not ramp checks but covert tests to see if crew follow proper access control procedures. An OPSGROUP member has reported that at EDDB/Berlin recently, two individuals boarded shortly after arrival, once passengers had disembarked, and asked to see the insurance certificate. One pilot was inside with the handler while the other was alone onboard - suggesting the timing may have been deliberate. We've had multiple reports of operators being charged over 300 euros for these inspections, with no option to opt out. Crews should question anyone trying to access the aircraft, and ensure one pilot remains onboard until departure. For more info on this issue, check our article.

A new state of emergency is in effect due to an alleged plot to criminally target government officials and public institutions. Authorities are especially concerned about the potential for robberies and kidnappings. There are no curfews in place, but police have the power to arrest and detain without a warrant. TTPP/Piarco airport itself has a recent history of violent crime (see our previous alerts). The US Dept of State continues to advise against travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to these kinds of risks - be wary of crew security at all times.

We’ve had another OPSGROUP member report on a recent incident at LFMN that highlights the risks of the strict APU restrictions there. After towing from the Kilo apron to a Stand, the aircraft experienced electrical issues when connected to the stand’s GPU. Several system warnings appeared, followed by a complete blackout. APU start was initially denied despite cabin overheating. A mobile GPU was then brought in but failed to supply power. By the time APU use was finally approved, key navigation and communication systems had been damaged. The flight departed under MEL and required extensive repairs, resulting in significant cost and disruption. Check Airport Spy for the full report.

EASA have revised their CZIBs for the Middle East, effective July 7. They have completely withdrawn their warnings for Israel and Jordan plus nearby airspace in the HECC/Cairo and OEJD/Jeddah FIRs. For Iran, they continue to recommend against flights at any level. For Iraq and Lebanon, they have reverted back to what they previously advised for these countries prior to the recent conflict; operators should avoid Iraq below FL320, and avoid Lebanon unless operating to/from OLBA/Beirut airport over water.

The Russian CAA has issued a warning about jet fuel contamination. Several incidents have occurred over the past two years involving fuel filter clogs. Samples taken revealed a number of nasties such as microorganisms, sulphur, paint particles and fibers which all indicate improper storage. Russia is one of the world’s suppliers of jet fuel. Several countries import the finished product - especially those in Central Asia (the Stans) along with China, Turkey, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Mongolia and Egypt. It is important to use certified fuel suppliers who comply with internationally recognised fuel handling standards. If there is any doubt, ask for paperwork.

Iran has reopened the western portion of its airspace to all flights during daylight hours, from 0500–1800 local time (0130–1430Z). Most major airports, including Tehran’s OIII/Mehrabad and OIIE/Khomeini, have also reopened. The eastern portion of the airspace had already reopened on June 26. While a small number of airlines have resumed overflights, the majority continue to avoid Iranian airspace, choosing instead to route north via the Caspian Sea or south via Saudi/Egypt. Several countries still have active airspace warnings in place, advising operators to avoid the OIIX/Tehran FIR entirely.

At least two rockets landed inside the airport perimeter on June 30. The airport authority previously reported that they landed in both military and civilian areas, but didn’t cause any significant damage. It’s not clear who was responsible. Several countries have long-standing airspace warnings for Iraq, including the US which prohibits US operators from overflying the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL320 due to risks posed by military activity, and militant attacks against airports. A thorough risk assessment is essential if planning stops here or at other airports, including ORBI/Baghdad.

Since June 24, there has been no full-scale resumption of fighting between Israel and Iran - the ceasefire appears to be holding. Normal ops are slowly resuming throughout the region as airspace restrictions have eased. Flight tracking shows that major carriers are once again transiting Iraq’s ORBB/Bahdad FIR using eastern airways UM860 and UM688. Iran has reopened the eastern portion of its OIIX/Tehran FIR, and its western part is now available for overflight traffic above FL245 with special permission. Lower risk routings are still available either north via the Caspian Sea, or south via Saudi/Egypt.

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