Syria
Risk Level: One - Do Not Fly
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Syria is an active Conflict Zone. A civil war is ongoing since 2011. There is a high risk to civil aircraft. Syrian airspace (OSTT/Damascus FIR) should be avoided entirely. Airspace adjoining the Damascus FIR is also at risk: Cyprus, Turkey, Israel. Total flight ban for US, UK and German operators, and several other countries have issued warnings to avoid the airspace of Syria.
The primary risk is a misident by Syrian air defense systems. Civil aircraft may be targeted in error, or caught in crossfire during ongoing air attacks involving Israel, Russia, Iran. Missiles may erroneously lock on to civil aircraft. Israeli airstrikes on Syria are regular, and do not show any regard for civil traffic. There is a risk to civil aircraft operating on overwater airways east of Cyprus.
Major events:
Oct 2023: OSDI/Damascus and OSAP/Aleppo airports were targeted again by airstrikes. OSDI closed temporarily due to runway damage.
Feb 2020: An A320 enroute OSDI/Damascus caught in crossfire during attack by 4 Israeli F-16’s, forced to divert to Russian controlled air base.
Sep 2018: Russian IL-20 shot down in error on FIR boundary with Cyprus (Nicosia FIR) - airline flights on UL620 within 50nm of this position.
Read: OpsGroup Note -Syria, Sep 2018 (PDF)
The primary risk is a misident by Syrian air defense systems. Civil aircraft may be targeted in error, or caught in crossfire during ongoing air attacks involving Israel, Russia, Iran. Missiles may erroneously lock on to civil aircraft. Israeli airstrikes on Syria are regular, and do not show any regard for civil traffic. There is a risk to civil aircraft operating on overwater airways east of Cyprus.
Major events:
Oct 2023: OSDI/Damascus and OSAP/Aleppo airports were targeted again by airstrikes. OSDI closed temporarily due to runway damage.
Feb 2020: An A320 enroute OSDI/Damascus caught in crossfire during attack by 4 Israeli F-16’s, forced to divert to Russian controlled air base.
Sep 2018: Russian IL-20 shot down in error on FIR boundary with Cyprus (Nicosia FIR) - airline flights on UL620 within 50nm of this position.
Read: OpsGroup Note -Syria, Sep 2018 (PDF)
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | SFAR 114 | 27 Dec 2023 | 30 Dec 2028 | |
| Italy | AIC 33/23 | 10 Jul 2023 | 05 Oct 2024 | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Syria/Israel | 23 Apr 2021 | Ongoing | |
| France | AIC 17/23 | 09 Apr 2020 | Ongoing | |
| Canada | AIC 23/23 | 09 Feb 2020 | Ongoing | |
| UK | UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5) | 22 Oct 2018 | Ongoing | |
| USA | Notam KICZ A0009/18 | 14 Apr 2018 | Ongoing | |
| Germany | AIC 15/23 | 15 Oct 2015 | Ongoing | |
| UK | UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5) | 12 Jun 2015 | Ongoing |
Source: USA
Reference: SFAR 114
Issued: 27-Dec-23, valid until: 30 Dec 2028
Plain English: US operators are prohibited from entering the OSTT/Damascus FIR.
This action extends the prohibition against certain flight operations in the Damascus Flight Information Region (FIR) (OSTT) by all: U.S. air carriers; U.S. commercial operators; persons exercising the privileges of an airman certificate issued by the FAA, except when such persons are operating U.S.-registered aircraft for a foreign air carrier; and operators of U.S.-registered civil aircraft, except when the operator of such aircraft is a foreign air carrier, for an additional five years, from December 30, 2023, until December 30, 2028. The FAA finds this action necessary to address significant safety-of-flight risks to U.S. civil aviation associated with the enduring complex conflict in Syria. The FAA also republishes the approval process and exemption information for this Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), consistent with other recently published flight prohibition SFARs.
Source: Italy
Reference: AIC 33/23
Issued: 10-Jul-23, valid until: 05 Oct 2024
Plain English: Italian operators should avoid the OSTT/Damascus FIR.
Italian air carriers and captains of aircraft in charge of air services operated by carriers holding an operating license issued by Italy, whether they are contractual carriers and/or operating carriers, or performing air services through a wet lease or a codeshare agreement as well as for any flight made with an aircraft registered in Italy, are recommended to avoid FIR OSTT Damascus.
Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Syria/Israel
Issued: 23-Apr-21, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: An errant surface-to-air missile fired by Syrian air defences missed its target and landed in Israel on 22 Apr 2021. Syria is actively using long range anti-aircraft weaponry which poses a risk to civil aircraft in the region. While US operators are banned from the OSTT/Damascus FIR, the FAA warns the threat is extended to adjacent FIRs in the Eastern Mediterranean region including the LLLL/Tel Aviv, OJAC/Amman, OLBB/Beirut and LCCC/Nicosia FIRs. Use caution if operating in the area.
Title: FAA Information Note - Syria/Israel - Errant surface to air missile impacts near Israeli critical infrastructure.
Click the link for full text.
Click the link for full text.
Source: France
Reference: AIC 17/23
Issued: 09-Apr-20, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: French operators should avoid Syrian airspace.
From 09/04/2020 and until further notice, pilots in command of aircraft performing air services mentioned in paragraph 1.1 are requested not to penetrate into the airspace of Syria (OSTT FIR (DAMASCUS)).
Source: Canada
Reference: AIC 23/23
Issued: 09-Feb-20, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Canadian operators should not enter the airspace of Syria, due to the potential risk from anti- aviation weaponry and military operations. There is a potential risk to aircraft within 200nm of the OSTT/Damascus FIR.
Level 2 (Recommendation)
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN SYRIA. Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are recommended not to enter FIR Damascus (OSTT), and to take all potential risk information into account in risk assessment and routing decisions when operating within 200 NM of FIR OSTT. Potential risk from anti- aviation weaponry and military operations.
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN SYRIA. Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are recommended not to enter FIR Damascus (OSTT), and to take all potential risk information into account in risk assessment and routing decisions when operating within 200 NM of FIR OSTT. Potential risk from anti- aviation weaponry and military operations.
Source: UK
Reference: UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5)
Issued: 22-Oct-18, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: UK operators advised of potential risk within 200nm of the OSTT/Damascus FIR due to anti-aviation weaponry.
Security - Hazardous Situation in Vicinity of Syria
UK civil air operators are advised to take potential risk into account when operating up to 200 NM outside FIR DAMASCUS (OSTT). Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
Contact UK Department for Transport +44 (0)207-082 6639 or +44 (0)207-944 3111 out of hours.
UK civil air operators are advised to take potential risk into account when operating up to 200 NM outside FIR DAMASCUS (OSTT). Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
Contact UK Department for Transport +44 (0)207-082 6639 or +44 (0)207-944 3111 out of hours.
Source: USA
Reference: Notam KICZ A0009/18
Issued: 14-Apr-18, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Exercise caution within 200nm of the Damascus FIR due to military activity. Possibility of GPS Interference, Communication jamming, and long-range surface to air missiles in the area.
KICZ A0009/18
SECURITY..UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR AIRSPACE IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO DAMASCUS FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (OSTT FIR).
THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A BELOW ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE AIRSPACE WITHIN 200 NAUTICAL MILES OFTHE DAMASCUS FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (OSTT FIR) DUE TO HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY IN OR AROUND SYRIA. THIS MILITARY ACTIVITY MIGHT INCLUDE GPS INTERFERENCE, COMMUNICATIONS JAMMING, AND POSSIBLE ERRANT LONG-RANGE SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILES ORIGINATING FROM SYRIAN TERRITORY, WITHIN THE OSTT FIR, AND STRAYING INTO ADJACENT AIRSPACE,THAT COULD POSE AN INADVERTENT RISK TO U.S. CIVIL AVIATION OPERATING IN THIS REGION. TITLE 14, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, SECTION 91.1609, SPECIAL FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATION NO. 114 PROHIBITION AGAINST CERTAIN FLIGHTS IN THE DAMASCUS FIR REMAINS IN EFFECT.
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 OPERATE WITHIN 200 NAUTICAL MILES OF THE OSTT FIR SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION AND MUST REVIEW CURRENT SECURITY/THREAT INFORMATION AND NOTAMS AND COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE FAA REGULATIONS, OPERATIONS SPECIFICATIONS, MANAGEMENT SPECIFICATIONS, AND LETTERS OF AUTHORIZATION, INCLUDING UPDATING B450.
C. OPERATIONS. EXERCISE CAUTION DURING FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE ABOVE NAMED AREA DUE TO HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY IN OR AROUND SYRIA AND THE POTENTIAL RISK TO U.S. CIVIL AVIATION IN THE REGION.THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A MUST REPORT ANY SAFETY/SECURITY INCIDENTS TO THE FAA AT ASH-AXE-CITE-WATCH@FAA.GOVOR +1 202-267-3333 OR 1-844-412-1794.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AT: https://www.faa.gov/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS/
SFC - UNL, 14 APR 00:16 2018 UNTIL PERM.
SECURITY..UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ADVISORY FOR AIRSPACE IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO DAMASCUS FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (OSTT FIR).
THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A BELOW ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING IN THE AIRSPACE WITHIN 200 NAUTICAL MILES OFTHE DAMASCUS FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (OSTT FIR) DUE TO HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY IN OR AROUND SYRIA. THIS MILITARY ACTIVITY MIGHT INCLUDE GPS INTERFERENCE, COMMUNICATIONS JAMMING, AND POSSIBLE ERRANT LONG-RANGE SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILES ORIGINATING FROM SYRIAN TERRITORY, WITHIN THE OSTT FIR, AND STRAYING INTO ADJACENT AIRSPACE,THAT COULD POSE AN INADVERTENT RISK TO U.S. CIVIL AVIATION OPERATING IN THIS REGION. TITLE 14, CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, SECTION 91.1609, SPECIAL FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATION NO. 114 PROHIBITION AGAINST CERTAIN FLIGHTS IN THE DAMASCUS FIR REMAINS IN EFFECT.
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 OPERATE WITHIN 200 NAUTICAL MILES OF THE OSTT FIR SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION AND MUST REVIEW CURRENT SECURITY/THREAT INFORMATION AND NOTAMS AND COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE FAA REGULATIONS, OPERATIONS SPECIFICATIONS, MANAGEMENT SPECIFICATIONS, AND LETTERS OF AUTHORIZATION, INCLUDING UPDATING B450.
C. OPERATIONS. EXERCISE CAUTION DURING FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE ABOVE NAMED AREA DUE TO HEIGHTENED MILITARY ACTIVITY IN OR AROUND SYRIA AND THE POTENTIAL RISK TO U.S. CIVIL AVIATION IN THE REGION.THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A MUST REPORT ANY SAFETY/SECURITY INCIDENTS TO THE FAA AT ASH-AXE-CITE-WATCH@FAA.GOVOR +1 202-267-3333 OR 1-844-412-1794.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AT: https://www.faa.gov/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS/
SFC - UNL, 14 APR 00:16 2018 UNTIL PERM.
Source: Germany
Reference: AIC 15/23
Issued: 15-Oct-15, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: German operators are prohibited from entering the OSTT/Damascus FIR.
Level 3 (Highest Risk - Do Not Enter). Civil German air operators are prohibited to enter FIR DAMASCUS (OSTT). Potential risk from state of war.
Further information: Website of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport of Germany (www.BMVI.DE/KRISENMANAGEMENT).
Further information: Website of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport of Germany (www.BMVI.DE/KRISENMANAGEMENT).
Source: UK
Reference: UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5)
Issued: 12-Jun-15, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: UK operators must avoid the OSTT/Damascus FIR.
Security - Hazardous Situation in Syria
In accordance with Direction under the Aviation Security Act 1982, UK civil operators so served are prohibited to enter FIR DAMASCUS (OSTT) / territory and airspace of the Syrian Arab Republic. Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
UK operators not currently subject to direction under the Aviation Security Act should contact UK Department for Transport (DfT) before operating in this area.
Contact UK Department for Transport +44 (0)207-082 6639 or +44 (0)207-944 3111 out of hours.
In accordance with Direction under the Aviation Security Act 1982, UK civil operators so served are prohibited to enter FIR DAMASCUS (OSTT) / territory and airspace of the Syrian Arab Republic. Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
UK operators not currently subject to direction under the Aviation Security Act should contact UK Department for Transport (DfT) before operating in this area.
Contact UK Department for Transport +44 (0)207-082 6639 or +44 (0)207-944 3111 out of hours.