The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has renewed its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin, advising operators not to fly at any altitude through the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as well as parts of the Gulf of Oman.
The bulletin, issued on 14 July and valid until 29 July – unless reviewed earlier – applies to EU airlines and third-country carriers operating services to, from and within the EU.
EASA said the recommendation follows a renewed deterioration in the regional security situation after repeated violations of a ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran.
The agency warned that Iranian attempts to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on commercial shipping and subsequent US military action had created a "high risk" for civil aircraft operating across the Gulf.
It also highlighted the presence of major US military facilities across the region, saying these increased the likelihood of missile and drone attacks, while heightened air-defence activity raised the risk of civil aircraft being misidentified or caught up in military operations.
Regional authorities have introduced temporary airspace restrictions at various stages of the conflict, but EASA said the pace of developments meant such measures may not always be implemented quickly enough to protect civilian aircraft.
The latest aviation guidance follows fresh updates to Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice earlier this week, as renewed hostilities threatened to derail the recovery in demand for Gulf destinations.
The FCDO stopped short of advising against travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman, but warned British nationals the security situation remained unpredictable following the collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire.
Travellers have been urged to follow local authority advice, monitor developments closely, review departure plans and be prepared to shelter in place if instructed.
The Foreign Office also warned Iran had previously indicated it could target locations in the Gulf linked to the US and Israel, including airports, ports, hotels and other civilian infrastructure.
The renewed tensions come after confidence had begun returning to the market following the easing of travel advice in June.
