United Arab Emirates
Risk Level: Three - Caution
[ about risk levels ]
June 2026: The ceasefire has reduced concerns about further missile attacks and sudden airspace closures in the Gulf. UAE airspace (the OMAE/Emirates FIR) is open again, but routing restrictions remain in place and traffic continues to use managed corridors linking Saudi Arabia and Oman.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation - 2026
The primary risk is missile and drone activity linked to the Iran conflict. Debris from intercepted drones has already fallen in Abu Dhabi during the current escalation, and GPS spoofing has been reported across the FIR. There have been no significant downgrades to recent airspace warnings.
Major events:
Feb-June 2026: UAE airspace closed and reopened several times during the Iran conflict. The OMAE/Emirates FIR remains subject to routing restrictions and managed waypoint corridors.
March 2026: Debris from intercepted drones fell in Abu Dhabi causing injuries and damage.
Feb 2022: Multiple Houthi drone and missile attacks targeting Abu Dhabi.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation - 2026
The primary risk is missile and drone activity linked to the Iran conflict. Debris from intercepted drones has already fallen in Abu Dhabi during the current escalation, and GPS spoofing has been reported across the FIR. There have been no significant downgrades to recent airspace warnings.
Major events:
Feb-June 2026: UAE airspace closed and reopened several times during the Iran conflict. The OMAE/Emirates FIR remains subject to routing restrictions and managed waypoint corridors.
March 2026: Debris from intercepted drones fell in Abu Dhabi causing injuries and damage.
Feb 2022: Multiple Houthi drone and missile attacks targeting Abu Dhabi.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EASA | Information Note | 08 Jul 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | |
| France | Notam LFFF F1456/26 | 01 Jul 2026 | 26 Aug 2026 |
Source: EASA
Reference: Information Note
Issued: 08-Jul-26, valid until: 31 Aug 2026
Plain English: Exercise caution in Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Information Note on the threat and risk situation in the airspace of the Middle East and Persian Gulf
Airspace affected:
All altitudes/flight levels in the airspace of: Bahrain (Bahrain FIR – OBBB), Israel (Tel Aviv FIR – LLLL), Jordan (Amman FIR – OJAC), Kuwait (Kuwait FIR – OKAC), Oman (Muscat FIR – OOMM), Qatar (Doha FIR – OTDF), United Arab Emirates (Emirates FIR – OMAE) and Saudi Arabia (FIR Jeddah - OEJD).
Civil air operators are advised to take potential risk into account in their risk assessment and routing decisions.
Airspace affected:
All altitudes/flight levels in the airspace of: Bahrain (Bahrain FIR – OBBB), Israel (Tel Aviv FIR – LLLL), Jordan (Amman FIR – OJAC), Kuwait (Kuwait FIR – OKAC), Oman (Muscat FIR – OOMM), Qatar (Doha FIR – OTDF), United Arab Emirates (Emirates FIR – OMAE) and Saudi Arabia (FIR Jeddah - OEJD).
Civil air operators are advised to take potential risk into account in their risk assessment and routing decisions.
Source: France
Reference: Notam LFFF F1456/26
Issued: 01-Jul-26, valid until: 26 Aug 2026
Plain English: French operators should use caution throughout the OMAE/Emirates FIR, including thorough risk assessments.
FRENCH AIR CARRIERS AND CAPTAINS OF AIRCRAFT IN CHARGE OF AIR SERVICES OPERATED BY CARRIERS HOLDING AN OPERATING LICENSE ISSUED BY FRANCE, 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 FRANCE ARE REQUESTED TO EXERCISE GREAT CAUTION WHEN OPERATING INTO THE AIRSPACE OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES FIR EMIRATES (OMAE)). THE AIR OPERATOR MUST CARRY OUT A ROBUST RISK ASSESSMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE FLIGHT CAN BE CONDUCTED UNDER SATISFACTORY SAFETY AND SECURITY CONDITIONS BEFORE ENTERING THIS AIRSPACE OF UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.