June 2025: Major escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Ongoing exchange of fire with ballistic missiles, drones and widespread activations of air defence systems. Iran, Israel, Iraq - airspace remains closed to all flights. Jordan, Lebanon, Syria - risk remains high with missiles and drones transiting airspace. Conflict is expected to continue for several weeks.
See OPSGROUP Briefing:
Middle East airspace situation – June 2025Most operators have been avoiding Iran and Israel since the Oct 2024 rocket attacks between the two countries — most Middle East transits have been operating south via Egypt/Saudi instead.
The
primary risk in Israel is from rocket and missile attacks - directly from Iran, but also from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.
There have been several recent Iranian missile attacks in Israel — in April 2024, Oct 2024, and now again in June 2025. There remains a significant risk within the LLLL/Tel Aviv FIR from the ongoing conflict and situation. Most foreign airlines are now avoiding LLBG/Tel Aviv airport.
The
secondary risk is a multitude of factors from operating in a conflict zone: misidentification, debris from air defences, GPS spoofing, false EGPWS alerts (now common in Israeli airspace), and reduced route and diversion options in the event of an aircraft emergency.
Major Events:June 2025: Israeli missile attack on Iran.
Oct 2024: Iranian rocket attack on Israel, and Israeli rocket attack on Iran in response.
Sep 2024: EASA issued new CZIB recommending against flights in airspace of Israel (CZIB withdrawn on 31 Jan 2025).
Apr 2024: Iran launched a series of missiles at Israel.
Oct 2023: Major offensive against Hamas launched by Israel, conflict ongoing.
Aug 2021: Following an Israeli airstrike on Syria, Syria sent a surface to air missile towards Tel Aviv. The missile detonated off the coast of Israel and there was no damage.
May 2021: LLBG/Tel Aviv Airport was forced to close on several occasions, as air defence systems were activated around the country to repel incoming rocket attacks.
July 2014: Major rocket fire from Gaza against Tel Aviv during the Gaza War. The US FAA responded by imposing restrictions at LLBG/Tel Aviv airport for a two day period, and EASA advised that operators suspend flights, which ultimately resulted in 30 airlines cancelling flights.