The European Union has issued a warning to airlines, advising them to avoid Lebanese and Israeli airspace for the next month due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The advisory comes as both sides intensify air strikes and rocket fire, raising concerns about the safety of commercial flights in the region.
In a joint statement, the European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommended that airlines refrain from operating within the airspaces of Lebanon and Israel at all altitudes. The advisory is part of a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) that will remain in effect until at least October 31 but could be reviewed earlier depending on the situation.
“The overall intensification of air strikes and degradation in the security situation” prompted the decision, the statement explained. EASA also noted that it would “continue to closely monitor the situation” to assess any changes in the level of risk for EU aircraft operators.
The advisory follows one of the most intense episodes of Israeli bombardment on the southern outskirts of Beirut since the last major conflict with Hezbollah in 2006. Tensions have been rising as Hezbollah has responded with rocket fire aimed at northern Israeli military targets and civilian areas, including a kibbutz.
The Israeli military claimed that a recent air strike had killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a statement that has yet to be independently verified. In response, Hezbollah continued to launch rocket attacks across the border, further escalating the volatile situation.
The intensifying hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah come as part of a broader conflict that has seen a dramatic rise in violence in recent weeks. Both sides have exchanged heavy fire, raising fears of a wider regional conflict that could impact civilian and commercial air traffic.
The European Union’s recommendation for airlines to steer clear of Lebanese and Israeli airspace is the latest in a series of advisories from international aviation authorities regarding conflict zones. Airlines typically adjust their flight routes based on these warnings to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
As the conflict continues to unfold, EASA has indicated that the CZIB could be adapted or withdrawn depending on the evolving threat level. In the meantime, airlines operating in and around the region are expected to reroute flights to avoid the affected airspaces.
The situation remains fluid, with both Israel and Hezbollah signaling no immediate end to the hostilities.