The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its recommendations for airlines to avoid flying over Iran and Lebanon and to implement rigorous monitoring processes when flying over Israel.

These recommendations, which are in place until 31 January, are not mandatory, with the final decision resting with each national civil aviation authority.

“The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has reduced tensions, but the overall situation in the Middle East remains uncertain and should be closely monitored by airlines,” EASA says.

Following Iran’s missile attack on Israel on 1 October and Israel’s strikes on Iran on 25-26 October, with Iran’s subsequent announcement of retaliation, Iranian airspace is considered high-risk, EASA added.

In Lebanon, the government “has not demonstrated its capacity to respond to dangers in its airspace through an effective and proactive de-escalation approach.”

Conversely, the Israeli civil aviation authority “has demonstrated its ability to manage risks in its airspace,” leading EASA to recommend only increased vigilance when flying over the country.

EASA will continue to closely monitor the situation to assess any increase or decrease in risks for EU operators due to evolving threats.

The ceasefire that began on Wednesday between Israel and Hezbollah came 13 months after Hezbollah opened a “support front” for Hamas against Israel at the start of the Gaza Strip war, which was triggered on 7 October 2023 by Hamas' surprise terrorist attack.