Egypt
Risk Level: Three - Caution
[ about risk levels ]
Oct 2026: Egypt's airspace remains open. Regional tensions continue to pose a potential spillover risk around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba, but there is no longer an EASA CZIB covering Egypt.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation - 2026
The primary risk is potential spillover from regional conflict, particularly missile and drone activity around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba. In November 2023, the UK warned of risks from heightened military activity linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict, after missiles and drones launched from Yemen were intercepted over the Red Sea and some landed near the Egypt-Israel border.
Major events:
Nov 2023: The UK warned of increased risks over the Gulf of Aqaba and Red Sea due to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Missiles and drones launched from Yemen were intercepted over the Red Sea, while others landed near the Egypt-Israel border. New Airspace Warning: The Red Sea, Nov 2023 (OPSGROUP article)
Jul 2019: British Airways suspended 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 destroyed by a bomb after departing HESH/Sharm El Sheikh, raising concerns about insider threats at the airport.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation - 2026
The primary risk is potential spillover from regional conflict, particularly missile and drone activity around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba. In November 2023, the UK warned of risks from heightened military activity linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict, after missiles and drones launched from Yemen were intercepted over the Red Sea and some landed near the Egypt-Israel border.
Major events:
Nov 2023: The UK warned of increased risks over the Gulf of Aqaba and Red Sea due to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Missiles and drones launched from Yemen were intercepted over the Red Sea, while others landed near the Egypt-Israel border. New Airspace Warning: The Red Sea, Nov 2023 (OPSGROUP article)
Jul 2019: British Airways suspended 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 destroyed by a bomb after departing HESH/Sharm El Sheikh, raising concerns about 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.