COLOGNE, January 16, 2020 - The European Union Aviation Safety Agency today issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) recommending that flights over Iran be avoided at levels lower than 25,000 feet. The CZIB is valid until 16/07/2020 and reflects the conclusions of the EU Integrated Aviation Security Risk Assessment Group, which comprises EASA, the European Commission, European External Action Service and the EU Member States.
The CZIB is based on a deep analysis by the EU Integrated Aviation Security Risk Assessment Group of all available information. It states: “Due to the hazardous security situation, and poor coordination between civil aviation and military operations, there is a risk of misidentification of civil aircraft. Due to the presence of advanced air-defence systems, it is advised to be cautious with the risk associated to civil aviation. The risk to operations is assessed to be HIGH for Flight Levels below 250.”
As the situation in Iran is currently very dynamic, a further more restrictive recommendation, issued on 11/01/2020 by EASA and the European Commission, also remains in place. This recommendation states that overflights of Iran at all levels should be avoided until further notice, as a precautionary measure. This recommendation was issued to EU National Aviation Authorities in response to Iran’s admission that it had accidentally shot down passenger aircraft PS-752. This recommendation does not have the more formal status or fixed time limitation of a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin and may therefore be adjusted quickly, as appropriate, in response to any new information as it becomes available. EASA continues to monitor the situation closely.
The thoughts of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and its staff are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the crash of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS-752.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Please note that both the CZIB and the recommendation to the Member States are non-mandatory and non-binding. CZIBs represent a formal assessment of a threat to the safety of aviation but cannot have mandatory status. They are intended to provide guidance to the National Aviation Authorities and civilian aircraft operators to ensure the safety and security of aviation in the region. For ease of reference, the various statements made by EASA in response to media enquiries on this subject since the crash of flight PS-752 on 08/01/2020: Recent media statements by EASA with respect to Iran/Iraq airspace.
