Oct 2026: UDDD/Yerevan FIR remains open and continues to see increased overflight traffic as operators avoid conflict-affected airspace farther south. The Armenia-Azerbaijan corridor remains an important Europe-Asia bypass route.

See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation - 2026

The primary risk is potential spillover from the Iran conflict into the southern Caucasus region, including missile or drone activity crossing into neighbouring airspace.



There is also a background risk from Armenia-Azerbaijan tensions, which have previously led to temporary restrictions and the closure of cross-border routes.

Major events:
Mar 2026: Azerbaijan said drones from Iran struck the terminal at UBBN/Nakhchivan airport, while Iran denied responsibility. The incident highlighted the risk of the Iran conflict spreading into the Caucasus.
Sep 2023: A ceasefire followed fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and cross-border waypoints reopened.
Sep 2022: Armenia-Azerbaijan clashes temporarily closed border waypoints.
Sep-Oct 2020: War between Armenia and Azerbaijan led to widespread airspace closures and missile-threat warnings.