Egypt

Risk Level: Two - Danger exists

Since the Arab Spring, Egypt’s stability and security situation as a state has declined.

-July 2019: British Airways suspends Cairo operations for one week due to security concerns
-In February 2017 an an SA-7 anti-aircraft missile tube was found less than a mile from HECA/Cairo airport.
-In October 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.

There remains a threat from terrorism in Egypt, particularly in the Sinai Peninsular - most countries advise against operating to airports in this region, as well as overflights below FL260.

Current warnings list :

Source	Reference	Issued	Valid to
Ireland	Notam B1238/19	04 Dec 2019	04 Mar 2020
USA	Notam KICZ A0010/19	30 Mar 2019	30 Mar 2020
Egypt	Notam A0266/18	25 Mar 2019	26 Sep 2019
USA	US FAA Background Notice	30 Dec 2018	30 Dec 2020
Germany	Notam B1634/18	24 Dec 2018	23 Mar 2019
UK	UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5)	08 Oct 2015	Ongoing

Source: Ireland

Reference: Notam B1238/19

Issued: 04-Dec-19, valid until: 04 Mar 2020

Plain English: Avoid overflying the Sinai Peninsula below FL260

EISN/SHANNON B1238/19
FLIGHT IN EGYPT AIRSPACE, CAIRO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR HECC), SINAI PENINSULA. THE IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY HAS BEEN DIRECTED BY THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND SPORT UNDER SECTION 7 (1) (B) OF THE IRISH AVIATION ACT 1993, TO ISSUE A DIRECTION TO IRISH AOC CARRIERS THAT IRISH AOC AIRCRAFT SHOULD NOT FLY BELOW 2600OFT IN EGYPT AIRSPACE, CAIRO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR HECC), SINAI PENINSULA. THE IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY, IN PURSUANCE OF ARTICLES 4,7 AND 25 OF THE IRISH AVIATION AUTHORITY (OPERATIONS) ORDER (S.I. NO.61 OF 2006), (HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE ORDER), HEREBY DIRECTS THAT ALL IRISH AOC AIRCRAFT SHOULD NOT FLY BELOW 26000FT IN EGYPT'S AIRSPACE CAIRO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR HECC), SINAI PENINSULA.
04 DEC 19:30 2019 UNTIL 04 MAR 17:00 2020 ESTIMATED.

Source: USA

Reference: Notam KICZ A0010/19

Issued: 30-Mar-19, valid until: 30 Mar 2020

Plain English: Avoid overflying the Sinai Peninsula below FL260; if planning to do so, provide 3 days notice to the FAA.

A0010/19 (Issued for KICZ)
SECURITY..UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR EGYPT SINAI PENINSULA.

THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A BELOW SHOULD AVOID FLYING INTO, OUT OF, WITHIN OR OVER THE SINAI PENINSULA IN THE CAIRO FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR) (HECC) AT ALTITUDES BELOW FL260 WITHIN THE FOLLOWING LATERAL LIMITS: 311855N 0321900E TO 294443N 0322815E TO 281650N 0331928E TO 272900N 0341900E TO 292920N 0345500E THEN ALONG THE EGYPT/ISRAEL BORDER TO 311800N 0341300E TO 311855N 0321900E.

A. APPLICABILITY. THIS NOTAM APPLIES TO: ALL U.S. AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS; ALL PERSONS EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE FAA, EXCEPT SUCH PERSONS OPERATING U.S.-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT FOR A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER; AND ALL OPERATORS OF AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT WHERE THE OPERATOR OF SUCH AIRCRAFT IS A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER.

B. PLANNING. THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A PLANNING TO FLY INTO, OUT OF, WITHIN, OR OVER THE ABOVE-NAMED AREA MUST REVIEW CURRENT SECURITY/THREAT INFORMATION AND NOTAMS; COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE FAA REGULATIONS, OPERATIONS SPECIFICATIONS, MANAGEMENT SPECIFICATIONS, AND LETTERS OF AUTHORIZATION, INCLUDING UPDATING B450; AND PROVIDE AT LEAST 72 HOURS ADVANCE NOTICE OF PLANNED FLIGHTS TO THE FAA AT AEO-CITEWATCH@FAA.GOV WITH SPECIFIC FLIGHT DETAILS TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE.

C. OPERATIONS. EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION DURING FLIGHT OPERATIONS DUE TO THE RISK FROM POTENTIAL EXTREMIST/MILITANT ATTACKS INVOLVING ANTI-AIRCRAFT WEAPONS, INCLUDING MAN-PORTABLE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEMS (MANPADS), ANTI-TANK MISSILES, SMALL-ARMS FIRE, AND INDIRECT FIRE FROM MORTARS AND ROCKETS TARGETING AIRCRAFT AND SINAI AIRPORTS. THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A MUST REPORT SAFETY AND/OR SECURITY INCIDENTS TO THE FAA AT +1 202-267-3333 OR 1 202-267-3203.

THE JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS ADVISORY WILL BE RE-EVALUATED BY 30 MARCH 2020.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AT: HTTPS://WWW.FAA.GOV/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS/.

SFC - FL259, 30 MAR 10:28 2019 UNTIL 30 MAR 23:59 2020 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 30 MAR 10:33 2019

Source: Egypt

Reference: Notam A0266/18

Issued: 25-Mar-19, valid until: 26 Sep 2019

Plain English: Do not plan RNAV approaches at Cairo.

A0086/19 NOTAMR A0266/18
Q) HECC/QGAXX/I/NBO/A/000/999/3007N03125E010
A) HECA B) 1903251215 C) 1909261000 EST
E) DUE TO GPS JAMMING WI RADIUS 10NM CENTRE CAIRO ARP
300641N0312450E,RNAV (GNSS) APCH SHOULD NOT BE PLANNED AT CAIRO INTL
AP.

Source: USA

Reference: US FAA Background Notice

Issued: 30-Dec-18, valid until: 30 Dec 2020

Plain English: Avoid overflying the Sinai Peninsula below FL260

FAA Background Information Regarding U.S. Civil Aviation – Egypt Sinai Peninsula in the Cairo (HECC) Flight Information Region (FIR)

Due to the unstable security situation created by ongoing fighting between military forces and extremist/militant elements, the FAA assesses there is continued risk to U.S. civil aviation operating into, out of, within, or over the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula in the Cairo (HECC) Flight Information Region (FIR), within the lateral limits described in NOTAM A0007/18, at altitudes below FL260.

International civil air routes that transit the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula below FL260, and aircraft operating to and from Sinai airports, are at risk from extremist/militant attacks involving small arms, indirect-fire weapons such as mortars and rockets, anti-tank missiles and anti-aircraft capable weapons including man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). These weapons could also be used to attack airports and aircraft on the ground. Some MANPADS could target aircraft up to a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

The Islamic State in Iraq and ash-Sham in the Sinai (ISIS-Sinai), which is an Egypt-based affiliate of ISIS, continues to conduct attacks in northern and southern Sinai, some of which demonstrate their capability and intent to target civil aviation. In December 2017, ISIS-Sinai used an anti-tank missile to destroy a military helicopter associated with VIP movement at Al’ Arish. In February 2017, ISIS-Sinai militants in southern Sinai fired rockets at Eilat, Israel. In October 2015, ISIS claimed responsibility for the improvised explosive device (IED) bomb attack that destroyed a Russian passenger airliner enroute St. Petersburg, Russia from Sharm el-Sheikh (HESH), Egypt. The group claimed the IED was placed aboard the aircraft prior to departing HESH, raising concerns of potential insider threats at the airport. In June 2015, ISIS fired rockets towards an airport located in northern Sinai, and in January 2014, ISIS-Sinai fired small arms at an Egyptian military aircraft in the region and used MANPADS to shoot down an Egyptian military helicopter flying at low altitude. Although MANPADS have not been used to target civil aircraft in the Sinai, extremists/militants could do so at any time with little or no warning.

The FAA will continue to monitor risks to U.S. civil aviation operations in the Cairo (HECC) FIR and will adjust to its advisory for U.S. civil aviation operations as warranted.

Posted: 30 Mar 2018

Source: Germany

Reference: Notam B1634/18

Issued: 24-Dec-18, valid until: 23 Mar 2019

Plain English: Entire Sinai Peninsula presents a risk below FL260, as do landings at HEAR/El Arish, HEGR/El Gora, HETB/Taba, HESC/St. Catherine, HESH/Sharm-el-Sheikh.

B1634/18 (Issued for EDWW EGDD EDMM)
SECURITY EGYPT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION FIR CAIRO (HECC, SINAI PENINSULA)

CONTENT: FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY ADVISES CIVIL GERMAN AIR OPERATORS NOT TO PLAN AND CONDUCT FLIGHTS WITHIN FIR CAIRO (HECC, SINAI PENINSULA)
BELOW FL260 INCLUDING LANDING, TAXIING, PARKING AND TAKE OFF AT ALL
AIRPORTS ON THE SINAI PENINSULA WITHIN FIR CAIRO (HECC) DUE TO
POTENTIAL RISK TO AVIATION FROM DEDICATED ANTI-AVIATION AND
GROUND-TO-GROUND WEAPONRY.

EMERGENCY SITUATION: IN AN EMERGENCY THAT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE
DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN
COMMAND MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THAT
EMERGENCY.

24 DEC 00:00 2018 UNTIL 23 MAR 23:59 2019.

Source: UK

Reference: UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5)

Issued: 08-Oct-15, valid until: Ongoing

Plain English: Risk to aircraft overfly Egypt's Northern Sinai region at less than FL250.

Hazardous Situation in Egypt

Potential risk to aviation overflying Egyptian airspace in Northern Sinai Governate within the area bounded by 311400N 0322200E - 294000N 0324000E - 293000N 0345400E - 312000N 0341200E - 311400N 0322200E (Cairo FIR, Sinai Peninsula) at less than 25,000 ft above ground level (agl) from dedicated anti-aviation weaponry.

Operators are strongly advised to avoid operating at less than 25,000 ft agl in this airspace.

Egypt: What are other operators doing?

17 % with Avoid or Do Not Land policy

Avoid	10%
Do not land	7%
Specific routes only	22%
Case by case	32%
Unrestricted	23%
No policy	6%

Syria Level One - Do Not Fly

Since March 2011, Syria has been embroiled in an armed conflict, with a number of countries in the region and beyond involved militarily or otherwise. Syria is ranked last on the Global Peace Index, making it the most violent country in the world due to the war.

September 2018 - Russian military aircraft shot down on the border between Damascus and Nicosia FIR.

Israel carries out occasional airstrikes on Syrian territory. Russia has accused the Israeli military of putting commercial flights at risk, by timing their airstrikes on Syria too close to flights arriving at Beirut and Damascus airports. On Feb 6, a commercial A320 flight en-route to Damascus was forced to divert to Russia-controlled Khmeimim air base to avoid coming under fire from Syrian air defences. Damascus ATC instructed the plane to divert, as the Syrian air defence systems engaged four Israeli F-16s, and the civilian aircraft could have found itself in the crossfire.

Almost no traffic overflies Syria, and it should be avoided.

Iran Level One - Do Not Fly

The shooting down of Ukraine Int Airlines flight 752 has been confirmed by Iran to have been carried out by the Iranian Armed Forces, having mistaken the aircraft radar return for an inbound missile to Tehran.

As clarity of cause emerged, many countries have slowly issued warnings to avoid the airspace of Iran and Iraq. We now classify both these countries as Level 1 - Do Not Fly airspace. Tehran and Baghdad FIRs are off limits. Operating to airports in either Iraq or Iran is equally unadvisable.

Just hours prior to the shoot-down of the Ukraine Int Airlines flight in Tehran on Jan 8, the US FAA issued “Emergency Order” Notams banning all US operators from overflying the airspace of Iraq and Iran. This was in response to an Iranian missile strike on US military bases in Iraq, which had just occurred the same night.

Other countries have since issued warnings: the UK, Ukraine, Canada, Germany, and France.

Most airlines other than Middle Eastern carriers have now stopped overflying Iran entirely. The aviation security picture in the Middle East, already fragile and unstable, is now unpredictable. For many operators, you may be starting to use routes that are unfamiliar and not before flown. Take the time to ensure your crews have the full package of charts, are aware of the risks in each FIR, are aware of the potential for GPS outages enroute (especially in the Turkish FIR), and have considered drift down over mountainous areas on the northerly routes.

Iraq Level One - Do Not Fly

There was an Iranian missile strike on US military bases in Iraq on Jan 8, quickly followed by the shooting down of Ukraine Int Airlines flight 752 in Tehran by the Iranian Armed Forces, having mistaken the aircraft radar return for an inbound missile to Tehran.

In the days following these events, many countries issued warnings to avoid the airspace of Iran and Iraq. We now classify both these countries as Level 1 - Do Not Fly airspace. Tehran and Baghdad FIRs are off limits. Operating to airports in either Iraq or Iran is equally unadvisable.

The US and the Ukraine have since prohibited operators from those countries from overflying the airspace of Iraq. Other countries have also issued warnings: the UK, Canada, Germany, and France.

Most airlines other than Middle Eastern carriers have now stopped overflying Iraq entirely. Traffic that normally operates through the Baghdad FIR now needs another route. The predominant choice for east-west flights into the Dubai area is a southerly routing via Saudi Arabia and Egypt. There are warnings for both of these airspaces as well. Northerly reroutes for Europe-Asia flights are predominantly using a Turkey-Armenia-Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan routing.

The aviation security picture in the Middle East, already fragile and unstable, is now unpredictable. For many operators, you may be starting to use routes that are unfamiliar and not before flown. Take the time to ensure your crews have the full package of charts, are aware of the risks in each FIR, are aware of the potential for GPS outages en-route (especially in the Turkish FIR), and have considered drift down over mountainous areas on the northerly routes.

Libya Level One - Do Not Fly

On 23rd Oct 2019, the U.S. issued an emergency order prohibiting U.S. operators from flying in Libyan airspace. This follows months of civil war in Libya, with militia from the East mounting a campaign to seize control of Tripoli, including HLLM airport, and threatening to shoot down aircraft operating in western Libya.

In recent months there have been a number of airstrikes targeting HLLM/Tripoli Mitiga airport. There are videos on social media showing planes landing at the airport as shells are falling in the background. In Nov 2019, militia advancing on the capital, Tripoli, declared a no-fly-zone around the city, and there is now a very real chance that they will shoot-down civil aircraft attempting to fly to HLLM/Tripoli Mitiga airport.

Risk remains high across Libya at all flight levels, and avoidance of all airspace and airports is strongly recommended.

Yemen Level One - Do Not Fly

Yemen is another country with ongoing conflict. Overflying and operating to Yemen is off limits. There have been several ground to ground missile attacks from Yemen into Saudi Arabia. The oceanic portion of the OYSC/Sanaa FIR (Airways UT702, M999, N315, UL425, UM551 and R401) is excluded from most warnings, by nature of being offshore.

Sudan Level Two - Danger exists

Only one international warning exists, that of France, recommending overflight above FL200 in the far southern and western edges of the country (west of the 27°E and south of 13°N) near to the border with South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Chad. Sudan temporarily closed its airspace all day on 11 April 2019 following a military coup which ousted the country’s longtime President Omar al-Bashir from power. This came after months of on-and-off protests against his rule. The security situation in Khartoum has been steadily improving since then, and in Sept 2019, the US downgraded its travel advisory for Sudan from “Level 4: Do Not Travel” to “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”. HSSS/Khartoum airport was closed for five hours late on 14 Jan 2020 following gunfire on the streets of the capital, including in areas close to the airport. The clashes were between the army and former security agents who revolted over severance pay. The airport reopened the next day, with the government saying the violence was over and the situation was under control.

Egypt Level Two - Danger exists

Venezuela Level Two - Danger exists

Ongoing political and social crisis in Venezuela. On 1st May 2019, the US FAA issued a new Do Not Fly instruction to US operators, barring all operations into or over Venezuela, unless operating at or above FL260, and giving a window of 48 hours to leave the country. The order comes on a day of an information battle waged between Maduro and Guaidó, and although the coup status is uncertain, one thing is clear: taking your aircraft to Venezuela is not a good idea.

North Korea Level Two - Danger exists

Following talks with the U.S. in early 2018, North Korea agreed with ICAO that it would provide adequate warning of all “activity hazardous to aviation\" within its airspace. However, in May 2019 North Korea resumed launching missiles into the Sea of Japan, without providing any warning by Notam. The U.S. continues to prohibit flights across all North Korean airspace, including the oceanic part of the ZKKP/Pyongyang FIR over the Sea of Japan. In December 2019, Germany issued a new warning Notam for North Korea, as they made threats to launch long rang missiles.

Saudi Arabia Level Two - Danger exists

Due to military activity related to the involvement in Yemen, as well as ground to ground missile strikes, it is suggested to avoid the southwestern region of the Jeddah FIR. However, airports in the north, such as OEJN/Jeddah and OERK/Riyadh, are still very much on the radar for the Houthis, who launched missile attacks against these airports on multiple occasions throughout 2018. There is definitely a risk to operations in Saudi airspace, even outside the SCATANA area.

Pakistan Level Two - Danger exists

Couple of issues: Conflict with India in the Kashmir region in the northeastern corner of Pakistan, and concentration of terrorist group representation in the country. Military activity by Pakistan and India in the disputed Kashmir region poses a potential inadvertent risk to aviation at all altitudes, particularly in the OPLR/Lahore FIR. The consensus among foreign authorities is to cross the OPLR/Lahore and OPKR/Karachi FIRs at higher flight levels. Diversion/Landing in Pakistan is recommended against. Avoid operating to OPPS/Peshawar and OPQT/Quetta airports - both are near the border with Afghanistan. OPKC/Karachi Airport was attacked in 2014.

South Sudan Level Two - Danger exists

The South Sudanese civil war has been ongoing since 2013. The security situation in Juba has been relatively calm since the July 2016 crisis. Daily reports of fighting throughout the rest of the country. Worsening civil war. July 17, 2017: State of emergency declared for 4 states in the NW of the country. ‘Anti aviation weaponry’ risk to overflights. In addition, the South Sudanese army has declared intention to shoot down Aircraft without permits. Most Authority guidance recommends min FL260. We think FL300 is a better minimum for overflights.

Kenya Level Two - Danger exists

Kenya is affected by the ongoing Somali Civil War. There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping. The main threat comes from extremists in response to Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia. IED attack at HKJK/Nairobi in 2014.

Somalia Level Two - Danger exists

Despite the ongoing conflict in Somalia the risk level is determined to be Assessed, the threats to aviation only exist below specified levels. However, our recommendation is to avoid the airspace entirely. The situation on the ground is highly unstable and there is an inherent risk to civilians and aircraft. The central government has little control of the major cities and ports with ongoing attacks from extremist militants targeting civilians. The advice from our information sources is all similar; “do not operate below a minimum of FL240 in the airspace of Somalia”. (Note UR401 SIHIL-AXINA is excluded from this by one authority) “There is a high risk to overflying aircraft from anti aviation weaponry”.

Ukraine Level Two - Danger exists

There are two risk issues in Ukraine.

First: arms fire. Including MH17, multiple aircraft (the others all military) have been shot down since the beginning of the Donbass region war in 2014. Multiple ceasefires have been declared and violated. This risk is contained within the Dnipropetrovsk FIR – UKDV.

The second issue affects the Simferopol FIR which is Disputed Airspace. (Ukraine:UKFV, Russia:URFV). In March 2014, Russia annexed Crimea. The ATC Center is in Simferopol, Crimea, and is now run by Russia. Russia claims the airspace. Ukraine refuses to recognise the change, and asks crews to talk to Ukrainian controllers in Dnipro/Odesa ACC instead of Simferopol ACC. As the FAA point out, the risk here stems from aircraft “receiving confusing and conflicting air traffic control instructions from both Ukrainian and Russian ATC” when operating over the region.

Afghanistan Level Two - Danger exists

There is an ongoing war in Afghanistan, which since NATO’s withdrawal in December 2014, has been fought between the state and several factions. Diversion/Landing to Afghanistan – don’t. Nowhere is safe. Overflight advice averages out at a minimum FL250, though as with other mountainous countries we think FL320 is a better starting point. There are comms issues in the Kabul FIR – long periods without ATC contact is possible. Monitor TCAS and Air-to-Air channels.

Mali Level Two - Danger exists

The Northern Mali conflict continues, and there has been no improvements in stability. It remains the deadliest place to serve in the UN. US, Germany, and the UK all have warnings in place, advising to operate FL250/260 or higher, and avoiding GATB, GAGO, and GAKL airports.

Senegal and Niger control the airspace over Mali, and they have long-standing Notams (published under the GOOO/Dakar and DRRR/Niamey FIRs) warning that you can only fly between FL320-400 through the entire airspace in Mali north of the GABS/Bamako TMA (click here to see a rough map of the area) due to military ops across the region.

Japan Level Three - Caution

In August 2017 it became apparent that North Korea missiles were landing with regularity in the Sea of Japan. In 2018, after North Korea's change in stance on Missile testing, coupled with a warmer relationship with the US, previously issued warnings started to be removed. The lsat such warning, US Notam A0010/18 expired on May 27, 2019, and has not been renewed.

United Arab Emirates Level Three - Caution

Missiles fired by Yemeni rebels (Houthis) have reached Saudi Arabia multiple times, and they have threatened to fire at the UAE. On April 23, 2019, a spokesman for the Houthis said -Our missiles are capable of reaching Riyadh and beyond Riyadh, to Dubai and Abu Dhabi-

Chad Level Three - Caution

N'Djamena in the past was a popular fuel stop in central Africa, but multiple travel warnings now advise against travel here. No official state Notams have been issued, but danger remains high. A state of emergency remains in place for the Lake Chad region. High threat for terrorism. Avoid landings.

Cyprus Level Three - Caution

Reports of GPS Interference began in March 2018 in the Nicosia FIR. In April 2018, the Nicosia FIR was being used as military staging for possible strikes in Syria, prompting EASA to issue a warning, and lead to avoidance of the FIR by many airlines.

Philippines Level Three - Caution

There has been a high volume of crew reports of GPS Interference in the Philippines, leading to GPS/ADS-B dropouts, especially in the vicinity of RPLL/Manila.

Turkey Level Three - Caution

Throughout 2016, there have been reports of GPS signal interference in Turkish airspace. This trend is continuing in 2017. Operations to LTAJ/Gaziantep should be carefully reviewed - proximate to Syrian border.

Central African Republic Level Three - Caution

The situation on the ground in the Central African Republic is volatile and as of June 2017 has been deteriorating rapidly. There have been numerous attacks on Civilians and peacekeeping troops. Bangui FEFF is operating under UN control, it is subject to regular power outages and is also acting as a refugee camp. Avoid landings.