Safe Airspace – Conflict Zone and Risk Database

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03 Sep

Risk summary updated: Ukraine warns that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly unsafe for civil aviation as it steps up drone attacks against Russian infrastructure.

15 Jul

Risk summary updated: Latest developments, current airspace restrictions, operational risks.

28 Feb

Country summary updated to reflect flight bans issued by several countries due to risk from military conflict.

17 Feb

Country summary updated: Added info on spillover risks from the conflict in Ukraine including Russian drone and missile strikes.

28 Feb

Country summary updated to reflect airspace warnings issued by several countries due to risk from military conflict in Ukraine.

28 Apr

Updated summary for Albania.

Ukraine is carrying out more drone strikes deeper inside Russia, and the attacks are causing temporary airspace restrictions and airport closures - including around Moscow. The Ukrainian President has warned on Sep 1 that Russian airspace is now becoming "completely unsafe" for civil aviation, although he says civilian aircraft are not being targeted. This increases the risk of misidentification by air defence systems. Several states maintain active airspace warnings for Russian airspace - see safeairspace.net for a full briefing.

Member report: On a recent trip, the lav cart was servicing our Gulfstream G200. We had requested a drain, and a seven liter top-up. While doing paperwork in the cabin we noticed the toilet suddenly erupting with blue juice - “like the Trevi Fountain, but grosser.” We ran outside and told the man to shut it off, but by that point the cabin carpet was flooded halfway up to the cockpit. When asked how much blue juice had been pumped, the response was he didn’t know as the meter on the truck was ‘broken’. Two weeks later during maintenance we discovered the toilet assembly had multiple cracks - it literally exploded the toilet. It’s an unfortunate reminder not to leave ground staff unattended while they carry out servicing.

Following a recent easing in activity in parts of the region, EASA has updated its CZIB guidance. Operators should continue to avoid the airspace of Iran and Iraq at all levels. Lebanon should also be avoided, except for flights to or from OLBA/Beirut that approach from or depart over the sea. In Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, avoid airspace over the waters of the Persian Gulf, except where needed for arrivals/departures from airports within the affected FIRs. Avoid the Gulf of Oman within OOMM/Muscat FIR west of 58°E and exercise caution over land in the affected Gulf FIRs. Exercise caution in Israel, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and remain ready for short notice airspace restrictions.

Soldiers in the capital Niamey carried out a military mutiny over the weekend. Gunfire and explosions were reported at DRRN/Niamey, which houses a military airbase. It was the third time the facility has been attacked this year. Local security forces were able to end the mutiny by Sunday. Niger’s CAA has said the airport is open and operating normally. The country has a recent history of instability - the US Dept. of State continues to advise against all travel there due to unrest among other security concerns.

Greek air defences present in Saudi Arabia used Patriot missiles to destroy three drones on Aug 27. This occurred in the Yanbu area, near major oil facilities north of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast. No disruptions were reported at OEYN/Yanbu itself. While civil aviation was not a specific target, it’s a reminder that persistent threats continue to be present in the OEJD/Jeddah FIR. The system used is capable of reaching targets well above normal cruising levels. See safeairspace.net for a full risk briefing.

GPS spoofing continues to affect both WIHH/Jakarta Halim and WIII/Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta, with the FAA producing a report on its findings following an interference event on Aug 17. According to GPSwise, this particular event lasted over 4 hours and affected around 70 aircraft. Worth noting: with invalid GPS data, Jakarta Halim effectively becomes a VFR-only airport, as both the ILS and VOR approaches require RNP for the initial approach segment. Let us know if you've had problems - report@ops.group.

Bulgarian security services have disabled a powerful GPS jammer near LBSF/Sofia. Aircraft reportedly experienced almost continuous interference for at least three days prior, with crews switching to conventional ground-based nav instead. The airport stayed open with no reported delays or issues. Authorities say the jammer was mounted on an SUV and may have been used for over a year - they’re still investigating and say other similar devices may also be in use. There’s definitely something strange still going on over Bulgaria at the moment - some flights are getting spoofed to as far away as Lima in Peru!

We’ve updated our article with the latest on Middle East airspace, routings and risks. Kuwait is still closed to overflights, meaning the central route is still not a goer. Most traffic is still routing either north via the Caucasus/Afghan, or south via Egypt/Saudi/Oman. Recent spillover includes missiles near the UAE, Houthi attacks in southern Saudi and Israeli strikes in Syria - but no new airspace closures or major routing changes. Three southern Saudi airports remain closed. GPS jamming and spoofing remain widespread, with reports of ATC congestion over Saudi Arabia.

It has been an especially active month for missile tests. Unannounced launches have been reported three times in two weeks, the latest on Aug 20 when at least ten short range ballistic missiles were fired eastwards toward the Sea of Japan. This appears to have coincided with joint military exercises between the US and South Korea, which North Korea perceives as an act of aggression. Aircraft operating on open airways near the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR may be at increased risk of falling debris. See safeairspace.net for more info.

Anti-aviation group Stay Grounded is planning a series of protests and events across Europe in Sep and Oct. The main date to watch is Sep 13, when groups in several countries are expected to protest against night flights. Other events are planned in London (Sep 9), Barcelona (Sep 19), Leipzig and Madrid (Sep, dates TBC), Zurich and Geneva (Sep/Oct, dates TBC), Budapest (Oct 8), and Antwerp (Oct 23-25). No news yet on exactly what’s planned, but general advice when these things are planned is to do drop-and-go’s, or if you have to stay then park away from perimeter fences or use a hangar.

GPS Interference Update, August: Jakarta saw a spike in GPS spoofing on Aug 17, with almost 70 aircraft affected in a 4-hour window - it's had occasional interference over the last two weeks, but nothing on this scale. Otherwise, the usual hotspots (SE Med, the Gulf including Red Sea and Persian Gulf, in and around Russia, the India-Pakistan border, Myanmar) continue to affect hundreds of flights daily. Other locations with occasional jamming include Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, and South Korea around Seoul and further south around Jeonju. This update is from GPSwise, who still provide a free spoofing map, as well as more complex fleet/API/integrated options.

We reported back in March how VFR traffic crossing the RWY 19 final between UNVIL and TUGGZ was causing TCAS RAs. The FAA has since added a warning box about the issue to the New York VFR charts. But looks like the problem still hasn’t gone away. In Aug 2026, NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System published a report from a TRACON controller describing a VFR aircraft at 2000ft crossing the final in front of a Part 135 jet flying the RNAV Y RWY 19 approach. The VFR aircraft climbed while the jet was descending. The controller says this is a recurring problem that ATC have been raising for years.

NATO jets shot down a drone in Latvian airspace near the Russian border early Friday Aug 14. Authorities have not yet confirmed its type or origin. Separately, Finland temporarily restricted airspace over the eastern Gulf of Finland as a precaution against possible drone activity, something it has done several times in 2026. This is the first time a Latvian drone alert has escalated to an actual shootdown. If transiting the Baltic region, be prepared for short-notice airspace restrictions and keep a close eye on the Notams.

It seems like there are still GPS interference events occurring in the northeastern part of Japan’s RJJJ/Fukuoka FIR. It is affecting R580, from about 100nm north of ONEMU through OPULO, with other aircraft on R220 also affected. The PAZA/Anchorage FIR has a Notam warning of multiple reports of GNSS jamming and possible spoofing in the area. This follows an FAA report of six GPS interference events in the Fukuoka FIR near the Kuril Islands between July 22 and Aug 3 (four jamming and two spoofing) affecting traffic in both directions.

German authorities are investigating a suspected sabotage incident after a drone carrying an explosive device was found near Leipzig's southern runway (08R/26L) at around 2300 LT on 4 Aug. Authorities removed the detonator without incident, but both runways were temporarily closed, causing several flight diversions. Separately, a DHL cargo aircraft struck an unidentified airborne object while climbing from Leipzig and sustained minor nose damage before landing safely at EDDV/Hannover. It is unconfirmed whether the incidents are related.

We’ve received member reports that airport security have been stepping up checks of crew bags following the high-profile arrest of a pilot accused of smuggling drugs into the country last month. A reminder that Indonesia has some of the toughest drug laws in the world. This includes a ban on some prescription meds that may be available over the counter back home, including certain codeine-based cough syrups, strong sleep aids and ADHD meds like Adderall. Vapes and e-cigarettes are also illegal to import.

GPS interference update, August: The usual hotspots (SE Med, the Gulf including Red Sea and Persian Gulf, in and around Russia, Indian-Pakistani border, Myanmar) still affects hundreds of flights daily. In the last month, sporadic spoofing and jamming also observered in Mexico (Mexico City and the state of Sinaloa) and Beijing, and jamming around Bogotá, Jakarta, and Singapore. This update is from GPSwise, who still provide a free spoofing map, as well as more complex fleet/API/integrated options. The attached OPSGROUP image is a nice reminder of the difference between Jamming and Spoofing. And yes, you can still get a GPWS PULLUP terroralert at FL370. Keeps things fun!

Member report: be careful of military traffic not in contact with civilian ATC. During a recent radar departure, the aircraft was cleared direct to waypoint KUTLI. About 10nm prior, ATC advised that there was unknown traffic approx 2000ft lower and tracking perpendicular to the aircraft’s path. The traffic was spotted, and appeared to be a military jet. After passing KUTLI and on track to GEVIV the unknown aircraft crossed ahead, briefly triggering a TCAS TA. Visual contact was maintained throughout and no RA was triggered. ATC were advised.

We have new member reports of GPS jamming around the airport, with some losing GPS on approach. The local handler has said there is no official feedback so far from the DGCA. The gotcha is that if GNSS/RNP is unavailable, the only approach is the NDB for Runway 24 - the ILS/VOR approaches along with all SIDs and STARs all require GNSS. If you are doing the visual approach, the good news is that the runway lighting is old school incandescent and it is picked up well on the EVS. Let us know if you have encountered any issues.

Romanian F-16s shot down two Russian drones on July 24 and 26, while a third turned back into Ukraine after being tracked. All three incidents happened near the Danube Delta and Black Sea coast, where Russia has previously carried out strikes against Ukrainian ports. It’s the first time Romania has brought down drones inside its own airspace, suggesting it may be taking a more active stance toward these incursions. More military activity and the risk of miscalculation near the border are likely to continue.

EASA has stepped up its warning for Jordanian airspace following recent unannounced military activity. A new CZIB (attached) was issued on July 22 recommending operators do not enter the OJAC/Amman FIR at any level. This follows a series of recent missile and drone attacks along with the sudden activation of air-defence systems. EASA is concerned this increases risk to civil aviation from mis-identification, interceptions and falling debris. As no route restrictions are in effect, these dangers may not be immediately apparent when flight planning.

EASA updated its Safety Information Bulletin on GPS jamming and spoofing on 4 July, warning that events are increasing in both severity and sophistication. High-risk zones named: Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Middle East, Baltic Sea, Arctic and Eastern Europe - with the FAA separately flagging the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean for extra vigilance. EASA's advice: use alternate nav aids to cross-check position in these areas, lean on INS where fitted, and consider EFB apps showing real-time interference data along the route.

IFALPA has updated its warning for flights in the Papua region of Indonesia. Armed groups in the area have continued to target civil aircraft at local airports, with reports of small arms fire and the kidnapping of a foreign pilot. The bulletin says the security situation has gotten worse this year, with attacks on pilots in Feb and July. Despite government efforts to improve security at remote airports, it warns this remains an ongoing risk. Practical advice remains the same: use extra security measures, and minimise time spent on the ground.

Several recent runway incursions have put the spotlight on the junction where Taxiway C meets Runway 31. Crews taxiing towards Runway 06 have mistakenly followed the R2 rapid-exit taxiway, with investigators blaming poor signage and markings. So take it slow through this area, and cross-check your heading rather than relying on the signs alone. Separately, members report Manila's pavement remains in poor condition in places, with potholes appearing after heavy rain - especially common this time of year.

The US-Iran conflict has widened again over the past 48 hours. US strikes have reportedly hit OIZI/Iranshahr airport in the south of the country, plus some other targets around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has attacked some US facilities in Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, plus a US radar station in Oman. Explosions also reported in Doha - likely air defence interceptions. Iran also targeted a US base in Syria but looks like no damage reported. Despite the escalation, there have still not been any new Gulf airspace closures or major airline routing changes. Kuwait remains closed to overflights - other FIRs in the region remain open with temp routes as per the Notams.

EASA has issued a new CZIB advising operators to avoid at all levels in the OBBB/Bahrain, OKAC/Kuwait, OTDF/Doha and OMAE/Emirates FIRs, and the Gulf of Oman within OOMM/Muscat FIR west of 58°E. This follows repeated violations of the US-Iran ceasefire, attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and related US military action. A separate Information Note covers Israel, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia. It does not advise avoiding those FIRs, but tells operators to take the potential risk into account before operating. Existing CZIBs for Iran, Iraq and Lebanon remain unchanged: avoid the airspace of these countries at all levels.

Houthi rebels fired missiles and drones at OEAB/Abha airport on July 13, likely in response to Saudi airstrikes on OYSN/Sanaa just hours earlier. They have also warned all airlines to avoid Saudi airspace until the ‘blockade’ of Sanaa is lifted, referencing efforts by Saudi Arabia to prevent an aircraft carrying Houthi delegates from landing there. This appears to be a non-specific threat targeting civil aviation - we advise extra caution at this time in the OEJD/Jeddah FIR as the situation is escalating. Current airspace warnings suggest the Houthi are known to possess anti-aircraft weaponry. See safeairspace.net for more info.

There was an airstrike on the runway at OYSN/Sanaa airport on July 13. Yemen’s government says it carried out the strike to stop an Iranian aircraft carrying a Houthi delegation from landing. The aircraft diverted to OYHD/Hodeidah instead. The Houthis have blamed Saudi Arabia and threatened retaliation, although Saudi Arabia has not commented yet. It’s not yet clear how much damage was done, but there have been no commercial flights at OYSN for some time following previous airstrikes. This raises the risk of further military action in Yemen, where there are already several long-standing airspace warnings advising operators to avoid most of the OYSC/Sanaa FIR.

US strikes on Iranian military targets around the Strait of Hormuz resumed on July 7. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. But despite the renewed fighting, there has been no clear impact on flight ops so far - no new airspace closures or conflict-related Notams issued yet. EASA's wider regional CZIB covering Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia expired today July 8 and has been replaced with an “Information Note” saying the same thing - “take potential risk into account” before operating. They’ve issued three new standalone CZIBs for Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, continuing to advise not to fly in those FIRs at any altitude.

Wreckage has now been found from the K2 Airways Boeing 737-400 freighter that disappeared over the Arabian Sea after reporting a navigation system fault shortly after departing OMSJ/Sharjah for OPKC/Karachi on July 7. Search and recovery operations continue, but there is still no indication of what caused the accident. While GPS interference has been widely reported by crews operating in the region, there is currently no evidence that spoofing or jamming contributed to this event. Crews should continue to follow GPS interference procedures before departing airports in the area and can check live conditions using the GPSwise map.

Pakistan carried out airstrikes against targets in eastern Afghanistan overnight on June 28-29. They appear to have followed a militant attack in Karachi the day before. This is the latest flare-up of violence between the two countries despite earlier attempts at a ceasefire. No new airspace warnings have been issued - flights continue to operate over central Afghan airspace or via the P500/G500 corridor. However we suggest treating the shared border region as higher risk at this time due to unannounced military activity.

An Airbus A321 reported a drone strike while on approach to Runway 13L on June 29. The collision occurred at around 3000 ft, with impact just above the cockpit. No damage was found afterwards, but the FAA is investigating. This follows a similar incident at KEWR/Newark on June 26 when a Boeing 737 narrowly missed a drone at 2000 ft while landing. Recreational drones are normally limited to 400 ft AGL unless operating under special approvals - these reports suggest that some are being operated well above that limit close to major airports.

The GPS interference reported near the Kamchatka Peninsula on June 21 is affecting aircraft on the North Pacific routes between Asia and North America. An FAA analysis suggests an unknown jammer has affected more than 100 civil aircraft since then. Most crews reported GPS jamming, while at least four described spoofing. The interference spans the Magadan West and Anchorage Oceanic FIRs, centred near NUZAN off the southern tip of the peninsula. Anchorage ARTCC (ZAN) issued Notam A2219/26 warning about it on June 24, but there is still no equivalent warning from the Russian side.

Another member report of GPS interference in the OMAE/Emirates FIR. Aircraft type was a Global 6000. The event began on descent into OMDW/Al Maktoum near UMEKO (20nm north of Muscat). GPS was deselected beforehand. During descent, several amber and cyan CAS messages appeared. This was followed by a full loss of GPS signal along with synthetic vision, ADS-B out, TAWS and terrain map. ATC were advised. After landing the signal returned, but one receiver couldn’t be recovered. They later departed with it in-op. This adds to a growing number of reports of GPS interference in UAE airspace.

A GPS interference warning was issued by the PAZA/Anchorage Oceanic FIR near NUZAN at approx 2100z on June 21. An OPSGROUP member subsequently reported significant interference while westbound on the R220 airway at FL450 between NUZAN and NIPPI in a G650. GPS was completely lost, along with ADS-B and synthetic vision. When the signal returned, it appeared to be spoofed displaying erroneous altitude and time. The event lasted from 2134-2222z. ATC were advised, and other aircraft in the area reported similar issues. The source remains unclear - no related Notams were published by adjacent Russian airspace.

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