Due to the current military developments in the Middle East, we are presently receiving numerous inquiries regarding the feasibility of flights to the region as well as possible routings towards Asia and Africa. We would like to provide you with an objective assessment of the current situation and our operational evaluation.

1. Official Security Situation (EASA)
With Conflict Zone Information Bulletin 2026-03-R1 dated 28 February 2026 (valid until 06 March 2026), EASA has issued an explicit recommendation not to use the entire airspace at all altitudes in the following FIRs (Flight Information Regions):

  • Bahrain (OBBB)
  • Iran (OIIX)
  • Iraq (ORBB)
  • Israel (LLLL)
  • Jordan (OJAC)
  • Kuwait (OKAC)
  • Lebanon (OLBB)
  • Oman (OOMM)
  • Qatar (OTDF)
  • United Arab Emirates (OMAE)
  • Saudi Arabia (OEJD – Jeddah FIR)

This assessment is made against the backdrop of ongoing military operations, possible retaliatory strikes, and the use of air defense systems, ballistic missiles, and military aircraft capable of operating at all altitude levels.
EASA explicitly refers to a high risk to civil aviation throughout this entire airspace.
In addition, according to current communications from the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates, even specifically designated corridors are presently classified as extremely unsafe.
The existing negative recommendations for Syria and Yemen remain unchanged and in force.

2. Impact on Routings Toward Asia
The geographical situation currently results in severe restrictions for eastbound routings:

  • Northern routings via Russia are not available to EU operators due to the well-known political and regulatory situation.
  • Central routings via Iran, Iraq, or neighboring Gulf states are not operational in accordance with the current EASA recommendation.
  • Southern routings via the Arabian Peninsula are also significantly restricted, as several affected FIRs fall within the high-risk area.

As a result, even routes planned significantly further south are currently assessed as security-critical.
In practical terms, this means:
Long-haul flights toward South or Southeast Asia are currently only possible with substantial detours or—depending on the destination—may be temporarily infeasible.

3. Situation for Africa Routings
Significant restrictions also apply to routings to East or Central Africa. In addition to the overall situation in the Middle East, existing no-fly or high-risk assessments remain in place for, among others:

  • Sudan
  • Yemen
  • Parts of the Horn of Africa

This creates operational challenges with regard to:

  • Availability of safe alternates
  • Adequate fuel planning
  • ATC and navigation reliability
  • Political stability of diversion destinations
  1. Repatriation and Special Flights (UAE)
    Within the framework of a recent “Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment,” the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates has assessed military activities in the region in connection with repatriation flights with an initial risk classification of “Extreme.” Even after the implementation of mitigation measures, a high residual risk remains.

    Key risk factors include, among others:
    Military activities and air defense systems

  • Sudden airspace closures
  • Limited alternates
  • ATC/navigation disruptions (including GPS jamming/spoofing)
  • Rapid escalation of the situation
  • Repatriation or special flights can therefore only be assessed on the basis of an individual, day-specific risk analysis. A general approval or blanket statement regarding feasibility is currently not possible.
  1. Operational Principle
    The safety of patients, medical personnel, and flight crews remains the highest priority. Under the current circumstances, no one should be exposed to unnecessary risk. Aeromedical providers are bound by:
  • EASA/ FAA recommendations
  • Assessments of national authorities
  • Military situation reports
  • NOTAMs and FIR availability
  1. Economic Framework Conditions
    We are also observing a significant increase in crude oil prices as a result of the geopolitical developments. Should this trend intensify further this may impact operational cost calculations and pricing.

    7. Next Steps
    At present, we do not anticipate a short-term stabilization of the situation. However, isolated operational windows for individual repatriation flights may arise. If specific patient transports are being considered, full details of the planned mission are essential. All assessments of operational feasibility need to include:

  • Safe route planning
  • Fuel and alternates strategy
  • Security assessment of the destination
  • Status of required approvals

 (Information: Courtesy of VP Philipp Schneider). 

We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep you informed accordingly.

Warm regards

The EURAMI Office and Management

On behalf of the EURAMI Board