The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on 14 July instructed all airlines under its remit to cease operating in the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as well as over the waters of the Gulf of Oman west of longitude 58° East. The Conflict Zone Information Bulletin, valid until 29 July unless reviewed earlier, applies at all flight levels and marks a sharp escalation in safety warnings after a temporary lull. EASA stated that the presence of major US military facilities in the region, combined with Iranian missile and drone capabilities, creates “a high risk to civil flights” from direct attack, misidentification by air defence systems, or falling debris.

Viewed from Brussels, the decision reflects an assessment that the security environment deteriorated rapidly following the collapse of a short-lived US-Iran ceasefire. The agency cited Iranian efforts to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, repeated attacks on commercial vessels, and related US military action as factors that have “significantly increased risks across Gulf airspace.” The UK Foreign Office had already updated its travel advice for the UAE on 13 July, warning British nationals that regional tensions remain unpredictable and that attacks could resume at short notice. Israel’s transport ministry extended its ban on direct flights to Dubai until the end of October, while carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways and Cathay Pacific continue to suspend or reduce services to the UAE.

In Washington, US military officials confirmed a third consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets, following what Tehran described as ballistic missile attacks on an American airbase in Jordan. Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had also struck US-linked facilities in Bahrain and Jordan. The cycle of retaliation intensified after Iran announced on 11 July that it would close the Strait of Hormuz, prompting President Trump to order a reimposition of the shipping blockade and to propose a 20 per cent fee for protection of the waterway. EASA’s bulletin notes that the surrounding maritime airspace may be affected by missile or drone overflights, interception activity, and the broader consequences of regional military escalation.

For airlines, the advisory forces immediate rerouting, extending flight times and increasing fuel costs. Dubai’s airports remain operational, but passengers are being urged to monitor flight status through official channels as schedule changes and congestion cause delays. EASA has also extended separate advisories recommending avoidance of Iranian, Iraqi and Lebanese airspace until at least the end of August. The agency said it will continue to monitor developments with the European Commission and EU member states to assess whether the risk level changes before the 29 July expiry date.