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Updates Alerts
Ukraine 20 May
France Notam extended: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova; should also not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Russia 20 May
France Notam extended: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova; should also not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Belarus 20 May
France Notam extended: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova; should also not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Moldova 20 May
France Notam extended: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova; should also not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Ukraine 18 May
UK Notam extended: UK operators are prohibited from Ukrainian airspace.
Moldova 17 May
Country summary updated: Moldova expands section of open airspace on their western border with the LRBB/Bucharesti FIR for flights to LUKK/Chisinau airport.
Moldova 17 May
Moldova updated AIP SUP: In Moldova's airspace (the LUUU/Chisinau FIR) there is now an expanded section of airspace along the western border with the LRBB/Bucharesti FIR that is open for flights to LUKK/Chisinau airport.
Somalia 11 May
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Ukraine 10 May
Ukraine Notam extended: Ukraine has closed its airspace to all civil flights due to Russian military invasion and ongoing conflict.
Ukraine 05 May
Updated Germany Notam, no change to warning: German operators are prohibited from Ukrainian airspace.
Russia 05 May
Germany Notam updated, no change to warning: German operators should not operate in the airspace of Russia and Belarus within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Belarus 05 May
Germany Notam updated, no change to warning: German operators should not operate in the airspace of Russia and Belarus within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Syria 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Do not enter Syrian airspace.
Mali 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Avoid GATB, GAGO, GAMB and GAKL airports; overflights should be at FL260 or above.
Libya 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Operators should avoid Libyan airspace.
Egypt 21 Apr
Germany AIC updated, no change to guidance: Sinai Peninsula presents a risk below FL260 for overflights and landings.
South Sudan 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Overflights should be at FL260 or above.
Somalia 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Do not operate to airports in Somalia, and do not overfly the airspace below FL260 except for UR401.
Iraq 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Overflights of the ORBB/Baghdad FIR should be at FL260 or above, except for the region east of UM688 and ops to ORSU/Sulaymaniyah airport.
Iran 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Caution in the Tehran FIR due to risk posed by anti-aircraft weaponry.
Saudi Arabia 21 Apr
Warning moved from Notam to new Germany AIC: Potential risk to landing anywhere in Saudi Arabia, but should not operate to airports in the southwest part of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR due to the risk of drone and missile attacks from Yemen.
Yemen 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Operators are prohibited from operating on airways over the Yemen landmass within the OYSC/Sanaa FIR.
Afghanistan 21 Apr
Warning moved from Notam to new Germany AIC: Overflights of the OAKX/Kabul FIR should be at FL330 or above.
Pakistan 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Overflights should be at FL260 and above.
North Korea 21 Apr
German AIC updated, no change to warning: Potential risk to overflights of North Korean airspace (ZKKP FIR) due to launching of test missiles without prior notice.
Ethiopia 12 Apr
Germany Notam updated, no change to warning: German operators are prohibited from entering a northern section of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR at all flight levels, due to risks associated with the ongoing conflict there. The prohibited area includes the Mekele TMA and airspace to the west up to the HSSX/Khartoum and HHAA/Asmara FIRs.
Ukraine 25 Mar
Canada Notam updated: Canadian operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Russia’s URRV/Rostov FIR; and within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine in Russia’s UUWV/Moscow FIR.
Russia 25 Mar
Canada Notam updated: Canadian operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Russia’s URRV/Rostov FIR; and within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine in Russia’s UUWV/Moscow FIR.
Belarus 25 Mar
Canada Notam updated: Canadian operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Russia’s URRV/Rostov FIR; and within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine in Russia’s UUWV/Moscow FIR.
Moldova 25 Mar
Canada Notam updated: Canadian operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Russia’s URRV/Rostov FIR; and within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine in Russia’s UUWV/Moscow FIR.
Saudi Arabia 17 Mar
New FAA Information Note on Saudi Arabia/Yemen: There is a potential risk to ops at Saudi airports and for overflights of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR due to Houthi drone and missile attacks from Yemen and the associated defensive operations.
Yemen 17 Mar
New FAA Information Note on Saudi Arabia/Yemen: There is a potential risk to ops at Saudi airports and for overflights of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR due to Houthi drone and missile attacks from Yemen and the associated defensive operations.
Ukraine 28 Feb
Country summary updated to reflect flight bans issued by several countries due to risk from military conflict.
Russia 28 Feb
Country summary updated to reflect airspace warnings issued by several countries due to risk from military conflict in Ukraine.
Belarus 28 Feb
Country summary updated to reflect airspace warnings issued by several countries due to risk from military conflict in Ukraine.
Mali 26 Feb
Updated US FAA Background Notice. Advice remains the same: avoid operating below FL260 in Mali's airspace due to ongoing fighting and militant activity.
Mali 26 Feb
Updated FAA Notam, advice remains the same: They advise against operating below FL260 in Mali's airspace due to ongoing fighting and militant activity.
Kenya 26 Feb
Updated US FAA Background Notice. Advice remains the same: avoid operating below FL260 in Kenya's airspace east of 40 degrees East longitude (the border region with Somalia) due to extremist and militant activity.
Kenya 26 Feb
Updated FAA Notam, advice remains the same: They advise against operating FL260 in Kenya's airspace east of 40 degrees East longitude (the border region with Somalia) due to extremist and militant activity.
Ukraine 24 Feb
New US Notam: US operators are prohibited from the airspace of Ukraine.
Russia 24 Feb
New US Notam: US operators are prohibited from Russian airspace within 160nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Belarus 24 Feb
New US Notam: US operators are prohibited from the airspace of Belarus (the UMMV/Minsk FIR) due to to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
South Sudan 18 Feb
Updated South Africa Notam, no change to warning: Risk for overflights of South Sudan below FL245 or for aircraft operating to HSSJ/Juba airport due to poor levels of ATC provision.
Ethiopia 14 Feb
UK Notam extended, no change to guidance: Potential risk to overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR at all altitudes from anti-aviation weaponry.
United Arab Emirates 09 Feb
Risk summary updated, primary risks, major events.
Ukraine 09 Feb
FAA Information Note - Russia/Ukraine
Russia 09 Feb
FAA Information Note - Russia/Ukraine
Syria 30 Dec
Canada AIC updated, no change to guidance: Operators should not enter the airspace of Syria, and there is a potential risk to aircraft within 200nm of the Damascus FIR.
Libya 30 Dec
Canada AIC updated, no change to guidance. Operators should not enter the airspace of Libya.
Somalia 30 Dec
Canada AIC updated, no change to guidance: Overflights should be at FL260 or above.
Iraq 30 Dec
Canada AIC updated, no change to guidance: Operators should not overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL320.
Iran 30 Dec
Canada AIC updated, no change to guidance: Operators should not enter the airspace of Iran.
Saudi Arabia 30 Dec
Canada AIC updated, no change to guidance: Due to military activity, operators should not enter the southwest part of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR, and exercise caution across the rest of Saudi airspace.
Yemen 30 Dec
Canada AIC updated, no change to guidance: Operators should not enter the airspace of Somalia, including the oceanic part up to and including airway UT702.
Afghanistan 30 Dec
Canada guidance moved from Notam to AIC: Canadian operators should not enter the airspace of Afghanistan except for overflights at or above FL320 on airways P500 and G500.
North Korea 30 Dec
Canada AIC updated, no change to guidance: Operators should exercise caution in the airspace of North Korea due to risk posed by unannounced rocket launches.
Ethiopia 30 Dec
Canada guidance moved from Notam to AIC: Caution for overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR at or below FL290 due to ongoing ground conflict.
Belarus 30 Dec
Canada AIC updated, no change to guidance: Operators advised not to enter the airspace of Belarus.
Libya 16 Dec
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Yemen 09 Dec
US SFAR extended to Jan 2025. US operators are prohibited from overflying the OYSC/Sanaa FIR north of a line KAPET-NODMA-ORBAT-PAKER-PARIM-RIBOK (i.e. the landmass). The US FAA specifically mentions UT702 and M999 offshore routes as being ok to use.
Ethiopia 18 Nov
Update to summary, overflight risk due to ongoing conflict.
Sudan 27 Oct
Risk summary updated: military coup on Oct 25.
Iraq 25 Oct
Risk summary updated: US operators can now overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR above FL320.
Afghanistan 27 Sep
Risk summary updated, primary risks, major events.
North Korea 13 Sep
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Israel 31 May
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Turkey 20 May
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Western Sahara 04 May
Risk summary rewritten and updated.
Albania 28 Apr
Updated summary for Albania.
Kenya 26 Feb
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Mali 26 Feb
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
South Sudan 21 Jan
Risk summary re-written and updated, primary risks, major events.
Saudi Arabia 18 Dec
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Yemen 18 Dec
Risk summary updated.
Iran 18 Dec
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Syria 16 Dec
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Eritrea 16 Nov
Addition of Eritrea, missile attack on HHAS/Asmara, Level 2 warning.
Japan 28 May
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
20-May Ukraine
France Notam extended: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova; should also not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine. [Notam LFFF F0860/22]
20-May Belarus
France Notam extended: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova; should also not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine. [Notam LFFF F0860/22]
20-May Russia
France Notam extended: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova; should also not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine. [Notam LFFF F0860/22]
20-May Moldova
France Notam extended: French operators should not enter the airspace of Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova; should also not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine. [Notam LFFF F0860/22]
18-May Ukraine
UK Notam extended: UK operators are prohibited from Ukrainian airspace. [Notam EGTT V0018/22]
17-May Moldova
Country summary updated: Moldova expands section of open airspace on their western border with the LRBB/Bucharesti FIR for flights to LUKK/Chisinau airport.
17-May Moldova
Moldova updated AIP SUP: In Moldova's airspace (the LUUU/Chisinau FIR) there is now an expanded section of airspace along the western border with the LRBB/Bucharesti FIR that is open for flights to LUKK/Chisinau airport. [AIP SUP 7/22]
11-May Somalia
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
10-May Ukraine
Ukraine Notam extended: Ukraine has closed its airspace to all civil flights due to Russian military invasion and ongoing conflict. [Notam UKBV A0606/22 ]
05-May Belarus
Germany Notam updated, no change to warning: German operators should not operate in the airspace of Russia and Belarus within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine. [Notam EDWW B0416/22]
05-May Ukraine
Updated Germany Notam, no change to warning: German operators are prohibited from Ukrainian airspace. [Notam EDWW B0418/22]
05-May Russia
Germany Notam updated, no change to warning: German operators should not operate in the airspace of Russia and Belarus within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine. [Notam EDWW B0416/22]
ZKZZ / North Korea 25-May There was another unannounced missile test on May 25, which landed in the Sea of Japan. No airspace warnings were issued, which is a recurring problem. Any aircraft using oceanic portions of the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR are at risk from these events, which include falling debris. See safeairspace.net for more.
CYYJ / Victoria Canada 24-May A big security scare on May 24 led to most flights being canceled. The airport is open, but left-over delays are likely to be an issue in the coming hours.
KPQI / Presque Isle USA 23-May There have been several pilot reports of erroneous ILS indications leading to offset approaches. This may have contributed to an accident that happened in IMC conditions on March 4. The NTSB is actively looking for an answers – the prime suspect right now is snow piles from runway clearing affecting ILS antennas, but this hasn’t been confirmed yet.
DNZZ / Nigeria 23-May Students are threatening to shut down airports throughout the country again in response to an ongoing teachers’ strike. They haven’t gone into specifics but intend to ‘ground’ all airports if the government doesn’t end the strike soon – disruptions may happen without warning. We’ll keep you updated.
DNKA / Kaduna Nigeria 23-May Scheduled ops are back after armed bandits attacked the airport back in March. Security there should still be taken seriously though – the US Dept of State has an active travel warning in place for terrorism and kidnapping, among other dangers. Consider other options for stopovers.
KZZZ / USA 18-May Flying Magazine have posted a nice little article on spring/summer balloon festivals and we’re sharing it because balloon festivals means balloons in airspace where airplanes sometimes like to be. Have a scroll through to see if any airports you frequent are being used so you can keep an eye out for errant gas bags on the dates listed.
VCZZ / Sri Lanka 16-May A growing economic crisis has led to protests and riots across the country, several targeting the major airports. Parliament has been dissolved and there is a high military presence. Some international carriers are considering or have now suspended operations due concerns over safety and security. VCCF/Colombo FIR notam A0430/22 advises all flights to Sri Lanka to carry enough fuel for the return flight. The UK and US are now cautioning against travel to the country.
HCMM / Mogadishu Somalia 15-May There was a presidential election on May 15 which has created major security concerns. On the same day, the airport was directly attacked with mortars, and several explosions were reported. Damage is unknown. A curfew is currently in place for the city, which includes closing HCMM/Mogadishu (HCMM Notam A0072/72 refers) although this is set to be lifted in the coming hours. More attacks are possible.
OPKC / Karachi Pakistan 13-May A rally is planned at OPKC/Karachi airport on May 15. The leader of the PPP party holding the rally will land at around 17:00 local time. Ground transport delays around the airport, disruption and heightened security can be expected.
KCOS / Colorado Springs USA 13-May The airport has resumed operations following yesterday’s suspension of flights due to nearby grass fires.
LXGB / Gibraltar Gibraltar 12-May On May 12, an inbound flight was delayed after two helicopters entered the airport’s airspace without a clearance, before departing across the border into Spain. Be on the lookout for these types of incursions, which are not uncommon here.
AYMH / Mount Hagen Papua New Guinea 12-May Protestors have blocked road access to Mount Hagen International airport. Transport and flight disruptions, and increased security can be expected.
HCZZ / Somalia 11-May On May 11, there was a bombing at a security checkpoint near HCMM/Mogadishu, which killed several people. These types of attacks are common, and often target areas around the airport. The security situation in Somalia remains bleak – stops here should be avoided.
MMMX / Mexico City Mexico 11-May A near-miss and last minute go-around at the airport on May 7 follows a series of other events which have caused concerns over safety standards at the airport. Many of these are attributed to the recent opening MMSM/Felipe Angeles airport leading to increased airspace complexity. The government plan to reduce capacity at MMMX/Mexico City over the next few months to improve the situation.
VNZZ / Nepal 10-May Nepal has a national holiday on May 13 while elections take place, and while the airports aren’t closed, you can expect a big shortage of staff, especially since ‘vehicle movement’ across Nepal is banned on voting day. Security and military presence will be high around the country.
VCBI / Colombo Sri Lanka 10-May Worsening security situation in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, due to ongoing protests and civil unrest. There's an island-wide curfew, and the army are now on the streets after protestors burned down government homes last night. Protestors have attempted to block roads to both VCBI/Bandaranaike and VCCC/Ratmalana airports today. Expect flight and ground disruptions, and significantly heightened security.
KZZZ / USA 10-May There's a UN summit taking place in Washington on May 12-13, with leaders heading in from many southeast Asian nations. The incoming state flights are expected to be handled by regional business aviation facilities so check availability at these, and watch out for heightened security over these dates.
DNZZ / Nigeria 09-May Student protesters are planning to block access to all major airports from May 14 over an ongoing teachers' strike. There may be earlier disruptions for shorter periods too. Avoid crowds, and be aware that you may be unable to safely access accommodation away from airports until the issue is resolved.
EZZZ / Europe 08-May EASA has published a list of new and existing safety risks as a result of the conflict in Ukraine. It combines operational feedback from all member states, and is well worth a read if operating in Europe. Twenty potential threats to civil aviation have been identified away from the actual conflict zone. You can read the report via the attached link.
ZKZZ / North Korea 08-May There was another unannounced missile launch on May 7 which landed in the Sea of Japan – the second in a week. These tests cause known risks to aircraft operating in oceanic portions of the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
KZZZ / USA 05-May Russia is planning some rocket firings between May 9-11 which will  impact the KZAK/Oakland FIR. There is a defined area where debris will fall, lats/longs in KZAK Notam A1833/22. If you are flight planned through the area, expect ATC provided routings around it.
EZZZ / Europe 04-May More airspace incursions have been reported over the Baltic Sea. On May 4, jets were scrambled to intercept a Russian aircraft that approached German airspace, while a military helicopter reportedly entered Finnish airspace without a clearance on the same day. Tensions in the region are high - unexpected military activity can create additional risk for civil aircraft, from disruptions to misidentification. Keep an eye on safeairpace.net for any updates.
MMMX / Mexico City Mexico 04-May IFALPA has issued a new safety bulletin for the airport. They highlight several concerns. Aircraft have been landing with low fuel due to unexpected holding. The opening of nearby MMSM/Santa Lucia also seems to be causing challenges for controllers. There have been reports of EGPWS warnings, and confusion over STAR clearances. Their advice is to carry extra fuel, and pay special attention to your terrain clearance.
RKZZ / South Korea 04-May A new President will be inaugurated on May 10 and a lot of important folk will be flying into Seoul for it. Expect possible protests, ground transport disruption, heightened security into RKSI/Seoul Incheon and potential delays.
ORBI / Baghdad Iraq 04-May There have been reports of rocket attacks and artillery fire in Baghdad central, relatively close to ORBI/Baghdad airport. Whilst overflights are considered a lower risk level, operating into Iraqi airports should be done with caution - be sure to check the situation on the ground prior to heading in.
ZKZZ / North Korea 04-May May 4. Unidentified projectile launched. Probably a ballistic missile. Landed in the East Sea. Nothing else to say. Except check Safeairspace - North Korea is not an airspace you want to operate through.
ESZZ / Sweden 01-May On April 29, a Russian military aircraft infringed Swedish airspace without a clearance over the Baltic Sea. It is the latest in a number of airspace busts in regions near Ukraine. Unexpected military activity can create additional risk for civil aircraft, from disruptions to misidentification. Keep an eye safeairpace.net for any updates.
VCBI / Colombo Sri Lanka 28-Apr Mass political protests blocked access to the airport on April 28. There is currently widespread civil unrest, especially in Colombo. It is expected to continue in the near term, and more roadblocks are possible. If on layover, be mindful of crew security and avoid areas where protests are happening.
MTZZ / Haiti 28-Apr There are growing concerns over the security situation and generally stability in Haiti. MTPP/Port-au-Prince currently has no jet fuel available due to criminal gangs blocking roads to the refinery. The same gangs are causing security and safety concerns as well.
OSZZ / Syria 27-Apr There were more airstrikes near Damascus on April 27. Civil aircraft are still at high risk in the OSTT/Damascus FIR from misidentification by Syrian air defences, or from other military operations which can happen without warning. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
ENOB / Bodo Oceanic OCA Norway 26-Apr Russia’s missile launch over the Barents Sea has been delayed until May 7. The same impact area in the Bodo Oceanic FIR will apply. Check for notams confirming temporary danger areas closer to the launch date.
ENOB / Bodo Oceanic OCA Norway 25-Apr There is a tiny little danger area in the Bodo Oceanic FIR which will be activated April 26 at 1930 to April 27 at 2030. Russia is firing a missile over the Barents Sea, and this is the expected impact area.
LLZZ / Israel 24-Apr There are ongoing rocket attacks between Israel and Lebanon following a firing on April 24 which impacted 55nm north of LLBG/Tel Aviv, and earlier targeting of the Gaza region. Air defense activities within the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR are heightened, but risk to operations remains relatively low.
ZZZZ / Worldwide 21-Apr IFALPA has issued a new safety bulletin – some flight briefing packages aren’t displaying the required space weather advisories to crew. They’re important as they can warn of extended HF radio blackouts and radiation, especially at high latitudes. IFALPA has included some links on where to find them (see attached).
UTZZ / Uzbekistan 21-Apr The US Embassy in Turkmenistan is saying that embassy support for travellers is currently limited, and people should reconsider travel. Most international flights are still ‘Covid Cancelled’ and UTSA/Navoi is the only airport allowing (cargo) crew to layover.
ZKZZ / North Korea 21-Apr North Korea will celebrate ‘Military Foundation Day’ on April 25 and it is expected that further unannounced missile test launches might take place over the next few days, ahead of the anniversary. Pyongyang FIR is considered high risk and should be avoided, but the launches often encroach on airspace over the East Sea as well.
EPZZ / Poland 21-Apr On April 20 there were two separate bomb threats made against flights that had taken off from EPWA/Warsaw airport. They both made emergency landings safely. The current situation in the region may be increasing the chance of these types of events happening again – they should always be taken seriously.
ORZZ / Iraq 18-Apr Turkey has launched a new military offensive against militants in Northern Iraq. This includes the use of air strikes and drones. The intent of terrorist groups in the region to actively target aviation interests may be increased at this time – especially at lower levels. Several states maintain airspace warnings for the ORBB/Baghdad FIR. For a full brief on those, see safeairspace.net.
KZZZ / USA 18-Apr Russia are launching a missile, and the debris is probably going to fall somewhere in the KZAK/Oakland Oceanic airspace, sometime between 2000z April 26 and 2350z April 27. Notam A1540/22 has the info, and you can check out the affected area at this link.
EPZZ / Poland 17-Apr Military jets are being frequently scrambled as Russian aircraft make close approaches to Polish airspace from Belarus. While actual incursions aren’t happening, increased military activity can create hazards for civil aircraft, including misidentification.
Those overflying the eastern portion of the EPWW/Warsaw FIR should be keeping a close eye on things.
KZZZ / USA 17-Apr The FAA has put out concerning new airworthiness directives over corrosion damage in some jet engines caused by long term outdoor storage. This could lead to dual engine failures, and includes the Challenger and CRJ families. There are new service bulletins that operators will need to follow to stay safe.
EZZZ / Europe 14-Apr A Russian military vessel sunk in the Black Sea on April 14. There are conflicting claims for the cause, but Ukraine have suggested it was due to drone and anti-ship missile attacks. It is unclear where exactly the ship was. The southwestern corner of the Black Sea is part of a major air corridor between the Middle East and Europe – operators need to be aware of their proximity to the conflict in Ukraine, along with potential spill over risks, including unannounced military activity.
MDZZ / Dominican Republic 14-Apr Illegal substances were found hidden in the avionics bay of a Canadian charter jet before it was to depart MDPC/Punta Cana airport on April 5. The crew reported the find, but have been jailed for the investigation. There is ongoing international pressure for their release. Make sure you prioritise security for any aircraft you are leaving unattended.
HCMM / Mogadishu Somalia 14-Apr Multiple mortar rounds were fired at Aden Adde International on April 14. The nearby Afisyoni area was the target, where new members of parliament were being sworn in. Somalia is extremely unstable and the risk to operations remains high.
UUZZ / Russia 10-Apr There are reports that an unidentified fighter jet infringed Russian airspace near the Latvian border on April 7 and flew uncomfortably close to a civilian airliner without talking to ATC. An investigation is underway to find out who was responsible. It is a reminder that spill over risks from the conflict in Ukraine are present throughout the region, and not just the conflict zone itself.
PAZA / Anchorage ACC USA 10-Apr Russia are carrying out rocket firing in the Anchorage FIR from April 9-11. The restricted airspace will be up to FL500 leading to some route closures. PAZA Notam A0270/22 advises.
FZEA / Mbandaka Democratic Republic of the Congo 07-Apr A political gathering is happening at the airport on April 9. It has potential to block access to the airport, and lead to fighting if rival activists show up. Security is a concern – leave the area if there are any confrontations.
SPZZ / Peru 06-Apr ‘Major’ unrest is being reported across Peru. Transportation workers have been protesting since the end of March over rising fuel costs, and the unrest is spreading with clashes reported in several major cities. Expect heightened security at airports and issues with ground transport and general security if traveling within the country.
LYBE / Belgrade Serbia 05-Apr A serious bomb threat led to the evacuation and temporary closure of Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla airport on April 5. Disruption is expected to continue after the airport reopens due to a backlog of flights.
VYZZ / Myanmar 05-Apr Ops seemed to have returned to normal in Myanmar following the 2021 coup. However, tensions between the government and opposition groups remain high. Clashes with militia continue and there are reports of airstrikes on areas where militia are known to be active. Caution operating in should be taken.
LIZZ / Italy 03-Apr A new Notam has been issued warning of unknown military activity operating up to FL300 over the Ionian Sea – between Southern Italy and Greece, south of the Adriatic (LIRR Notam W0745/22 refers). The nature of the risk is unknown yet - we are actively seeking more info.
UAZZ / Kazakhstan 31-Mar On March 31, there were a wave of anonymous bomb threats that lead to evacuations at UACC/Nur-Sultan and UAAA/Almaty airports. No explosives were found. Disruptive hoaxes typically happen in batches, and so there may be more in the coming days. They should be taken seriously, as terrorism remains an active risk in the country. Keep an eye on safeairspace.net for risk and security updates.
FZZZ / Democratic Republic of the Congo 30-Mar A large UN helicopter crashed in Eastern DRC on March 29, and is suspected of being shot down by local militia. They are engaged in fighting there with the military. Militant groups are known to have access to man portable air defence systems (MANPADS) which are dangerous to aircraft at lower levels. No new airspace warnings have been issued, but be aware of the risk especially when overflying eastern provinces.
DNKA / Kaduna Nigeria 29-Mar Some carriers have suspended flights to the airport due to security concerns. This follows events on March 27, when a large number of armed bandits attacked the airport, causing at least one casualty. It was not the first time it has been targeted. Additional military presence has been put in place to help deter further attacks, but security should still be a major concern if considering a stop here.
MTZZ / Haiti 29-Mar The US Embassy reports that MTCA/Les Cayes airport is currently closed due to violent protests at the field. One small plane has been set alight by protestors. It’s not clear when the airport will reopen. Security is an ongoing  concern in Haiti – the US Dept of State maintains a ‘do not travel’ warning there due to civil unrest and crime.
SKZZ / Colombia 28-Mar Two US-based airline pilots were non-fatally shot in the past week while resisting robberies on layover. They happened in the cities of Bogota and Cali. A major US carrier has since warned its crews not to resist any robbery attempts, along with other basic security advice. Essentially, leave valuables (including watches) in the hotel, only carry small amounts of cash, and avoid dangerous areas. For more info, see the US Dept of State’s travel advisory for Colombia.
MMUN / Cancun Mexico 28-Mar On March 28, there were reports of gunfire, or an explosion in terminal three leading to a partial evacuation. Ironically, it turns out an x-ray machine ‘exploded’ at security, which caused the panic. There has been no change to risk for operators as a result.
MHPR / 28-Mar Protesting truck drivers are blocking access to the airport. Be cautious if in the area, protests could get violent, and watch out for disruptions to flight ops - currently only emergency vehicles are able to access the airport.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 27-Mar Militia in Northern Ethiopia have reached a ceasefire agreement with the government. This will hopefully bring an end to the conflict there. It’s very early days though, and the region should still be considered an active conflict zone for the time being. Several states maintain active airspace warnings for the HAAA/Addis FIR – see safeairspace.net for a full briefing on those.
EIDW / Dublin Ireland 27-Mar A drone caused significant flight impacts on March 27. It seems to be a long-term problem for the airport, which has closed for short periods several times in the past. Continue to report any sightings to ATC. The main risk is short notice holding.
DNKA / Kaduna Nigeria 27-Mar Two hundred bandits invaded the airport over the weekend causing significant flight disruption and a serious safety situation. Normal operations have resumed, but heightened security can be expected and extra caution should be taken if operating into Nigeria at this time.
OEZZ / Saudi Arabia 27-Mar Houthi rebels launched a major drone and missile attack against Saudi Arabia on March 25, hitting the main oil depot close to OEJN/Jeddah airport. Disruption was reported over the weekend at the airport as heightened security reacted to other potential attacks, with ATC reportedly holding airborne aircraft for up to an hour. Caution should be taken operating into Jeddah airport and in the southern Jeddah FIR as more attacks are likely.
HCZZ / Somalia 25-Mar The Presidential Election is taking place on April 14 and already a rise in attacks on key sites including HCMM/Aden Adde have been happening. If you’re heading into Somalia expect elevated security levels and caution escalating violence. If you are routing over be prepared for potential disruption to services.
MKZZ / Jamaica 24-Mar IATA advise that TAFs and METARs are currently not being reported for both MKJP/Kingston and MKJS/Montego Bay due to technical problems. For the current weather, contact the towers directly: MKJP +1 876 924 8056, MKJS +1 876 952 3627. It’s not clear yet when the problem will be fixed.
KZZZ / USA 24-Mar The FBI has issued a warning of cyber threats maliciously targeting SATCOM networks, which could have an effect on aviation. This follows recent attacks on satellite systems in Europe, sparked by the conflict in Ukraine. While the operational risk is low, be prepared for short notice interruptions if breaches do occur.
ZKZZ / North Korea 24-Mar North Korea continue their run of unannounced projectile launches. The latest, reported to be a long-range ballistic missile, landed in the East Sea outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Mar 24. Aircraft should avoid operating in ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR, and review Safeairspace for a full briefing. ICAO has recently renewed efforts to try and work with North Korea to improve safety.
HCMM / Mogadishu Somalia 23-Mar All flights to the Mogadishu airport have been suspended following an attack by militants at the close-by Halane camp housing embassies. Mogadishu provides a route through to southern Africa, but most authorities recommend only flying over the oceanic portions, and not below FL260.
LHZZ / Hungary 22-Mar Military aircraft have been scrambled several times in recent days, the latest on March 21, when an unidentified drone or aircraft entered the LHCC/Budapest FIR from Ukraine. The signs are there, along with other countries in the region, that spill over risks from the conflict are becoming more of an issue – see our new article for a full briefing.
UKKK / Kiev Ukraine 21-Mar Anti-aircraft defense systems have reportedly been activated in close proximity to Kyiv airport. All of Ukraine’s airspace remains closed due to the ongoing conflict due to the high risk of mis-identification of civilian aircraft.
LFZZ / France 21-Mar Military exercise Percnoptere, which is actually a missile launch, will take place on March 21 (but postponements mean the window is through to April 8). It impacts the LFRR/Brest and LFBB/Bordeaux FIRs with a big forbidden area off the west coast of France. So keep your eye out for Notams. The general info is available in AIP SUP 027/22.
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