EU safety body extends no‑fly advisory over Iran, Iraq amid rising Middle East threats

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its no‑fly advisory for the Iranian and Iraqi airspaces until 31 August, citing the volatile situation in the region and the likelihood of further combat operations. The agency’s statement, issued on Wednesday, urges all commercial operators to suspend flights over these territories.

EASA’s previous advisory, which concluded on the same day, also covered Lebanon. In earlier communications, the body had recommended heightened caution for flights crossing the skies of Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The new advisory arrives as the United States and Iran trade air‑strike accusations. The U.S. claimed to have targeted 80 Iranian sites, while Tehran reported striking 85 American locations, intensifying calls for diplomatic resolution.

State‑run Iranian media cited several blasts in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had hit dozens of U.S. bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, and earlier in the week three commercial vessels near Oman were reportedly struck. Tehran objected to Oman’s suggestion of a temporary maritime corridor, demanding fees for ships using the route.

Iran’s foreign ministry accused the United States of repeatedly violating the memorandum of understanding signed between the two nations. Following the revocation of a temporary sanctions waiver on Iranian oil, Washington resumed attacks on Iranian military facilities. The U.S. Central Command labeled these strikes as a reaction to recent assaults on merchant ships in the Hormuz Strait.

Airlines are advised to monitor official updates, consider rerouting, and keep passengers informed of any operational changes.