The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has extended its warning over Lebanese airspace until Nov. 16, 2026, maintaining the existing risk level and recommendations amid continued regional tensions.

The warning covers the entire Beirut Flight Information Region (FIR), with a limited exception for flights to and from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport when their approach begins over the sea and their departure ends over the sea. Such operations must be based on an up-to-date risk assessment and continuous monitoring of the situation.

In its latest Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), EASA outlined the safety risks facing aircraft operating in Lebanese airspace and set out specific requirements for maritime approaches and departures at Beirut airport.

The agency cited continuing regional volatility and shortcomings in state-level airspace deconfliction, while allowing limited operations through sea-only arrival and departure corridors as a risk-mitigation measure.

The bulletin was issued on the basis of information available to EASA, the European Commission and EU member states, with the aim of sharing information deemed necessary to ensure flight safety over areas of concern and to identify zones presenting elevated risks.

The warning comes amid a broader military conflict in the Middle East that began on Feb. 28, 2026, with U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. The conflict has since expanded across the region, including Israeli strikes on targets in Lebanon and Hezbollah operations against Israel.

A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, initially agreed on April 16, 2026, was subsequently extended twice. On June 26, 2026, Israel, Lebanon and the United States signed a Trilateral Framework Agreement, marking another step toward consolidating the ceasefire.

EASA said, however, that the long-term implementation of the agreement remained uncertain. While the ceasefire arrangements have contributed to an overall reduction in the intensity of military operations, recurrent violations were observed in August 2026, particularly in southern Lebanon, where military activity has continued.

The agency said residual risks in Lebanese airspace remained high and should be reflected in operators' risk assessments.

At the same time, EASA determined that approaches beginning over the sea and departures ending over the sea could provide sufficient mitigation against the risk of aircraft being misidentified, provided that operators conduct an up-to-date risk assessment and continuously monitor developments.

EASA also raised concerns about Lebanon's airspace management capabilities, saying the state had not demonstrated the ability to address existing risks through an efficient and proactive approach to airspace deconfliction.

"As a result, there are limited mitigating factors, on which air operators can rely at present," the agency said.

Overall, EASA considers the airspace over Lebanese territory to be high risk, with the exception of operations to Beirut International Airport that begin over the sea or end over the sea and meet the required risk-assessment and monitoring conditions.

EASA, together with the European Commission and EU member states, said it would continue to closely monitor developments to determine whether the level of risk to EU aircraft operators increases or decreases as the threat environment evolves.

Under the updated guidance, air operators should:

• Not operate within Lebanese airspace at any altitude or flight level, except for flights to and from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY/OLBA) that meet the specified conditions.

• Ensure that approaches to Beirut airport begin over the sea and departures end over the sea.

• Base such operations on an up-to-date risk assessment and continuous risk monitoring.

• Closely monitor regional airspace developments and comply with all available aeronautical publications, particularly airspace closures or restrictions issued by state authorities.

• Follow guidance or instructions from their national authorities, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones.