Safe Airspace – Conflict Zone and Risk Database

View Map

Updates Alerts

Azerbaijan 27 Feb

Risk summary updated: France have now rescinded their airspace warnings for both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Armenia 27 Feb

Risk summary updated: France have now rescinded their airspace warnings for both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Kenya 27 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.

Kenya 26 Feb

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

Mali 26 Feb

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

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.

Iraq 26 Feb

New Germany Notam: Do not overfly Iraq below FL260 or operate to any airports in the country due to the risk posed by military operations, anti-aviation weaponry, and possible terrorist attacks.

United Arab Emirates 16 Feb

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

Syria 11 Feb

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

Mali 11 Feb

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: overflights should be at or above FL320 in the part of the Niamey FIR (DRRR) located above the Malian territory.

Libya 11 Feb

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

Sudan 11 Feb

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: maintain FL260 or higher in the HSSS/Sudan FIR along its southern edge (where Sudan borders with South Sudan) and western edge (where Sudan borders with Central African Republic and Chad).

South Sudan 11 Feb

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 11 Feb

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

Ukraine 11 Feb

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: 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.

Iraq 11 Feb

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 11 Feb

Updated French AIC, advice remains the same: 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 11 Feb

Updated 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 11 Feb

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

Afghanistan 11 Feb

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

Pakistan 11 Feb

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

North Korea 11 Feb

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

South Sudan 08 Feb

New Notam by South Africa: Risk for overflights of South Sudan below FL245 or for aircraft operating to HSSJ/Juba airport due to poor levels of ATC provision.

Western Sahara 05 Feb

Risk summary rewritten and updated.

Western Sahara 04 Feb

Expanded airspace warning for Western Sahara issued by the GCCC/Canarias FIR.

South Sudan 02 Feb

New Notam by South Sudan: ATC radio is not good enough to cover all airspace in the country. All aircraft must use TCAS.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Germany have published a new Notam warning of the airspace risk for Iraq. They are now advising German operators not to overfly Iraq below FL260 or operate to any airports in the country due to the risk posed by military operations, anti-aviation weaponry, and possible terrorist attacks. This new Notam supersedes the advice contained in AIC 18/20 which contained much more vague language with regards to Iraq - “German air operators are advised to take potential risk into account in their risk assessment and routing decisions within FIR BAGHDAD (ORBB) below FL260.” Various other countries have airspace warnings in place for Iraq - there is a total flight ban in place for US aircraft; whereas Canada, the UK and France have all issued airspace warnings advising against operating in Iraqi airspace. More info at Safeairspace.net.

The US military is planning to conduct GPS interference testing off the East Coast several times during March for up to five hours at a time. The affected area lies off the coast of Charleston and will affect a radius of nearly 250nm. Testing will happen on March 1, 11 and 14. Aircraft operating in the New York Center Oceanic region may be affected by GPS and CPDLC interruptions. The FAA want aircraft to report any outages to ATC. You can read the full FAA Flight Advisory (including timings) by clicking the link.

An update on the security situation in the capital Bangui – things are still bleak. Armed rebels continue to violently try and overthrow the new government. UN forces have managed to keep them out of the city but the rebels have blocked the main road in, causing an ongoing humanitarian crisis. A state of emergency has been declared for at least six months which bans the use of CAR’s airspace by all foreign governments and NGOs. The US Dept of State’s warning is crystal clear – don’t go there.

Caution if you are planning to operate into Bahrain on February 14. The date marks the tenth anniversary of the Shi’a uprising and large scale protests, clashes and heightened security are extremely likely. In previous years armed attacks on security checkpoints occurred and this can be a day of major protesting and security concerns. While no disruption to airport services is expected, check with your handling agent before operating in to ensure services will be available, particularly if you have crew on a layover.

Thousands of people across the country are taking part in nationwide strikes and protests against the military who overthrew the government last week, and some ATC staff are also on strike. Crew overflying Myanmar today have reported receiving no ATC service. The VYYF/Yangon FIR has published a Notam which says that 15 minute separation will be applied to overflights due to lack of ATC staff. The Notam warns pilots to monitor other traffic, so if you're overflying Myanmar, listen out on the air-to-air frequency.

The GCCC/Canarias FIR has published a new Notam warning of the overflight risk for Western Sahara, due to the ongoing conflict there. Previously, they said that aircraft should avoid flying below FL200 on airways UY601, UN728 and UT975. The new Notam is a bit different. It effectively says that overflights should be completely avoided over the part of Western Sahara that falls within the GCCC/Canarias FIR (i.e. airways UY601 and UN728). For the part of Western Sahara that sits under the GOOO/Dakar FIR (i.e. airway UT975), overflights should not be below FL245. Check the picture at SafeAirspace for a better idea of what this looks like.

Following the coup this morning, the Myanmar Military have declared a state of emergency and assumed control of the country. OPSGROUP Member Reports indicate that all airports in the country are closed, updates on this are expected via Notam according to the DCA. A further report to OPSGROUP says that although traffic is lighter than usual in Yangon, most stores remain open and so far things seem reasonable given the circumstances. No sign or reports of unrest or violence in Yangon. Unrelated to the coup, in any case, international flights were suspended until Feb 28 due to Covid.

Authorities have re-issued their warning for the OEJD/Jeddah FIR that there is a risk to aircraft due to the ongoing conflict with Yemen (OEJD Notam W0120/21 refers). It is timely as Riyadh itself was attacked twice just last week by drones or missiles. ESCAT procedures remain in place in southern regions. You can read all about those in AIP SUP 02/2021. But the short version is you must maintain a listening watch on the ATC frequency at all times and be prepared to be diverted clear of their airspace or told to land at short notice. The idea is to get you out of harm’s way as quickly as possible.

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

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.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Open country information in new window