EU Warns Airlines to Avoid Israel and Lebanon Airspace

Following careful monitoring of the Middle East conflict zone, the European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) advising against operations in the airspaces of Lebanon and Israel at any flight level.

The Commission, together with EASA, issued guidelines in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, citing the “high-risk” of civil aviation. An overall intensification of air strikes and degradation in the security situation has been noted, impacting the safety of airspace over both countries.

The recommendation is valid until October 31, 2024 and can be reviewed earlier and adapted or withdrawn subject to the revised assessment.

“EASA will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of risks for EU aircraft operators as a result of the evolution of the threat,” officials said.

Further recommendations

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel.

According to EASA, air operators should closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region issued by Israel and Lebanon, or by neighboring states’ aviation authorities on their behalf.

Publications include information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.