The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has decided to extend its recommendation against operating flights in the Middle East and Persian Gulf until March 18, marking a third extension due to escalating tensions arising from attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran at the end of February. This advisory affects territories that remain the same as in prior bulletins: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
The Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) warns that, in the context of military intervention in the region, retaliatory actions may be taken against U.S. and Israeli interests. This could pose additional risks not only to the Iranian airspace but also to neighboring states with U.S. military bases or those impacted by hostilities and military operations, including interceptions.
Furthermore, the CZIB emphasizes the presence of air defense systems capable of operating at any altitude, combined with cruise and ballistic missiles, make all implicated airspace vulnerable to potential propagation errors, misidentifications, inaccurate calculations, and interception procedure failures. These considerations reinforce the need for caution from airlines, airports, and travelers planning trips in the region.
At the same time, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates daily losses of around $600 million (approximately €517 million) for the Middle Eastern tourism sector as a direct consequence of the conflict and operational restrictions. The WTTC stresses that the region plays a crucial role in the global travel system, accounting for approximately 5% of global tourist arrivals and 14% of international transit traffic; thus, any disruption has repercussions that extend beyond regional borders.
Among the major hubs in the region, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain together manage around 526,000 passengers daily. These airports have experienced temporary closures and changes in their operations as the conflict worsens, impacting connectivity both regionally and globally. In this context, authorities and airlines continue to recommend that travelers verify routes, contingencies, and any possible changes in schedules, as volatility in the region continues to affect the planning of international travel and the tourism strategies of various nations.
