Revision 18, issued on 7 July 2025, replaces the previous advisory on the Middle East, insofar as it concerns Iraqi airspace. The description has been amended, and the validity extended until 31 October 2025.
31/10/2025, unless reviewed earlier.
Referenced publication(s):
Aeronautical Publications issued by or on behalf of Iraq, by the Aviation Authorities of the neighbouring States and by the State of Operator.
Airspace of Iraq (Baghdad FIR – ORBB) below FL320.
Air operators:
- subject to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EU) 965/2012, planning to conduct operations in the affected airspace.
- third Country Operators authorised by EASA, when conducting operations under their TCO authorisation to, from and within the EU.
This CZIB is issued based on information currently available to EASA, Member States and the European Commission 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.
In spite of the 24 June 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, the airspace over Iraq (ORBB/FIR Baghdad) continues to be affected by conflict-related risks due to ongoing presence and operations of violent non state actors, in particular Iranian-backed militant groups (IBMGs).
Violent non-state actors (VNSA) in Iraq maintain the capability and intent to conduct military operations which has been confirmed by the recent events with the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or short-range missiles. The presence of military assets, activation of air defence systems and ongoing VNSAs activity increase the likelihood of misidentification or unintended escalation.
During the recent Iran – Israel conflict, Iraqi authorities have taken measures to address airspace risks by implementing temporary airspace closures and restrictions. However, a sudden resumption of hostilities, due to their unpredictable nature, could pose challenges to the timely and effective implementation of such measures. Additionally, Iraq's ability to ensure effective control over its airspace is constrained by limited coordination mechanisms and a fragmented security environment.
In addition, due to the presence of violent non-state actors with the capability to employ short range ballistic missiles, rockets and drones - as well as the deployment and use of air defence systems - there is a high risk of misidentification of civil aircraft and possibly intentional targeting, especially for operations below FL320.
EASA, 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.
Air operators should:
- Not operate within the affected airspace below FL320;
- Closely monitor airspace developments and ensure that up to date risk assessment is in place, together with high level of contingency planning for operations at all altitudes over Iraqi airspace, taking into consideration available data on time and areas particularly exposed to potential risks;
- Follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region issued by or on behalf of Iraq and by the Aviation Authorities of the neighbouring States, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.