Safe Airspace – Conflict Zone and Risk Database

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12 Nov

Risk Summary updated: Two aircraft targeted and hit by bullets on approach to MTPP/Port-au-Prince. Operations suspended, major risk to aircraft. The FAA have since banned US operators from flights in the airspace of Haiti below 10,000ft MSL. Elevated to Level 1 - Do Not Fly.

27 Jun

US KICZ Notam cancelled. There are now no longer any airspace warnings in place for Venezuela.

An Embraer passenger jet was likely struck by an air defense system while on approach to URMG/Grozny (Southern Russia) on Dec 25. It later diverted and crash landed in Kazakhstan after sustaining heavy damage. This event occurred during Ukrainian drone strikes in the area, and strongly suggests a case of mis-identification. The majority of western operators remain subject to a reciprocal entry ban from Russian airspace. For those still using it, several airspace warnings exist for the URRV/Rostov FIR where the incident occurred. This is due to significant spill-over risks to civil aviation from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. An investigation into the incident is underway.

An OPSGROUP member reports further GPS interference (likely spoofing) in the north of the VYYF/Yangon FIR on Dec 20. The event occurred approx. 100nm east of APAGO on the B465 airway at FL430. Map shift observed on auxiliary ipad before aircraft GPS systems failed. This was followed by the activation of a GPWS Pull Up warning for a full five minutes. All systems returned to normal by APAGO. We’ve had a number of similar reports from this region in recent months. Look out for Myanmar overflights between China and Bangladesh.

A US military jet was shot down over the Red Sea in a friendly fire incident on December 22. It was apparently a case of mistaken identity by a naval ship being used to target multiple Houthi drones in the area. This follows a missile intercept incident observed at close proximity by a transiting aircraft near Jeddah on November 3. The Red Sea has been an active conflict zone for the past 12 months, and these events highlight ongoing risks to civil aviation through this busy corridor. See the Special Briefing available in your member’s dashboard for more info (Special Briefings, Red Sea Conflict Zone).

Nuisance drones continue to be sighted over New York and New Jersey. The FAA has reported that KSWF/Stewart was closed for an hour on Dec 13 after several infringed its airspace. It’s still not clear who is responsible, and an active FBI investigation continues. So far, impact to civil air traffic has been minimal. The FAA requires approval for any drone to be operated in controlled airspace, or above 400’ AGL in Class G. If you spot one breaking these rules, report it to ATC and via the attached website.

Russia carried out a large-scale missile and drone attack on targets in Ukraine on Dec 13. This caused some alarm, and air defence systems were put on high alert near Poland’s southeastern border. Military jets were also scrambled to the area, and there are conflicting reports of possible airspace infringements. Spill-over risks from the conflict continue to be present in Polish airspace where there are no active warnings - we continue to advise caution if operating near its border with the conflict zone in Ukraine.

There has been a significant escalation in fighting in the past week - rebels have reportedly taken control of two major cities in Northern Syria, Aleppo and Hama. OSAP/Aleppo is currently closed. Air defence activity has been especially active targeting weaponised drones. Syria is in a sustained state of civil war, and its airspace should be considered extremely dangerous at all levels. Several states advise aircraft not to enter the OSTT/Damascus FIR, including a complete ban on US operators by the FAA. See safeairspace.net for more info.

EASA has extended its Conflict Zone Information Bulletins (CZIBs) for Israel, Iran and Lebanon until the end of January with no change to the advice: operators should continue to avoid the OLBB/Beirut and OIIX/Tehran FIRs at all levels and use special care in the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR. This is consistent with our previous guidance - the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah is a positive sign but the situation remains volatile. For now, existing airspace warnings still apply. See safeairspace.net for more info.

The US FAA has issued a new airspace warning for Haiti. US operators are now banned from operating below 10,000ft MSL in the airspace of Haiti. The ban is effective immediately, and is currently in place until Dec 13. This follows reports of two aircraft being hit by gunfire on approach to MTPP/Port-au-Prince on Nov 11. As we reported previously - all flights at MTPP have been suspended entirely until Nov 18 at the earliest, but with this level of risk to aircraft, Haiti will be off-limits for some time to come. SafeAirspace.net now puts Haiti at Level 1 - Do Not Fly.

On Nov 11, two aircraft were hit by gunfire on approach to MTPP/Port-au-Prince. The first, a Spirit A320 enroute from KFLL, was hit on short final to Runway 28 at around 1100 local. Damage was significant, with multiple rounds entering the fuselage, avionics bay, engine, and cabin. The second aircraft, a Jet Blue A320, discovered a bullet hole on return to KJFK. Operations at MTPP have been suspended entirely until Nov 18, but with this level of risk to aircraft, Haiti will be off-limits for some time to come. SafeAirspace.net now puts Haiti at Level 1 - Do Not Fly.

Canada has issued a new airspace warning for Haitian airspace. It advises operators to carry out a risk assessment before entering the MTEG/Port-au-Prince FIR due to risks to aviation from gang activity. CZQX Notam H5210/24 refers. This follows reports a UN helicopter was fired upon by gang members while operating near MTPP/Port-au-Prince on Oct 25. Some carriers have since cancelled flights there. The US FAA is already advising operators to confirm the security status of all airports with ATC before operating in. See safeairspace.net for more info.

Israel carried out airstrikes on targets in and around Tehran early on Oct 26. The OIIX/Tehran, ORBB/Baghdad and OSTT/Damascus FIRs all closed for several hours. A military response by Israel to an Iranian missile strike earlier this month has been anticipated for some time. Iran has announced it will plan some kind of response. All airspace has since re-opened, with the majority of Europe/Middle East transits avoiding the region and using a southerly corridor through Saudi Arabia and Egypt instead. Further disruptions are likely throughout the region in the near term. Check the link for a full briefing.

Almost 100 hoax bomb threats have been made against flights from Indian airports in the past week. Some have turned back to India, some have made emergency landings elsewhere (Turkey, Germany), and some have had fighter jets dispatched to escort the planes (Singapore, UK). One flight to Chicago was even diverted to Iqaluit, with the pax grounded for three days before finally making it to Chicago on a Canadian air force plane. Authorities in India are taking things seriously and have increased security screening at airports across the country - delays are likely.

A foreign-registered cargo aircraft was shot down over North Darfur (western Sudan, near the border with Chad) on Oct 21. Details about the crash and its mission are murky. Some reports say the flight originated from OMRK/Ras-Al-Khaimah in the UAE, others say it was flying from UCFM/Manas in Kyrgyzstan. Most report the intended destination was FTAA/Amdjarass in eastern Chad. The aircraft was most likely carrying supplies for the RSF (a local paramilitary group) and was mistakenly shot down by RSF fighters themselves. Sudan airspace remains closed to all civilian flights following a military coup in April 2023, and several states have airspace warnings advising their operators not to enter at all due to the risk of anti-aircraft fire. Safeairspace.net has more info.

Execujet FBO at EBBR/Brussels are reporting that activists intend to target the aviation industry in Belgium from Oct 24-28. As usual, we don’t know exactly where they will strike. In Dec 2023, they targeted EBAW/Antwerp and EBLG/Liege airports. During this upcoming period, drop-and-go’s are a good option for airports in Belgium (and maybe northern France and Holland too), as longer-parked aircraft are often the target. Check our article for some history on impact to airports from protests like these.

EASA have revised their Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) for the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR. They have removed a recommendation not to enter at all levels, and are now advising operators to conduct a stringent risk assessment each time they want to enter. This does not appear to be due to a reduction in risk - aircraft continue to be in danger from military activity including misidentification especially near the northern border with Lebanon at all altitudes. We maintain a ‘Do Not Fly’ warning for Israel at this time. See safeairspace.net for a full briefing.

Israel has continued its military offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with airstrikes and explosions reported in Beirut over the past 48 hrs. All foreign operators have suspended flights to OLBA/Beirut indefinitely - a Notam has been extended that now requires pre-approval in the unlikely event carriers want to resume flights there (OLBB A0244/24 refers). Safeairspace maintains a ‘Do Not Fly’ warning for the entire OLBB/Beirut FIR at all levels due to risk from military activity. See safeairspace.net for more info.

Iran is closing all of its airports from 9pm local tonight until 6am tomorrow morning. This is an unusual move, especially as the reason given is "operational reasons" (i.e., actual reason not disclosed). Similar Notams were issued on Tuesday night last week, after the attack on Israel. As most operators are already avoiding Iranian airspace, this will have little direct impact - but may suggest Iran is anticipating an Israeli response on Sunday night. There are currently no other indications to suggest this, but we suggest monitoring for further updates.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

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