War reshapes airspace, strains congested routes

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has warned that conflicts – in particular the current war in the Middle East – are significantly reshaping global airspace and increasing risks to civilian flights.

The closure of some areas is forcing airlines to use narrower and less common corridors, leading to congestion on routes between Europe and Asia. According to EASA chief Florian Guillermet, this increases the concentration of traffic, which can jeopardise safety.

Other conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and tensions in South Asia, are also complicating the situation.

At the same time, the threat from drones and GPS jamming is growing, which the agency says is also linked to elements of hybrid warfare. EASA is therefore considering tighter rules to combat unauthorised drones around airports.

As a precautionary measure, it has already recommended avoiding airspace over Iran, Israel and parts of the Gulf. Although air forces have mechanisms to mitigate risks, it is sometimes necessary to restrict or suspend operations altogether, according to the regulator.

(reuters, pir)