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Updates Alerts
Afghanistan 25 Nov
France Notam moved to AIC, min altitude increased from FL260 to FL320: Operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR except on airways P500/G500 at or above FL320.
Afghanistan 24 Nov
UK Notam: Operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR, except on airways P500/G500 at or above 25,000ft AGL.
Ethiopia 23 Nov
New Canada Notam: Caution for overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR at or below FL290 due to ongoing ground conflict.
Ethiopia 18 Nov
Update to summary, overflight risk due to ongoing conflict.
Ethiopia 18 Nov
New US FAA Background Notice: Aircraft below FL290 in the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR are at increased risk from anti-aircraft fire which may soon include flights operating in and out of HAAB/Addis Ababa if the conflict continues to escalate. 
Ethiopia 18 Nov
New US Notam: Overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR should be at FL290 or above. Ongoing conflict on the ground poses a potential inadvertent risk to aviation from weapons fire due to misidentification/miscalculation.
Ethiopia 16 Nov
New UK Notam: Potential risk to overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR at all altitudes from anti-aviation weaponry.
Yemen 04 Nov
France AIC: Operators should avoid Yemeni airspace, except at or above FL320 in the oceanic airspace in the east of the OYSC/Sanaa FIR (airway B400 and east of).
Afghanistan 04 Nov
Spain Notam: Operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR, except on airways P500/G500 at or above FL260.
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.
Ethiopia 15 Oct
New German Notam: Caution for overflights in the northern portion of the HAAA/Addis FIR (above 10 degrees north, east of the UN301 airway), due to the risk of anti-aircraft weaponry and other military activity.
Ukraine 06 Oct
Country summary updated: US FAA reports easing tensions near Russia-Ukraine border, but extends flight ban over eastern part of the UKDV FIR to Oct 2023.
Ukraine 06 Oct
US SFAR extended: the ban on US operators overflying the eastern part of the UKDV/Dnipropetrovsk FIR is extended until Oct 2023.
Afghanistan 30 Sep
Italy Notam: Operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR except on airways P500/G500.
Afghanistan 27 Sep
Risk summary updated, primary risks, major events.
Afghanistan 27 Sep
New EASA note on Afghanistan: There remains an enduring threat to aviation facilities via indirect fire or via suicide bombings, and to overflying traffic due to the lack of ATC.
Afghanistan 16 Sep
Canada Notam updated: Canadian operators should not enter the airspace of Afghanistan except for overflights at or above FL320 on airways P500 and G500.
Afghanistan 16 Sep
New Germany Notam: German operators are prohibited from entering the OAKX/Kabul FIR, except for overflights above FL330 on airways P500-G500.
Afghanistan 14 Sep
New US FAA Background Information on Afghanistan.
North Korea 13 Sep
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Western Sahara 03 Sep
GCCC/Canarias Notam extended, no change to warning: avoid the airspace over Western Sahara below FL200.
Afghanistan 31 Aug
Updated US Notam: US operators are banned from entering Afghanistan's airspace (the OAKX/Kabul FIR) at all levels. Flights to and from OAKB/Kabul are no longer exempt.
Afghanistan 17 Aug
New EASA Information Note: Operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR until further notice.
Ethiopia 27 Jul
Ethiopia Notam: Airspace closed below FL290 in the north of the country due to ongoing conflict.
Iraq 15 Jun
New FAA Information Note on Iraq
Belarus 03 Jun
Belarus risk summary updated.
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.
Russia 19 Apr
Country summary updated: New warning for Russian airspace near to the border with Ukraine.
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.
Libya 16 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.
Somalia 31 May
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
Japan 28 May
Risk summary rewritten and updated, primary risks, major events.
25-Nov Afghanistan
France Notam moved to AIC, min altitude increased from FL260 to FL320: Operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR except on airways P500/G500 at or above FL320. [AIC 18/21]
24-Nov Afghanistan
UK Notam: Operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR, except on airways P500/G500 at or above 25,000ft AGL. [Notam EGTT V0033/21]
23-Nov Ethiopia
New Canada Notam: Caution for overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR at or below FL290 due to ongoing ground conflict.
[Notam CZQX H3734/21]
18-Nov Ethiopia
Update to summary, overflight risk due to ongoing conflict.
18-Nov Ethiopia
New US FAA Background Notice: Aircraft below FL290 in the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR are at increased risk from anti-aircraft fire which may soon include flights operating in and out of HAAB/Addis Ababa if the conflict continues to escalate.  [US FAA Background Notice ]
18-Nov Ethiopia
New US Notam: Overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR should be at FL290 or above. Ongoing conflict on the ground poses a potential inadvertent risk to aviation from weapons fire due to misidentification/miscalculation. [Notam KICZ A0035/21]
16-Nov Ethiopia
New UK Notam: Potential risk to overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR at all altitudes from anti-aviation weaponry. [Notam EGTT V0031/21]
04-Nov Afghanistan
Spain Notam: Operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR, except on airways P500/G500 at or above FL260. [Notam LECM B8293/21]
04-Nov Yemen
France AIC: Operators should avoid Yemeni airspace, except at or above FL320 in the oceanic airspace in the east of the OYSC/Sanaa FIR (airway B400 and east of). [AIC 18/21]
27-Oct Sudan
Risk summary updated: military coup on Oct 25.
25-Oct Iraq
Risk summary updated: US operators can now overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR above FL320.
15-Oct Ethiopia
New German Notam: Caution for overflights in the northern portion of the HAAA/Addis FIR (above 10 degrees north, east of the UN301 airway), due to the risk of anti-aircraft weaponry and other military activity. [Notam EDGG B1393/21]
OEZZ / Saudi Arabia 06-Dec Several weaponized drones were destroyed by air defences in recent days and caused flight disruptions at airports in the south, including OENG/Najran, OEAB/Abha and OEGN/Jizan. Then on Dec 6, two ballistic missiles were intercepted targeting Riyadh itself. Houthi militants in Yemen continue to show ability and intent to attack civilian targets throughout the OEJD/Jeddah FIR. The main risk is ground based from the weapons themselves, or from falling debris – see safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
HSZZ / Sudan 06-Dec Nationwide protests against the coup in October are expected to persist through December. Heightened security can be expected, with disruptions expected to impact major public places including airports.
LUZZ / Moldova 06-Dec The EU has removed Moldova from their Air Safety list meaning Moldovan airlines can once again operate into the EU. While inclusion on the list is due to poor standards within the airlines, Moldova’s aviation authority has worked to improve safety and standards across the country, and has improved their own oversight which impacts operators into the country as well.
ZZZZ / Worldwide 06-Dec A recent flight control incident attributed to ice build up has led investigators to test samples of de-icing fluid at UHMM/Magadan airport in Russia. This serves as a good reminder that as winter ops ramp up across the northern hemisphere, a refresher on de-icing procedures and the threats of icing is worthwhile.
OIZZ / Iran 05-Dec On Dec 4, Iran carried out the unannounced launch of a surface-to-air missile in Natanz, Central Iran – approximately 130nm south of Tehran. There was reportedly an explosion in the sky. The launch was an air-defence drill, and it isn’t known how high the missile reached. The FAA continues to ban US operators from the OIIX/Tehran FIR where the primary risk is misidentification by advanced air defence systems.
DNZZ / Nigeria 05-Dec On Dec 4, militants used rockets to attack houses and an air force base located right next to DNMA/Maiduguri airport in North-eastern Nigeria. They were fired from an unknown location. The US Dept of State maintains its second highest level of travel warning for Nigeria – the northeast in particular is especially vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
HCZZ / Somalia 02-Dec A UN-chartered transport plane was hit by several bullets while attempting to land at Garbaharey Airport in Western Somalia on November 30. A fuel tank was ruptured, and it diverted to HCMM/Mogadishu where it landed on one engine. It isn’t clear who shot at the aircraft. The primary risk in the HCSM/Mogadishu FIR is at lower levels from anti-aircraft or small arms fire. Most states recommend maintaining FL260 or above.
WIZZ / Indonesia 02-Dec There are major protests planned by the main trade union from Dec 6 to 8. Over 2 million workers are expected to join demonstrations across Indonesia, with a focus on Jakarta and the main cities. Expect ground disruption and heightened security and avoid areas where protests are likely. Strikes may impact operations at airports so confirm with handling agents prior to operating.
VOHS / Hyderabad India 01-Dec Beware of unlicensed taxi drivers once you enter the arrivals area. There have been problems in recent months of ‘hunters’ hassling and crowding arriving passengers. The problem is reportedly getting worse. Ride-share transport can be hard to get at the airport, so it’s best to pre-book your transport in advance.
NWZZ / New Caledonia 01-Dec A final referendum is being held Dec 12 and there is likely to be a high number of protests, disruption and heightened security. Oct and Nov saw protests and strikes which closed all the airports, so caution if operating on or around this day.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 30-Nov France has issued a new airspace warning for Ethiopian airspace by Notam. Operators are advised not to enter a large portion of the HAAA/Addis FIR near the border with Eritrea and Sudan at all levels. They should also use extreme caution below FL320 throughout the remainder of the FIR due to the risk of anti-aircraft fire. LFXX Notam F1870/21 has those details.
HXZZ / South Sudan 29-Nov EU regulators have expressed new concerns over the South Sudan CAA’s ability to maintain safety standards. There have been a number of accidents lately which revealed false registrations. Earlier this year, ICAO also warned aircraft were at risk from inadequate ATC services there. There are currently no restrictions in Europe on South Sudanese registered aircraft, but this may soon change.
EGGX / Shanwick Oceanic OCA United Kingdom 29-Nov The Soyuz rocket launch will take place Dec 2. The last stage fall out area is located in oceanic airspace - impacting a region of the EGGX/Shanwick and the LPPO/Santa Maria FIR. Airspace area EGDVS26 will be activated and all traffic is forbidden. Additionally, T213, T13 and T16 will be unavailable. For the full information, refer here and to notams G0430/21, G0429/21 and G0428/21.
AGZZ / Solomon Islands 28-Nov Widespread civil unrest has reportedly suspended international flights at the main airport, AGGH/Honiara. There were riots last week after calls for the Prime Minister to step down. Neighbouring countries have deployed defence forces to help local police, but the situation is still unpredictable. We’ll keep you updated as more info comes to hand.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 26-Nov There are unconfirmed reports of an airstrike across Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region. This airspace remains restricted due to safety concerns and risk to civilian aircraft. Follow updates on Safeairspace.
OAZZ / Afghanistan 25-Nov France has published an updated version of its AIC with airspace warnings for countries around the world, the only change being the advice for Afghanistan. They say operators should not enter the OAKX/Kabul FIR except on airways P500/G500 at or above FL320 - similar advice to that issued by several other countries. The Taliban takeover in Aug 2021 has resulted in limited ATC control across the airspace and an extreme threat to aircraft and crew safety and security on the ground.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 24-Nov The German and French Embassies have both warned citizens to leave the country – a civil war has developed there, and the capital Addis Ababa is now at risk. The US and UK have already issued similar warnings.
UUZZ / Russia 22-Nov There are reports of increased military activity and movements along the Russian side of the Russia-Ukraine border. Airspace warnings are in place for this region, where aircraft could be exposed to potential weapons activity if the conflict escalates, but caution should also be taken operating to URRP/Platov airport across the border in Russia due increased military presence.
OEZZ / Saudi Arabia 21-Nov There were a series of Houthi drone attacks on targets in various Saudi cities on Nov 21, which included OEJN/Jeddah and OEAB/Abha airports. At least fourteen weaponised drones were launched. This is a constant risk to aircraft operating inside the OEJD/Jeddah FIR. The primary risk is ground based - from the weapons themselves, or from falling debris as they are destroyed. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing
HAZZ / Ethiopia 18-Nov In addition to a new airspace warning (KICZ Notam A0035/21), the US FAA has published a background information note covering the risks of operating in the HAAA/Addis FIR in more detail. Aircraft below FL290 are at increased risk from anti-aircraft fire which may soon include flights operating in and out of HAAB/Addis Ababa if the conflict continues to escalate.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 18-Nov The US have published an airspace warning for Ethiopia, cautioning against overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR below FL290. The primary risk to aviation is from misidentification/miscalculation by TPLF or government forces with the use of anti-aircraft weaponry. In other words - civil aircraft being mistaken for something of military interest, or simply caught in the crossfire.
OSZZ / Syria 16-Nov At least two Israeli missiles were fired at a target in Damascus, early on Nov 17. One was destroyed by air defences. It is the latest in a series of strikes that have taken place near the city in the last two weeks. Aircraft continue to be at high risk in the OSTT/Damascus FIR from misidentification by Syrian air defences, or from other military operations which can happen without warning.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 16-Nov The UK has published a new airspace warning for Ethiopia. They now say there is a potential risk to overflights of the HAAA/Addis Ababa FIR at all altitudes from anti-aviation weaponry. Their previous warning, issued on Oct 20, stated the risk only applied to the Tigray region in the northern part of the country. More info at Safeairspace.net
MTZZ / Haiti 14-Nov Canada has renewed its advisory for Haiti until further notice. Operators should be on the lookout for fuel shortages, lack of equipment and ongoing civil unrest. CZQX Notam H3650/21 refers.
HCZZ / Somalia 12-Nov Two bombings took place on Nov 11 near to HCMM/Mogadishu airport. Security remains a major issue with anyone intending to stop over in Somalia. Low level aircraft (below FL260) are also at risk from militants with anti-aircraft weaponry.
EGPF / Glasgow United Kingdom 11-Nov A drone was flown over the airport on the morning of Nov 11, briefly stopping arrivals and departures. The police are investigating, but so far the culprit hasn’t been found. For more info on this growing threat to aviation, see our recent article.
ENOB / Bodo Oceanic OCA Norway 11-Nov The VV20 rocket will launch on Nov 16 and falling debris is expected to impact the ENOB/Bodo and BIRD/Reykjavik Oceanic FIRs. A danger area has been identified, which should be avoided on Nov 16 between 0932-1149z, or Nov 26 (secondary launch window). Check our article for more info.
MTZZ / Haiti 11-Nov The US Embassy has issued a new warning recommending US citizens leave the country due to deteriorating the security situation and severe fuel shortages. There is no indication the fuel situation impacts aviation, but confirmation with handling agents if operating in is recommended.
HSZZ / Sudan 09-Nov Following Sudan’s military coup on Oct 25, the US embassy has said the security situation has improved in the capital, Khartoum. However, anti-coup activists have announced a series of protests leading up to mass demonstrations Nov 13. Ops resumed at HSSK/Khartoum Airport on Oct 27. The main risk to aviation is the security situation on the ground. Civil unrest is widespread and there have been fatal clashes with police. There's no increased risk for overflights in the HSSS/Khartoum FIR, but keep in mind the lack of security if you need to divert - things remain volatile.
OSZZ / Syria 08-Nov Israel carried out airstrikes on several targets in Western Syria on November 8. Fighter aircraft allegedly fired missiles from inside Lebanese airspace. Aircraft continue to be at high risk in, or near, 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.
GMZZ / Morocco 07-Nov A flight from Morocco to Turkey was diverted to LEPA/Palma de Mallorca on Nov 5 for a medical emergency. After landing, over twenty passengers fled the aircraft, crossing runways before jumping a fence and leaving the airport. It’s suspected that the medical event was staged. More attempts are possible – keep an eye on security if there are other disruptions in the cabin.
OEZZ / Saudi Arabia 07-Nov OEAB/Abha airport was targeted by an explosive drone on Nov 6, which was destroyed by Saudi air defences. Airports in Southern Saudi Arabia continue to be actively targeted by militants in Yemen. The main risk to aircraft is ground based – from the weapons themselves or from falling debris when they are intercepted. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 07-Nov Several embassies (including the US) are recommending their citizens to leave immediately. The security situation in Ethiopia is volatile. The capital Addis Ababa is under threat from nearby militants. ATC services in the HAAA/Addis FIR may be affected with little notice. Tech stops should be avoided at this time. Overflights of northern Ethiopia may be at increased risk of anti-aircraft fire at all levels.
EGZZ / United Kingdom 05-Nov Watch out for rogue fireworks this weekend across the UK. November 4 is Diwali and November 5 is Guy Fawkes, and there are likely to be numerous fireworks displays over the weekend. Report any infringing on airport limits to ATC.
OYZZ / Yemen 04-Nov France has published an updated version of its big AIC on the overflight of conflict zones around the world, the only change being the advice for Yemen. Previously, they banned French operators from the entire OYSC/Sanaa FIR. They now say operators should avoid Yemeni airspace, except at FL320 or above in the oceanic airspace in the east of the FIR (airway B400 and east of).
EGZZ / United Kingdom 04-Nov Environmental activist group ‘Stay Grounded’ are planning protests at ten UK airports on Nov 6. EGKK/Gatwick, EGCC/Manchester, EGPF/Glasgow, EGNM/Leeds-Bradford, EGGW/Luton, EGGP/Liverpool, EGHI/Southampton, EGGD/Bristol will all be impacted. Possible disruptions and delays due to blockades and heightened security.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 04-Nov Ethiopia declared a six-month nationwide state of emergency on Nov 2, following increased fighting between the military and local rebel forces in the north of the country. The US, the UK, and France have all issued security warnings. The US is now saying “do not travel” to Ethiopia due to armed conflict and civil unrest, and is encouraging those who are in the country to leave. The conflict will likely intensify in the coming weeks - the government has urged people in the capital Addis Ababa to arm themselves, as the northern rebel forces advance to the south.
GSZZ / Western Sahara 03-Nov On Nov 1, the Moroccan military allegedly attacked a truck carrying Algerian nationals in the Western Sahara region of Northwest Africa. As Algeria support the force at war with Morocco, this may escalate the conflict. The FAA previously warned that aircraft below FL120 were at risk of anti-aircraft fire in Western Sahara, while the GCCC/Canarias FIR suggested as high as FL200. Keep an eye on the situation.
KZZZ / USA 02-Nov A major deployment of 5G networks will begin to roll out from Dec 5. The FAA believe it is cause for concern. It has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin warning operators that these networks may interfere with radio altimeters, which operate on similar frequencies. There are a bunch of recommended actions to follow – you can read those by clicking the link.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 02-Nov Authorities in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa have issued security alerts after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) said they were considering marching on the capital. Current airspace warnings are in place for the Tigray region, but caution should be taken at HAAB/Addis Ababa airport as security is likely to be heightened.
OIZZ / Iran 01-Nov EASA have withdrawn their warning regarding Iranian airspace. Previously the risk to operations was assessed to be high for levels below FL250. As of October 30 the warning has been removed. Visit Safeairspace for an up to date briefing on the situation and risk level.
ESZZ / Sweden 31-Oct Climate change activists staged protests at several airports on Oct 31, causing flight disruptions including one instance where a protestor entered an active runway at ESMS/Malmo. At other airports activists illegally entered apron areas. The group responsible has indicated they intend to hold similar protests in the near future.
OYAA / Aden Yemen 31-Oct A large car bomb exploded at the gates to the airport on Oct 30, killing several people. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Yemen is an active conflict zone and remains dangerous for foreigners. The US Dept of State maintains its highest level of travel warning there due to terrorism and a lack of security.
OSZZ / Syria 31-Oct On Oct 30, Israel fired several missiles at targets on the outskirts of Damascus. It was especially unusual as the attack happened during the day. It is unclear whether ops were affected at OSDI/Damascus airport. Aircraft are at high risk in the OSTT/Damascus FIR from being misidentified by air defence systems. The FAA continues to ban all aircraft from entering Syrian airspace.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 28-Oct The HAAA/Addis Notam banning overflights from a large section of Northern Ethiopia along the Ethiopia/Eritrea border below FL290 has been cancelled without reason. Be aware – the Tigray region is an active conflict zone, and there is a major military offensive underway there. Local militia have anti-aircraft weapons that can reach as high as FL260, and previously shot down a military C130 at low level on June 23. The risk hasn’t changed. Overflights should not overfly the area below FL290. Click the link for a full briefing.
HSZZ / Sudan 28-Oct Ops have resumed at HSSK/Khartoum, but the US Embassy has warned there are still multiple issues at the airport. The road there may be dangerous, and crowds are likely as more flights become available. There are also reports that airport workers are striking, while internet outages are causing problems for flights. Disruptions are ongoing.
OEZZ / Saudi Arabia 28-Oct Five ballistic missiles targeting the city of Jizan near the Yemeni border were destroyed by air defences on October 28. Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to actively target cities and airports in the region. OEGN/Jizan and OEAB/Abha are especially vulnerable. The main risk is for aircraft on the ground – from the weapons themselves, or from falling debris when they’re intercepted.
HSZZ / Sudan 27-Oct Sudan’s CAA has said that HSSK/Khartoum airport will reopen today at 4pm local time (1400 GMT), following the military coup on Oct 25. However, civil unrest continues and more protests are likely this week. The US Embassy is advising against travel to the airport. Overflights are still taking place but there have been reports of delays due to thirty-minute separation being applied in the HSSS/Khartoum FIR.
OEZZ / Saudi Arabia 26-Oct Two Houthi drones targeting OEAB/Abha airport were destroyed on Oct 26. This is a persistent threat in the OEJD/Jeddah FIR – especially at airports in the south near the border with Yemen. Aircraft on the ground are at constant risk from the weapons themselves or from falling debris caused by air defences. Click here for a full briefing.
HSZZ / Sudan 25-Oct The military has taken control of the country and a state of emergency has been declared. There is ongoing civil unrest in the streets of Khartoum, and soldiers have shot several civilians. HSSK/Khartoum is still closed and the effect on overflights is unknown. The situation remains dangerous and unpredictable.
HSZZ / Sudan 25-Oct A military coup is underway in Sudan - the second since late September. HSSK/Khartoum is closed, and all flights have been suspended – but no new Notams have been issued. The internet is down and army troops have been deployed across the city. The political situation in Sudan remains extremely volatile. It’s best avoided at this time.
MTZZ / Haiti 24-Oct The US Embassy in Haiti has issued a new security alert – several unions are calling for a mass nation-wide strike on Oct 25, and possibly into the week. The impact on airport ops is hard to predict, but disruptions are possible. Contact your handling agent for updates if headed there in the next few days.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 24-Oct The UN has reportedly suspended all flights to HAMK/Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray region in Northern Ethiopia. The military carried out airstrikes there on Oct 22. On the same day, a UN aircraft was instructed not to land by local ATC, and returned to HAAB/Addis Ababa. The conflict in Tigray is escalating – both landing and overflying aircraft are at risk.
ORZZ / Iraq 24-Oct US operators can now overfly the ORBB/Baghdad FIR above FL320. KICZ Notam A0036/20 which banned flights at all levels has been cancelled, and the current SFAR now applies. But there are still risks – Iraq is an active conflict zone. Aircraft are at risk from terrorist groups with access to anti-aircraft weaponry. The FIR should still be considered dangerous at all levels. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
HSZZ / Sudan 21-Oct The security situation is deteriorating. Large groups of rival political protestors have taken to the streets of Khartoum. Authorities have been using tear gas to forcefully disperse the crowds. This follows a failed coup attempt in September. Several major carriers have cancelled flights there this week over security concerns. The situation may change quickly.
OEZZ / Saudi Arabia 21-Oct Weapon-laden drones and a ballistic missile were intercepted by Saudi Air Defenses on Oct 22. The region around OEAB/Abha airport was targeted. Continue to follow Safeairspace for updates on the situation. Currently there are warnings for areas of the southern Jeddah FIR, and across Yemen.
OSZZ / Syria 20-Oct A US military base in Eastern Syria was attacked by a weaponised drone on Oct 20. Local militia were responsible. It's unusual, as drone attacks are not common in Syria. This may indicate that militant groups have increasing access to them. Several warnings exist for the OSTT/Damascus FIR, where US operators are banned. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
ZKZZ / North Korea 19-Oct On Oct 19, North Korea test fired a ballistic missile from a submarine, which landed in the Sea of Japan. There were no warnings or Notams issued. It is the latest in a series of unannounced launches in recent months. Aircraft remain at risk from falling re-entry debris in the oceanic part of the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR at all levels. See SafeAirspace.net for a full briefing.
SABE / Buenos Aires Argentina 19-Oct There are protests at Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery airport, and the protestors are clashing with security. Some disruption on the ground can be expected until the clashes are resolved.
MPTO / Tocumen Panama 18-Oct On Oct 6, there was an armed robbery in the cargo area of the airport early in the morning. The culprits posed as airport workers, and managed to break into a secure area to steal a large amount of cash. They haven’t been caught yet. Keep an eye on security if operating here.
MTZZ / Haiti 17-Oct A group of US and Canadian citizens were kidnapped by a local gang on Saturday while heading to the airport. The incident happened just a mile or so away from MTPP/Port-au-Prince airport. The US Dept of State maintains its highest level of travel warning for Haiti due to kidnapping, crime and civil unrest there.
CYVR / Vancouver Canada 17-Oct Environmental protestors are planning to block access to the airport in the early evening of Oct 25. Expect significant disruptions and potential clashes with police.
OAZZ / Afghanistan 14-Oct An airline staff member was allegedly held at gunpoint at the OAKB/Kabul airport recently by authorities. Security is still a major issue in Afghanistan. OAKX Notam G1325/21 is a reminder for crew to take these risks into account before operating in the OAKX/Kabul FIR.
LIRF / Rome Fiumicino Italy 14-Oct On October 15 there’s an anti-vaccination protest planned for the day in Terminal 3. Over a thousand people are expected. There may be delays or disruptions.
HAZZ / Ethiopia 13-Oct The conflict in the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia is escalating again. The military have launched an offensive against militia that includes the use of airstrikes and large drones. Overflying aircraft may be at increased risk from anti-aircraft fire. Militia there have previously shot down a military transport plane. The airspace remains closed below FL290 over the Tigray region along the border with Eritrea. Be aware of the risk if using open airways UM656/UT124, which have previously been closed by the conflict.
OEZZ / Saudi Arabia 10-Oct On Oct 8, OEGN/Jizan airport was targeted by two explosive drones. They were intercepted, but falling debris injured several airport workers and passengers on the ground. This comes just a day after similar events at OEAB/Abha. Airports are often targeted, especially in the south near the border with Yemen. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.
OEZZ / Saudi Arabia 07-Oct An explosive drone targeting OEAB/Abha airport was destroyed on Oct 6. Falling debris damaged the terminal and injured several people. Flights were briefly disrupted. There's been a number of attacks in Southern Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. Aircraft are at risk from drone and missile attacks at airports throughout the OEJD/Jeddah FIR. Click here for a full briefing.
ZZZZ / Worldwide 06-Oct IFALPA has issued a new bulletin expressing concern about the growing problem of satellite signal disruption around the world. There are lots of reasons why it is happening, and it can create serious safety issues for aircraft.
KZZZ / USA 06-Oct The FAA reported 6,852 laser incidents in 2020, marking a 12 percent increase on previous years. This is a good read on what to do if you experience a laser strike.
UKZZ / Ukraine 06-Oct The FAA have extended the ban on US operators overflying the eastern part of the UKDV/Dnipro FIR to Oct 2023. While tensions have lowered from their peak earlier this year, the conflict continues between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists in the region, creating a risk to aviation due to the potential for miscalculation or misidentification.
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