The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has announced significant changes to its Conflict Zone Information Bulletins (CZIBs), particularly for the Middle East region. While the agency has chosen not to extend the bulletins for Israel and Iran due to reduced tensions and ceasefire agreements, the CZIB for Lebanon will remain in place until March 31, 2025, due to ongoing safety concerns.
EASA’s Expired and Extended Conflict Zone Bulletins
On January 31, 2025, EASA confirmed that it had not renewed the CZIBs for Israel and Iran. Instead, the agency issued Information Notes (INs) to highlight ongoing risks and provide updated operational recommendations.
However, the CZIB for Lebanon has been extended because the country has not shown sufficient capability to mitigate airspace risks. According to EASA, Lebanon still needs to implement an “efficient and proactive approach to airspace deconfliction.” The bulletin applies to both European-based and third-country operators (TCOs).
Additionally, for regions near Israel, Iran, and surrounding airspace within a 100-nautical-mile radius (185.2 km), airlines have been advised to maintain caution and follow the latest aeronautical guidance. For Iran specifically, airlines are recommended to consider daylight operations only, highlighting the remaining security concerns. The Southern Red Sea advisory remains active as well.
EASA’s updated airspace warnings are part of a broader network of advisories that include warnings for operating in high-risk airspaces such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Russia, Ukraine, and several African countries.
Airlines Resuming Flights to Israel
With tensions easing, several airlines are ramping up flights to Israel, especially at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV).
- Delta Air Lines has already announced plans to resume services.
- American Airlines and United Airlines, however, have not yet resumed their flights to Israel, with a United spokesperson confirming on January 24 that services remain suspended.
Increased Flight Activity at Tel Aviv
According to data from aviation analytics provider Cirium Diio Mi, flight activity at Tel Aviv’s airport will grow significantly in February 2025, with 613 additional flights year-on-year (YoY).
Key contributors to this increase include:
- EL AL Israel Airlines: Adding 95 weekly round-trip flights.
- Arkia Israeli Airlines: Increasing by 75 weekly round trips.
- Wizz Air: Operating under four Air Operator’s Certificates (AOCs) from Abu Dhabi, Hungary, Malta, and the UK, the low-cost carrier will add 76 weekly round trips, connecting Tel Aviv to 13 international destinations.
Iran’s Connectivity Improves via Turkish Carriers
While EASA has discontinued the CZIB for Iran, only a few European carriers are expanding their services to the country. Notably, Turkish carriers are playing a key role in improving air connectivity.
AJet and Pegasus Airlines Expanding Flights to Iran
- AJet (Turkish Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary): Adding 28 weekly round trips (double-daily flights) between Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).
- Pegasus Airlines: Increasing by 36 weekly round trips. Pegasus has an extensive network serving major Iranian cities, including:
- Tehran (IKA)
- Tabriz International Airport (TBZ)
- Shiraz Shahid Dastgheib International Airport (SYZ)
- Isfahan International Airport (IFN)
- Mashhad Hashemi Nejad International Airport (MHD)
These routes are served from Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) and Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB), making Turkish carriers critical players in maintaining Iran’s international connectivity.
EASA’s decision to lift the CZIBs for Israel and Iran reflects improved regional stability but comes with cautionary advisories. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s extended bulletin highlights ongoing concerns. Airlines are responding to the eased restrictions with increased flight operations, particularly to Israel and Iran, where Turkish carriers are leading the way in boosting connectivity. These developments indicate gradual recovery and expansion in Middle Eastern aviation, but operators must remain alert to evolving safety guidelines.