Egypt
Risk Level: Three - Caution
[ about risk levels ]
July 2025: The ceasefire between Israel and Iran has held so far. All airspace in the region has largely reopened, but the corridor between Israel and Iran remains high risk if the conflict resumes.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation – June 2025
Prior to the June 2025 conflict between Israel and Iran, the only airspace warnings for Egypt were those published by the UK in Nov 2023, advising caution over the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea due to the potential risk from heightened military activity related to the conflict in Israel/Gaza.
Major events:
June 2025: EASA issues CZIB warning of spillover risk in the airspace of Egypt and Saudi Arabia from the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Nov 2023: UK published Notams warning of increased risk over the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea due to the conflict in Israel/Gaza. Cruise missiles and drones launched from Yemen targeted Israel. Some shot down over the Red Sea, others landed on Egypt/Israel border. New Airspace Warning: The Red Sea, Nov 2023 (OPSGROUP article)
July 2019: British Airways suspends Cairo operations for one week due to security concerns.
Feb 2017: An SA-7 anti-aircraft missile tube was found less than a mile from HECA/Cairo airport.
Oct 2015: A Russian A321 was brought down over the Sinai peninsula by a bomb loaded at HESH/Sharm El Sheikh. The group claimed the IED was placed aboard the aircraft prior to departing HESH, raising concerns of potential insider threats at the airport.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation – June 2025
Prior to the June 2025 conflict between Israel and Iran, the only airspace warnings for Egypt were those published by the UK in Nov 2023, advising caution over the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea due to the potential risk from heightened military activity related to the conflict in Israel/Gaza.
Major events:
June 2025: EASA issues CZIB warning of spillover risk in the airspace of Egypt and Saudi Arabia from the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Nov 2023: UK published Notams warning of increased risk over the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea due to the conflict in Israel/Gaza. Cruise missiles and drones launched from Yemen targeted Israel. Some shot down over the Red Sea, others landed on Egypt/Israel border. New Airspace Warning: The Red Sea, Nov 2023 (OPSGROUP article)
July 2019: British Airways suspends Cairo operations for one week due to security concerns.
Feb 2017: An SA-7 anti-aircraft missile tube was found less than a mile from HECA/Cairo airport.
Oct 2015: A Russian A321 was brought down over the Sinai peninsula by a bomb loaded at HESH/Sharm El Sheikh. The group claimed the IED was placed aboard the aircraft prior to departing HESH, raising concerns of potential insider threats at the airport.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5) | 26 Dec 2024 | Ongoing | |
| UK | UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5) | 26 Dec 2024 | Ongoing |
Source: UK
Reference: UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5)
Issued: 26-Dec-24, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Caution to UK operators over the Red Sea due to the potential risk from military activity.
Security - Hazardous Situation in the Red Sea
UK civil air operators are advised to take potential risk into account when operating over the waters of the Red Sea due to potential risk from heightened military activity.
UK civil air operators are advised to take potential risk into account when operating over the waters of the Red Sea due to potential risk from heightened military activity.
Source: UK
Reference: UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5)
Issued: 26-Dec-24, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Caution to UK operators over the Gulf of Aqaba due to the potential risk from military activity.
Security - Hazardous Situation in Gulf of Aqaba
UK civil air operators are advised to take risk into account when operating up to 150 NM from the centre point of the Gulf of Aqaba (calculated to be 284536N 344236E) due to potential risk from heightened military activity.
UK civil air operators are advised to take risk into account when operating up to 150 NM from the centre point of the Gulf of Aqaba (calculated to be 284536N 344236E) due to potential risk from heightened military activity.