EASA extends its CZIB for the Middle East, Persian Gulf

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended it Conflict Zone Information Bullletin (CZIB) for the Middle East and Persian Gulf to July 1, 2026. The CZIB applies to Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia.

EASA said that the CZIB is issued based on information currently available to EASA, the European Commission and Member States in order to share information which is considered necessary to ensure the safety of flights over zones of interest and indicate areas of high risk.

It notes that on Feb. 28, 2026, the United States and Israel conducted military strikes targeting sites within Iranian territory. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory attacks. The resulting military conflict created high risks not only to the airspace of Iran but also to that of neighbouring States hosting U.S. military bases or otherwise affected by the hostilities and associated military activities, including interceptions.

A temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, initially announced on April 8, 2026, remained in effect until June 17, 2026, when the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding formally extending it for a further 60 days.

As a result, the situation has moved from an active intense conflict with a high number of kinetic events to a state of heightened tension, with limited, sporadic and confined kinetic events.

Short term violations of the US-Iran ceasefire therefore remain possible, in particular in and around the Strait of Hormuz and neighbouring airspace. While risks to aircraft operating in this airspace can be reduced through proactive airspace management and contingency measures, such mitigations are less effective in addressing risks to aviation infrastructure on the ground.

Operators should therefore consider the potential vulnerability of airports and other critical aviation facilities when conducting risk assessments for their operations in the region.

Given the ongoing high level of tensions and the potential for further military action, Iran maintains a high level of alert for its air force and air defence units nationwide, which creates an increased likelihood of misidentification within the FIR Tehran (OIIX).

In addition, the airspace over Iraq (ORBB/FIR Baghdad) continues to be affected by recurrent Iranian strikes and the ongoing operations of violent non-state actors (VNSAs), in particular Iranian-backed militant groups (IBMGs).

Furthermore, despite a fragile ceasefire currently in place between Israel and Hezbollah, there remains a potential for military activity affecting the airspace of Lebanon. Coupled with the limited actions in terms of air space risk management of the State concerned, there continues to be high risk to civil aircraft at all altitudes and flight levels within the airspace of Lebanon.

While the overall level of risk has decreased in the region, the sustainability of the ceasefire remains uncertain in the longer term, with a possibility of rapid escalation. Therefore, close monitoring and up-to-date risk assessments remain essential to ensure safety of flights. Should the existing truce break down, the airspaces covered by this Bulletin are likely to be exposed to imminent threats.

In terms of airspace management during the conflict, most of the States concerned have taken measures to address airspace risks by implementing temporary airspace closures and restrictions, thereby contributing to the mitigation of risks to civil aviation.

EASA, together with the Commission and Member States, will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of the risk for EU aircraft operators due to the evolution of the threat and risk situation.

EASA’s recommendations advise that Air operators should:

• Not operate within the affected airspace of Iran, Iraq, Lebanon at all flight levels and altitudes.
• Exercise caution and take potential risks into account when operating within the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Ensure that an up-to-date risk assessment and a high level of contingency planning are in place for operations within the airspace specified in point 2 above, and be prepared for short notice instructions from the State authorities.
• Closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.