Safe Airspace – Conflict Zone and Risk Database

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Mali 17 Sep

Updated German Notam, guidance remains the same: Avoid GATB, GAGO, GAMB and GAKL airports; overflights should be at FL260 or above.

South Sudan 17 Sep

Updated German Notam, advice remains the same: Overflights should be at FL260 or above.

Libya 14 Sep

Updated German Notam, guidance remains the same: operators are prohibited from overflying Libyan airspace. Do not enter any part of the HLLL/Tripoli FIR at any flight level.

North Korea 09 Sep

Updated German Notam, advice remains unchanged: there is a potential risk to overflights of North Korean airspace (ZKKP FIR) due to launching of test missiles without prior notice.

North Korea 07 Sep

US extends ban on flights in North Korea's ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR to September 2023.

Mali 20 Aug

Country Summary updated: Bamako Airport has reopened following last week’s military coup which overthrew the government, overflights remain unaffected.

Yemen 14 Aug

German Notam updated, advice remains the same: German operators are prohibited from operating on airways over the Yemen landmass within the OYSC/Sanaa FIR.

Egypt 11 Aug

Updated German Notam: Entire Sinai Peninsula presents a risk below FL260 for overflights and landings, with a particular focus on the northern part.

Saudi Arabia 31 Jul

German Notam updated, advice remains the same: Potential risk to overflying or landing anywhere in Saudi Arabia, but particularly along the border with Yemen in the southwest part of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR.

Somalia 30 Jul

German Notam updated, advice remains the same: Do not operate to airports in Somalia, and do not overfly the airspace below FL260 except for UR401.

Iraq 30 Jul

Germany Notam updated, advice remains the same: overflights should be at FL260 or above.

Iran 30 Jul

Germany Notam updated, advice remain the same: exercise caution in the Tehran FIR due to risk posed by anti-aircraft weaponry.

Pakistan 30 Jul

German Notam updated, advice remains the same: potential risk of attacks at all airports in Pakistan.

Libya 27 Jul

US warning on Libyan airspace extended to March 2023.

Afghanistan 27 Jul

German Notam updated, advice remains the same: overflights should be at FL330 or above.

Armenia 23 Jul

Country summary updated: new warning advising caution in the UDDD/Yerevan FIR due to escalation in military ops along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan including anti-aircraft weaponry.

Azerbaijan 23 Jul

Country summary updated: new warning advising caution in the UBBA/Baku FIR due to escalation in military ops along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan including anti-aircraft weaponry.

United Arab Emirates 23 Jul

Updated UAE Notam, warning remains the same: risk from Houthi weapons in Yemen targeting UAE territory

Azerbaijan 23 Jul

New French AIC: Operators should not overfly the border region with Armenia in the western part of Azerbaijan west of 47’20 East longitude, except for certain airways in the far north of the UBBA/Baku FIR at FL340 or above.

Armenia 23 Jul

New French AIC: Operators should not overfly Armenia east of 44’45 East longitude.

Azerbaijan 17 Jul

New German Notam: caution advised in the UBBA/Baku FIR due to escalation in military ops along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan including anti-aircraft weaponry.

Armenia 17 Jul

New German Notam: caution advised in the UDDD/Yerevan FIR due to escalation in military ops along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan including anti-aircraft weaponry.

Syria 29 Jun

German Notam updated, guidance remains the same: Flights are prohibited in Syrian airspace.

Iraq 17 Jun

Updated Ukraine Notam: Ukranian operators are prohibited from overflying Iraq

Iran 17 Jun

Updated Ukraine Notam: Ukranian operators are prohibited from overflying Iran

Iran 20 May

UK Notam extended, advice remains the same: UK operators should not overfly the Tehran FIR below 25,000ft AGL

Iraq 22 Apr

UK operators should not overfly the Baghdad FIR, except on airways UL602 to ALPET, UM860 and UM688, when operating above 25,000ft AGL.

Syria 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: Operators should avoid Syrian airspace.

Mali 09 Apr

New French AIC with new advice for Mali: overflights should be at or above FL320 in the part of the Niamey FIR (DRRR) located above the Malian territory.

Libya 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: French operators should avoid Libya airspace.

Sudan 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice changed: minimum flight level raised from FL200 to FL260 in the airspace in the far southern and western edges of the country.

South Sudan 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: Overflights should be at FL260 or above, in the part of the HSSS/Sudan FIR above South Sudan.

Somalia 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: Overflights should be at FL260 or above.

Ukraine 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: Overflights of the UKFV and UKDV FIRs in the east of the country should only be on four airways: M854, M856, M860 and L851.

Iraq 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: Overflights should only be on airways UM860 and UM688, and UL602 between TASMI and ALPET. Fly at or above FL320.

Iran 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, new guidance: 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.

Saudi Arabia 09 Apr

New French AIC, advice remains the same: Exercise caution in Saudi airspace, particularly in the southwest of the FIR; and do no operate to OEAB/Abha, OEGN/Jazan, OENG/Nejran, OESH/Sharurah, OEWD/Wadi Al Dawasir and OEBH/Bisha airports.

Yemen 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: Operators should avoid Yemeni airspace.

Afghanistan 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: Overflights should be at FL260 or above.

Pakistan 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: Overflights should be at FL260 or above.

North Korea 09 Apr

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: caution advised for all North Korea overflights, especially in the maritime part over the Sea of Japan

Egypt 30 Mar

US Notam updated, advice remains unchanged: avoid overflying the Sinai Peninsula below FL260; if planning to do so, provide 3 days notice to the FAA.

Egypt 30 Mar

Updated US FAA Background Notice, advice remains the same: Avoid overflying the Sinai Peninsula below FL260.

Afghanistan 28 Mar

Updated US Notam, advice remains the same: Stick to airways, and maintain FL330 or higher. If you have to land at airports in the country, minimise ground time; aircraft on the ground have been damaged or destroyed by indirect rocket or mortar fire from militant attacks.

Iraq 12 Mar

Iraq country summary updated to reflect the new airspace ban issued by the US FAA on Mar 12

Syria 07 Feb

Risk summary updated

Sudan 15 Jan

Country summary updated to include the temporary closure of HSSS/Khartoum on 14 Jan 2020 following armed clashes near the airport.

Iran 10 Jan

Following the shoot-down of Ukraine Int Airlines flight 752 in Tehran on Jan 8, multiple countries have issued airspace bans on Iran, and most airlines are now avoiding the entire Tehran FIR. This means that for aircraft operators, the Tehran FIR should be a no-fly area.

Libya 25 Nov

In Nov 2019, militia advancing on the capital, Tripoli, declared a no-fly-zone around the city, and there is now a very real chance that they will shoot-down civil aircraft attempting to fly to HLLM/Tripoli Mitiga airport.

Egypt 20 Jul

British Airways suspends Cairo operations for one week due to security concerns

Japan 27 May

US warning for Sea of Japan expired, no current warnings for Japan.

Venezuela 16 May

Ongoing political and social crisis in Venezuela. On 1st May 2019, the US FAA issued a new “Do Not Fly” instruction to US operators, barring all operations into or over Venezuela, unless operating at or above FL260, and giving a window of 48 hours to leave the country.

North Korea 10 May

Saudi Arabia 01 May

Minor update to summary

United Arab Emirates 15 Apr

Summary updated to reflect latest threat made by Houthi rebels in Yemen to target UAE.

Pakistan 21 Feb

Chad 31 Dec

South Sudan 31 Dec

Kenya 31 Dec

Somalia 31 Dec

Country summary updated to include the possible shoot-down of an Embraer EMB-120 while on approach to Bardale airstrip on May 4, 2020.

Ukraine 31 Dec

Added Crimea risk

Cyprus 31 Dec

Yemen 31 Dec

Afghanistan 31 Dec

Philippines 31 Dec

The airport has come under direct fire twice in the past week. On Sunday, the airport was shelled by three Katyusha rockets which caused minor damage. Another one was fired yesterday targeting US military interests from a nearby suburb. It is unclear who was responsible. There have also been several attacks in recent weeks inside the Green Zone where the US embassy is located. The risk to aviation within the Baghdad FIR remains severe. The FAA continues to prohibit US operators from flying there.

Saudi air defences have intercepted an explosive drone believed to be targeting OEAB/Abha airport. Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack, reporting that multiple explosive drones had been fired at the airport, causing damage to airport infrastructure and flight disruptions for many hours. No casualties have been reported but the threat remains highly concerning to civil aviation. Militia continue to target civilian interests in Saudi Arabia, with multiple attacks reported in the preceding months including on Riyadh. Long standing airspace warnings remain in place, with significant risk particularly if intending to operate in southern regions.

The US embassy has issued a security alert reporting that extremists have been planning to randomly kidnap foreigners in N’djamena, and in neighbouring Northern Cameroon. It is unclear what the alleged timing or method is, however kidnapping events may occur in major cities. International flights have resumed in Chad and foreigners have been permitted to enter since early August. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. The US department of state maintains its second highest level of travel warning for Chad – basically only go there if you have too.

Syrian air defences intercepted multiple missiles that were targeting an air force base near the city of Homs (80nm north of OSDI/Damascus). They were reportedly fired by Israeli forces. There were no casualties, but heavy damage was sustained on properties in the surrounding area. There have been several similar attacks earlier in the year which have presented significant risks to civil aviation, including an A320 that was actively fired upon. Multiple airspace warnings remain in place, including a total flight ban by the US FAA. In short, don’t fly to Syria, or overfly the country.

There have been large protests at the country’s major airports on Monday, including DNMM/Lagos, DNMA/Maiduguri, DNKN/Kano, DNPO/Port Harcourt and DNAA/Abuja. Hundreds of air transport industry workers have gathered and entered terminal buildings to protest the government’s concession plan for airports. They have so far remained peaceful, however continued disruptions on roads around the airports are expected as security forces are deployed to disperse them. The protests remain ongoing. Aircraft movements have so far not been affected, however the US State Department continues to recommend that all foreigners avoid large gatherings in Nigeria and maintain awareness of their personal security.

The Philippines CAA temporarily closed RPMJ/Jolo airport after nearby bombings on Aug 24 killed 15 people. Now authorities are stepping up security measures nationwide as a result, to include Manila city and RPLL/Manilla airport - expect heightened security in the short term including checkpoints to prevent a spillover of attacks. Jolo is located in the part of the Philippines where martial law has been in place since early 2017 due to terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups (i.e. everywhere in western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago). Check the detailed advice from the UK FCO before travelling here.

An update on the Armenia-Azerbaijan airspace warnings, following clashes along the northern border in mid-July. The airspace warning initially issued by Germany was rescinded on July 31. However, the warning issued by France has been incorporated into the the big AIC they keep with airspace warnings for various different countries around the world. Essentially, France says that operators should not overfly Armenia east of 44’45 East longitude; or Azerbaijan west of 47’20 East longitude except for certain airways in the far north of the UBBA/Baku FIR at FL340 or above. In related news, Azerbaijan has extended the airspace closure along the northern border with Armenia until Sept 18, which means that all east-west airways between the two countries remain closed. More info in our article.

There has been a turnaround in the border situation in Mali as regards air travel at least, as Bamako Airport is set to officially reopen again within the hour. Notam A1360/20 was issued at 2259Z on Thursday (10 minutes ago at time of this alert). A decision was made earlier today to reopen the airport, and this appears to be the confirmation, though monitor GOOO and GABS Notams for further - it may change. The night curfew continues. Bamako ACC remains operational with overflights unaffected. ICAO continue to monitor. MedAire have given us a local situation update: an opposition protest is planned for the city tomorrow, and with the continuing uncertainty they recommend against overnights until things settle. There is likely to be a high demand for emergency/evac flights in the coming days, and they recommend those to be quick in and outs for now.

The military leaders behind yesterday’s coup have declared that Mali’s air and land borders will be closed until further notice, and have imposed a night curfew. There are no indications yet on exactly how this will be enforced and for how long. The Notam advising that GABS/Bamako airport is closed has now expired, but local agents have said that the airport will remain closed until Aug 26 at the earliest. The latest update from ICAO is that the Bamako ACC is operational, ATC service as normal, and the airspace remains open at this time. The Bamako TMA sits under the DRRR/Niamey FIR, and overflights are unaffected. In the meantime, Bamako remains in a state of civil unrest with sporadic gunfire reported. State issued security warnings remain in place.

Update from ICAO, who are monitoring the situation in Mali. GABS/Bamako Airport is confirmed closed, as per Notam A1354/20. However, Bamako ACC is operational, ATC service as normal, and the airspace remains open at this time. The Bamako TMA sits under the DRRR/Niamey FIR, and overflights are unaffected. ICAO is actively monitoring and ensuring that there is a timely flow of information on continued airspace/ATC service availability. Armed troops have been moving freely throughout the streets of Bamako, while there are reports of citizens firing machine guns into the air. Multiple states have issued security alerts including the US embassy which is advising citizens to shelter in place.

A military coup has overthrown the government, resulting in both the President and Prime Minister being detained. The President has since resigned, and it now appears that the military is in control of the country. GABS/Bamako is currently closed (GABS A1354/20 refers), and a spokesperson for the military has announced that all air and land borders are now closed "until further notice". IATA are reporting that overflights are still ok, and that the Bamako ACC Upper Traffic Area (UTA) remains operational. Armed troops have been moving freely throughout the streets of Bamako, while there are reports of citizens firing machine guns into the air. Multiple states have issued security alerts including the US embassy which is advising citizens to shelter in place.

The risk to civil aviation remains high in Iraq. There have been multiple rocket attacks in the last few days. On August 14 both Balad Airbase (40nm north of ORBI/Baghdad) and ORBI/Baghdad itself were attacked by multiple Katyusha rockets fired by local militia. On August 15, multiple rockets were fired at Camp Taji (a US military base 20 nm north of ORBI/Baghdad) while the US embassy was targeted by at least two more rockets on August 16. There have been no reported casualties but further attacks targeting US military and foreign interests are expected. More info about the risks of operating to or over Iraq can be found at SafeAirspace.net

It has been an eventful weekend in Mogadishu for terrorism. Al Shabaab militants have attacked multiple districts seemingly at random with grenades which affected more than half the city. In the meantime, a bomb was detonated at the Elite Hotel (4 miles from HCMM/Aden Adde), before heavily armed gunmen entered and took several guests hostage. Seventeen people were killed in the resulting siege. The security situation in Somalia remains highly volatile to both civilians and aircraft. The FAA has banned US operators from flying there until at least 2023, while the government has issued its highest level of travel warning to US citizens - clearly with good reason.

Two very large explosions occurred at the Port of Beirut on Tuesday, 5nm North of OLBA/Beirut. There are reports of mass casualties, thousands of injuries and extensive damage to central districts. It is believed that the explosions were caused by stored chemicals or explosives. A large fire is still burning, and official advice is to remain indoors, and keep windows closed. Expect significant disruptions in the city in the near term. The US embassy in Lebanon has issued a security alert to all US citizens located there.

The US FAA have extended the airspace warning on Libya to March 2023, and have incorporated their old KICZ Notam into the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR 112). That means the SFAR is now the one and only place to go to get the US guidance on Libya. Here’s the rule: US operators are prohibited from overflying the HLLL/Tripoli FIR except for altitudes at or above FL300 “outside of Libyan territorial airspace” - which is basically the international airspace over the southern Mediterranean Sea that is managed by Libya.

Germany has published new airspace warnings for Azerbaijan and Armenia, following clashes along the northern border. Germany has published a Notam for each country, advising caution in the UBBA/Baku and UDDD/Yerevan FIRs due to escalation in military ops along the border including anti-aircraft weaponry. The recent flare-up in hostilities, which reportedly involved exchanges of artillery fire between the two countries, came despite a ceasefire agreement established on July 15. Both sides blamed the other for the resumption of hostilities, with military positions and villages being targeted on both sides of the border. Artillery exchanges lasted for less than 24 hours, but further clashes in the area are possible in the near term, and tensions between the two countries remains high. Check SafeAirspace.net for more info.

There was a ballistic missile strike at Marib, approximately 150 kms/80nm East of OYSN/Sanaa on July 14. The missile was fired by Houthi rebels and was targeting civilians but caused no reported casualties. Further missile, rocket and explosive UAV strikes are likely to target major urban centres in Yemen in the near future and present a risk for any civil operator in the OYSC/Sanaa FIR. Multiple nations including Germany, France and the US have prohibited flights in Yemeni airspace, although the US still allows operators to utilise oceanic airways UT702 (in the Gulf of Aden off the southern coast) and M999 (in the Red Sea off the western coast).

Make sure you’re playing by the rules in China. The US embassy has published a new security alert for US citizens. Recent political tensions have led to reports of arbitrary punishments of US citizens who violate local laws. These can include detainment without explanation (and no access to consular assistance), interrogation, exit bans or deportation. The official advice is to ask the police or prison officials to contact the embassy immediately if you find yourself detained or accused of a crime.

More reports of explosive drones fired into Saudi Arabia from Yemen. Saudi media are reporting that four were intercepted in Yemeni airspace, however Houthi media are reporting that the drones actually hit their target – an ‘operations room’ at OENG/Najran Airport which is located in the south, 400kms from the border with Yemen. Another attack occurred at an Air Force Base nearby. Riyadh has also been targeted in the recent past. Similar attacks are expected to continue and are being used to target airports (OEJD Notam A0716/20 refers). Various warnings remain in place to aircraft operating in both the OYSC/Sanaa and OEJD/Jeddah FIRs.

There have been multiple IED attacks in Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde. Three separate bombings have occurred in the previous few weeks, the most recent located near the US embassy, wounding 20 people. It is unclear who is responsible but it is likely the work of political separatists. There has been mounting insecurity in the city recently, with heavy police and military presence. Cameroon remains a dangerous place for all foreigners with the US embassy issuing multiple security alerts for kidnappings and bombings.

There are reports of an explosive drone attack on buildings in Riyadh. A large number of the devices were fired by militia on June 22 who were specifically targeting civilians. No new airspace warnings have been issued but the general advice is that there is risk to both over flying and landing aircraft in Saudi Arabia. Further attacks are expected. There is also a danger that these types of devices can be used to target airports, as has happened on several occasions over the past year (OEJD Notam W0438/18 refers).

On June 15 three more rockets landed near Baghdad Airport. Iraqi military reported no damage or casualties, but they subsequently located a number of rocket launchers and ammunition set up on platforms in a rural area near the airport. This has followed a string of similar incidents in the previous week including on June 8 when multiple rockets were fired into the grounds of the airport. (And a correction to our previous alert on Iraq - the FAA prohibits US operators from overflying the Baghdad FIR at any flight level!)

Another aircraft has been shot at in southwest Somalia - this one coming under fire on approach to Qansaxdheere airport. Multiple bullet holes on the cabin and wings, but no casualties - the plane landed and everyone disembarked safely. This follows an incident earlier this month where an aircraft crashed while on approach to Bardale airstrip, in the same region. In that case, the aircraft was mistakenly shot down by Ethiopian forces stationed in the area. It’s not yet clear if this latest incident was another accidental shooting, or an intentional attack carried out by al-Shabab militants - but either way, this region should be avoided.

The Tanzanian military has deployed additional troops at the Mozambique border to boost security amid increased insurgent activity in Cabo Delgado province. In the past month, insurgent activity reportedly killed at least 50 people in this region, with the UN recording at least 28 attacks and over 400 people killed since the start of 2020. The place to avoid is the area around FQMP/Mocimboa Da Praia airport - that’s the bit where the UK FCO advise against all travel. Fun fact about Mozambique - it’s the only country in the world that has an AK-47 assualt rifle depicted on its national flag.

North Korea has fired several missiles towards the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea's military. No-one seems to know for sure if they were ballistic missiles (the ones that go up into space and then back down again, spraying debris all over international airways) or cruise missiles (the ones that fly at low altitudes making them hard to detect). Either way, they’re still launching missiles, and they’re still not providing any warning by Notam, and that = risk. Several countries have warnings in place for North Korean airspace, including the US which prohibits flights across the entire the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR, including the oceanic part over the Sea of Japan.

The FAA has tonight issued an emergency order banning US operators from overflying Iraq with immediate effect. The KICZ Notam says this is due to heightened militia activities and increased tensions in Iraq, which present a risk to civil aviation operations due to the potential for miscalculation or mis-identification. This announcement comes after US warplanes hit militia weapons storage facilities in southern Iraq in a strike designed to destroy rockets like those fired at US troops earlier this week.

Two suicide bombings outside the US embassy in the Tunisian capital today, killing a policeman and injuring several others. Tunisia has suffered a spate of terrorist attacks in recent years, as its porous borders with Algeria and Libya have allowed militants to leave and return, but this is the most serious incident in the past few months. A state of emergency is in effect in Tunisia, imposed after a suicide attack on a police bus in Nov 2015. It’s been extended a number of times, most recently in Jan effective through 29 April 2020.

The US has upgraded its travel advisory for Haiti to the highest level - Do Not Travel. The updated advisory reads as follows - “Violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, is common. Kidnapping is widespread. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities. Victims have included U.S. citizens. Demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Emergency response, including ambulance service, is limited or non-existent. Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. The U.S. Embassy requires its personnel to use official transportation to and from the airport. Robbers and carjackers have attacked private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women driving alone.”

Another near-miss in Syria last night. Two civilian planes bound for Qatar reportedly had to change course to avoid getting hit by Syrian air defense missiles which were repelling an attack by Israeli fighter jets. These incidents seem to be on the rise - Israel targets Syria with missiles, Syria fires its own missiles to stop them, and civilian aircraft get caught in the cross-fire. Russia actually accuses the Israeli military of intentionally putting flights like this at risk, by using them as a “shield” for their missile strikes on targets in Syria.

On Mar 2, North Korea launched two missiles into the Sea of Japan - the country’s first weapons test in three months. As usual, they didn’t publish a Notam to warn anyone about it in advance. The South Koreans are saying the missiles travelled around 150 nm, and landed outside of Japanese waters. The US prohibits flights across all North Korean airspace, including the oceanic part of the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR over the Sea of Japan. Germany, France and the UK also caution against flying through North Korean airspace.

The US FAA have now issued an updated Background Notice to go along with the new Notam they published yesterday, advising that US operators are now permitted to overfly Iraq at FL320 or above. They say there has been a de-escalation in military activity and diminishing political tensions in the region, but there’s still a risk at the lower flight levels from armed militias who are likely responsible for multiple recent attacks on US armed forces in Iraq, as well as rocket attacks targeting the US Embassy and ORBI/Baghdad International Airport.

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