Safe Airspace – Conflict Zone and Risk Database

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Updates Alerts

South Sudan 21 Jan

Risk summary re-written and updated, primary risks, major events.

South Sudan 20 Jan

ICAO letter warning of poor levels of ATC provision for overflights below FL245 or for aircraft operating to HSSJ/Juba airport.

Western Sahara 07 Jan

GCCC/Canarias FIR airspace warning for Western Sahara extended to Jan 21, 2021.

Pakistan 01 Jan

US Notam updated, advice remains the same: exercise caution flying into or over Pakistan, particularly at low altitudes, due to the risk posed by small-arms fire, attacks against airports, indirect weapons fire and anti-aircraft fire by extremist/militant elements operating in the country.

Iraq 18 Dec

Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.

Yemen 18 Dec

Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.

Iran 18 Dec

Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.

Libya 16 Dec

Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.

Syria 16 Dec

Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.

Azerbaijan 16 Dec

Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.

Armenia 16 Dec

Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.

Syria 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC.

Mali 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC. Avoid GATB, GAGO, GAMB and GAKL airports; overflights should be at FL260 or above.

Libya 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC.

Egypt 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC. Sinai Peninsula presents a risk below FL260 for overflights and landings.

South Sudan 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC. Stay above FL260.

Somalia 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC. Do not operate to airports in Somalia, and do not overfly the airspace below FL260 except for UR401.

Iraq 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC. Overflights should be at FL260 or above.

Iran 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC.

Saudi Arabia 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC. Potential risk to overflying or landing anywhere in Saudi Arabia.

Yemen 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change from Notam to AIC.

Afghanistan 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC.

Pakistan 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC. Advice stands that overflights should be at FL260 and above.

North Korea 03 Dec

German warning updated, no change to guidance. Source change, moved from Notam to AIC. Potential risk to overflights of North Korean airspace (ZKKP FIR) due to launching of test missiles without prior notice.

Syria 27 Nov

Updated US FAA Notam, guidance remains the same: US operators are prohibited from entering the OSTT/Damascus FIR.

Syria 27 Nov

Updated US SFAR, advice remains the same: US operators are prohibited from entering the OSTT/Damascus FIR.

Western Sahara 20 Nov

New Conflict Zone south of Morocco

Western Sahara 19 Nov

New FAA Information Note on the Western Sahara Conflict

Ethiopia 17 Nov

Update to summary, concern over risk on airways adjacent to conflict.

Ethiopia 17 Nov

OPSGROUP Airspace Risk Warning added for Ethiopia/Eritrea - Tigray Conflict Zone

Eritrea 17 Nov

OPSGROUP Airspace Risk Warning added for Eritrea - Tigray Conflict Zone

Eritrea 16 Nov

Addition of Eritrea, missile attack on HHAS/Asmara, Level 2 warning.

Ethiopia 05 Nov

Closed airspace in the north of the country due to ongoing conflict.

Iran 29 Oct

New US SFAR: US operators are prohibited from overflying the OIIX/Tehran FIR.

Ukraine 23 Oct

Updated French AIC, adding two airways to the list of permitted routes for overflights (M435 and M861). Overflights of the UKFV and UKDV FIRs in the east of the country should only be planned over six Black Sea airways: M854, M856, M860, L851, M435, and M861

Ukraine 19 Oct

Updated US SFAR: the ban on US operators overflying the eastern part of the UKDV/Dnipropetrovsk FIR is extended for another year, but restrictions have now been completely lifted on overflights of the UKFV/Simferopol FIR.

Iraq 16 Oct

Updated US SFAR: US operators are prohibited from overflying the Baghdad FIR below FL320. However, the long running FAA Notam (KICZ A0036/20) which completely bans traffic at all levels still stands.

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.

Libya 27 Jul

US warning on Libyan airspace extended to March 2023.

Somalia 31 May

Country summary updated to include the shoot-down of an Embraer EMB-120 while on approach to Bardale.

Sudan 15 Jan

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

The security situation in the CAR is deteriorating rapidly.
A state of emergency has been declared due to post election violence. The Government of CAR has suspended use of all airspace by foreign governments and NGOs. For the second time, armed rebels attempted to enter the capital Bangui to overthrow the newly elected president. They got within six miles of the city before being pushed back by local and UN forces. The UN has admitted that the situation is reaching the limits of their protection.

ICAO have issued a letter warning of the risk to civil aircraft in the South Sudan region, below FL245, and into and out of HSSJ/Juba international airport. The letter raises concerns about ATC service disruptions and lack of qualified ATC personnel, the lack of contingencies in place, communication issues, the number of withdrawn navigation aids and above all, the lack of information being supplied to operators regarding these issues. They raise ‘grave concerns’ for the safety of international flights.

There was a major Israeli airstrike in Western Syria on Dec 25 near the border with Lebanon. Israel is giving nothing away, but there are reports that Syrian air defences intercepted a number of missiles while Israeli fighters allegedly transited Lebanese airspace at low level causing some alarm in Beirut. At least one commercial passenger jet was re-routed well away from the Lebanese coast by air traffic control due to safety concerns. Further strikes are likely, along with the use of air defence systems near the border with Lebanon – continue to monitor Safeairspace.net for updates.

An AIC has been re-issued warning crew that ILS interference continues to be a problem due to terrain. In a nutshell, if a signal is used outside of the published coverage areas it can lead to nasty stuff like false captures or excessive descent rates. Boeing aircraft seem to be the worst affected. Vehicles on the ground are also interfering with ILS signals, especially during single runway ops. The CAA recommend crew monitor raw data at all times and be prepared to intervene if you see excessive deviations.

The GCCC/Canarias FIR have renewed their warning for the airspace over Western Sahara, where there is an ongoing conflict between Morocco and the region’s independence movement (the Polisario). Canarias say aircraft on three major airways (UY601, UN728 and UT975) should avoid flying below FL200 due to a risk of anti-aircraft fire. In mid-Nov, the FAA advised that the Polisario may have access to anti-aircraft weaponry. The GOOO/Dakar FIR which also controls portions of Western Saharan airspace have yet to issue any warnings. One to watch if you’re planning flights to the Canaries, or overflying central Africa. Keep an eye on Safeairspace.net for updates.

The Ethiopian CAA has reopened an airway over the disputed Tigray region – M308 between RANSO and KONET. The news comes as Ethiopian forces claim to have captured the region’s capital, Mekelle. Our advice remains the same – just because it is open doesn’t mean it’s safe. We still believe a significant overflight risk exists on the airway which is in close proximity to an active conflict zone. Sporadic fighting continues and TPLF forces have vowed to continue ‘guerrilla warfare’ in the region. Further west, T124 between LABLA and ALRAP remains closed. Use extreme caution if operating in the area.

There are reports of flight disruptions at the airport due to ongoing security operations in the city. Some flights have been held or diverted to OEMA/Medina. Tensions are high as an oil tanker was attacked with explosives in the port yesterday which is believed to be the work of Houthi Rebels. Authorities believe further attacks are possible which may include rockets or drones. A Notam has been issued that GPS jamming may occur near the airport causing delays (OEJN A1702/20 refers). If operating there be on alert as the security situation may change quickly.

There was a major rocket attack in the capital on Saturday – a total of ten were fired from a car with three rockets landing near the airport. A parked aircraft was reportedly damaged by a ‘ricocheting piece of shell’. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack which is the second one to happen in less than a month. Violence has escalated recently with continued tension between the Government and Taliban. Militants are showing an active interest in targeting civilians – more attacks can be expected.

The FAA has issued a new safety alert for the carriage of dry ice. Essentially crew are likely to be carrying a lot more of it than usual due to large shipments of the Covid vaccine. In big quantities it can be hazardous to crew and cause carbon dioxide poisoning if things aren’t handled properly. It is also important to be aware of manufacturer limits on how much you can carry. The new SAFO provides guidance on the risks, and how operators can better protect themselves. You can read it in full by clicking the link.

The GCCC/Canarias FIR have renewed their warning for the airspace over Western Sahara, where there in an ongoing conflict between Morocco and the region’s independence movement (the Polisario). Canarias say aircraft on three major airways (UY601, UN728 and UT975) should avoid flying below FL200 due to a risk of anti-aircraft fire. In mid-Nov, the FAA advised that the Polisario may have access to anti-aircraft weaponry. The GOOO/Dakar FIR which also controls portions of Western Saharan airspace have yet to issue any warnings. One to watch if you’re planning flights to the Canaries, or overflying central Africa. Keep an eye on Safeairspace.net for updates.

Improving airspace safety picture along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. No new reports of fighting since the peace agreement in mid-Nov. With the conflict now over, Azerbaijan has cancelled its Notam warning of the threat posed by missiles, and has re-opened its airspace along the border with Armenia. Direct crossing traffic is now technically possible again, but most East-West flights are currently still electing to go further north instead (connecting between Azerbaijan and Georgia’s airspace, avoiding Armenia). More info at SafeAirspace.net

Improving airspace safety picture along the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. No new reports of fighting since the peace agreement in mid-Nov. With the conflict now over, Azerbaijan has cancelled its Notam warning of the threat posed by missiles, and has re-opened its airspace along the border with Armenia. Direct crossing traffic is now technically possible again, but most East-West flights are currently still electing to go further north instead (connecting between Azerbaijan and Georgia’s airspace, avoiding Armenia). More info at SafeAirspace.net

Multiple rockets were fired by TPLF militia across the border into Eritrea over the weekend, targeting Asmara. At least six rockets hit the city and airport. The TPLF have also reportedly shot down an Ethiopian fighter jet. The news broke shortly after the Ethiopian Government claimed victory in the war by re-taking the region’s capital, Mekelle. It appears the conflict isn’t over, as the TPLF have vowed to continue fighting. Northern Ethiopia’s airspace is dangerous – there is significant overflight risk on open airways and limited airspace warnings. Operate there with caution.

Multiple rockets were fired by TPLF militia across the border into Eritrea over the weekend, targeting Asmara. At least six rockets hit the city and airport. The TPLF have also reportedly shot down an Ethiopian fighter jet. The news broke shortly after the Ethiopian Government claimed victory in the war by re-taking the region’s capital, Mekelle. It appears the conflict isn’t over, as the TPLF have vowed to continue fighting. Northern Ethiopia’s airspace is dangerous – there is significant overflight risk on open airways and limited airspace warnings. Operate there with caution.

Reports of a missile attack carried out this morning on a site on the northern outskirts of Jeddah. Houthi rebels in Yemen are claiming responsibility, and the US Embassy has published an Alert. Jeddah is well north of the Yemeni border, where most of the missile and drone attacks regularly take place. Serves as another reminder that the Houthis do target major metropolitan centers further north, including Jeddah and Riyadh. The situation remains volatile – remain well clear of southern regions and continue to monitor safeairspace.net for updates.

A new conflict zone is emerging in Western Sahara. The country is split down the middle - Morocco controls the west, and the region’s independence movement, the Polisario, controls the east. The Polisario declared war on Morocco this week. The FAA Threat Analysis Division has since published a note warning that the Polisario likely have access to anti-aircraft weaponry which may pose an inadvertent risk to civil aircraft up to FL120. Western Sahara does not control its own airspace - it falls within both the GCCC/Canarias and the GOOO/Dakar FIRs, which may complicate airspace management should the conflict escalate. There are no solid airspace warnings here yet, but the FAA’s advice for aircraft operating in the region is to stay in touch with ATC and be prepared for possible airspace restrictions and reroutes.

Violent political protests this week across the country. Sixteen people have been killed over the past two days in the capital, Kampala, where security forces fired live ammunition to disperse protests. These protests are likely to increase in the run up to elections in Jan 2021. The US have issued several security alerts, including a warning recommending people avoid wearing clothing that might be perceived as military while in Uganda - so be cautious of wearing crew uniform away from the airport.

The situation in Northern Ethiopia is still volatile. The government’s military offensive is underway and heavy fighting is happening throughout the heavily armed Tigray region. There are reports that multiple airstrikes have been carried out on the state capital Mekelle. All communications are still down in the region, and so good information is hard to find. Word on the street is that the government is beginning to have the upper hand. For now the risk to aviation is high – open airways are very close to the active conflict zone. See our article for more.

A major military offensive is about to get underway in Northern Ethiopia, which the prime minister describes as ‘final and conclusive.’ The deadline for rebelling forces to surrender has expired, and the operation will likely launch from the neighbouring region of Amhara. Foreigners are being evacuated ahead of what may become a drawn-out civil war. Both sides have weapons capable of shooting down aircraft, and the situation is extremely volatile. We believe the risk to civil aviation is high – check out our latest article for a full brief on the situation.

There has been a major escalation of the conflict in Tigray. Multiple airports have been targeted by rockets. Missiles were fired across the border into Eritrea, targeting HHAS/Asmara. While in Ethiopia, HABD/Bahir Dar and HAGN/Gondar were also attacked (both outside of the main conflict zone). Tigray’s ruling party has claimed responsibility and has vowed to internationalize the fight and destabilize the region. Security alerts have been issued – even Addis Ababa is not out of reach. The airspace over Tigray remains closed but operate in Ethiopia and Eritrea with caution as the situation is evolving rapidly.

The situation in the Northern Tigray region is deteriorating rapidly. Thousands are attempting to flee the conflict between the military and Tigray’s ruling faction. Multiple airstrikes have continued, while roads and communication have been completely cut off. All airports in the region remain closed, along with the airspace above them. Local authorities are reportedly ‘overwhelmed’ and cannot maintain order. While airspace in the rest of Ethiopia remains open, continue to monitor developments closely as the outbreak of civil war remains likely.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed an agreement to end military conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, effective today, but the situation still remains volatile. Azerbaijan admitted to mistakenly shooting down a Russian military helicopter yesterday, and there are some media reports today suggesting that Azeri forces shoot down Armenian ballistic missiles near the capital, Baku. ADEKI on the Georgia/Azerbaijan border remains the only waypoint open for east-west flights, but until the conflict is over for sure, consider just getting a Russian overflight permit and routing further north.

Heavy fighting has continued in the northern region of Tigray, between the Ethiopian Army and the region’s ruling party. The situation has escalated as a number of ballistic missiles were stolen from an army base last week. Multiple airstrikes have been carried out to destroy the weapons, but it is unclear if they have been successful. Two airways near the border with Eritrea are closed: M308 (between RANSO and KONET) and T124 (between LABLA and ALRAP). All aircraft transiting between the HAAA/Addis Ababa and HHAA/Asmara FIRs must do so via BOPSA. The CAA have also closed four airports until further notice – HAMK/Mekelle, SHC/Shire, HAAX/Axum and HAHU/Humera. Continue to monitor safeairspace.net for further updates.

Despite the drop in traffic this year, Eurocontrol is still getting daily reports of GPS jamming in the eastern Mediterranean. The hotspot seems to be the LCCC/Nicosia FIR airspace over Cyprus extending through to LLBG/Tel Aviv, although there have been reports as far north as Italy, as well as Turkey and Egypt. The leading assumption is that the disruption comes from military ops in the region - particularly Syria. Also some reports of GPS “spoofing” (i.e. fake GPS signals) across the region, but mainly around military exercises and conflict areas. Caution if operating here - you cannot rely on GPS reception.

There is serious unrest in the Afar region in the east of Ethiopia, bordering Somalia and Djibouti, as different states fight over this disputed area. Airspace warnings are in place over Somalia, but travel alerts for general travel here have also been increased due to the current situation, with the UK recommending against all but essential travel. HADR/Dire Dawa and HAJJ/Jijiga airports are pretty close to the danger zone, so keep a close eye on latest developments for ops into either of those.

The US FAA has published a new Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for Iran. It gives a lot of background info and in-depth detail of the airspace risk here, but it’s basically just a longer version of their old KICZ Notam A0002/20, and the rules haven’t changed - US operators are prohibited from overflying the OIIX/Tehran FIR. As per KICZ Notam A0016/20, flights can continue in the overwater airspace in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman just outside of Iran’s airspace, but operators should exercise caution and avoid the airways nearest to the OIIX/Tehran FIR whenever possible. More info at Safeairspace.net.

The US FAA has published a new Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for Iran. It gives a lot of background info and in-depth detail of the airspace risk here, but it’s basically just a longer version of their old KICZ Notam A0002/20, and the rules haven’t changed - US operators are prohibited from overflying the OIIX/Tehran FIR. As per KICZ Notam A0016/20, flights can continue in the overwater airspace in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman just outside of Iran’s airspace, but operators should exercise caution and avoid the airways nearest to the OIIX/Tehran FIR whenever possible. More info at Safeairspace.net.

The annual lantern festival is taking place this weekend. Although celebrated everywhere in Thailand, the folks up north really get into it. The authorities there have said that lanterns are only allowed to be released between 19-01 local time (12-18z) on the nights of Oct 31 and Nov 1. But they say that every year, and the rules aren’t always followed! So a heads-up that if you’re planning on operating to VTCC/Chiang Mai or nearby VTCT/Chiang Rai on these days (particularly after sunset) you might need to re-plan. Each year at VTCC/Chiang Mai, hundreds of lanterns regularly drop into the airport compound, and this year, multiple flights have already been rescheduled or cancelled during this period.

Attacks by Houthi rebels earlier this week, targeting OEAH/Abha and OEGN/Jizan airports along the Yemeni-Saudi border. On Oct 28, the US Embassy warned of a possible attack on Riyadh, before rescinding the warning a few hours later. For overflights of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR and hear ‘SCATANA RULES ARE NOW ACTIVE’ you need to be aware that these apply to you! You will likely be given a change of route directly out of the airspace, or will be directed to land at the nearest suitable aerodrome. The purpose is to clear the affected airspace of all civilian aircraft at which point they close down all nav aids and airports until the threat has been dealt with. Long standing airspace warnings remain in place for Saudi Arabia, with significant risk particularly if intending to operate in southern regions. For more info, check our article.

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