Qatar included in renewed EU aviation warning amid regional hostilities

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued an updated and reinforced aviation warning for Gulf airspace, advising commercial airlines to avoid the airspace of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and the Gulf of Oman. The advisory, issued on Tuesday and valid until 29 July, represents a strengthening of guidance issued just one week earlier, when EASA had advised airlines to exercise caution rather than avoid these regions entirely.

The updated warning cites an increased risk to civil aviation stemming from intensifying conflict between the United States and Iran. EASA specifically highlighted the presence of major US military facilities in the region as a factor that raises the possibility of missile and drone attacks against aircraft. The agency also warned of the risk that civilian aircraft could be misidentified by air defence systems operating in the area, potentially leading to unintended engagement.

The timing of the advisory follows recent military escalation in the region. In the early hours of Sunday, explosions were heard across Doha as Qatari air defence systems intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Iran. Qatari authorities confirmed that several people were injured by falling debris, while the Ministry of Defence stated that the attack had been successfully intercepted. The latest escalation has extended beyond Qatar, with attacks also targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, as well as Gulf tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The renewed advisory reflects deteriorating regional security conditions following an escalation in US-Iran conflict, including Iran's reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz following American strikes and continued military operations against Iranian targets. Separately, EASA extended its existing advisory against operating within the airspace of Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon until the end of August. The agency indicated it would continue monitoring the situation and update its guidance as circumstances warrant.