Risk Level: One - Do Not FlySyria is an active Conflict Zone. A civil war is ongoing since 2011. There is a high risk to civil aircraft. Syrian airspace (OSTT/Damascus FIR) should be avoided entirely.
Risk Level: One - Do Not FlyIraq is an active conflict zone. Local and foreign military continue to fight against an armed insurgency that has existed since 2017. There is a high risk to civil aircraft. Iraqi airspace (ORBB/Baghdad FIR) should be avoided entirely.
Avoid high-risk areas: Avoid areas with ongoing conflicts or high levels of violence and terrorist attacks. This includes Northern Syria near the borders with Turkey, North East Syria near the borders with Iraq, and East Syria near Lebanon. Also avoid the cities of Idlib, Raqqah, and Rojava.
Since the uprisings began in March 2011, the U.S. Government has intensely pursued calibrated sanctions to deprive the regime of the resources it needs to continue violence against civilians and to pressure the Syrian regime to end the conflict through a political transition.
Risk Level: One - Do Not FlyThe airspace adjoining the Tehran FIR is also at risk: Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Major events: Sep 2023: Several reports of GPS spoofing in northern Iraq, plus some in northern Iran.
Afghanistan's airspace now has no ATC service - the OAKX/Kabul FIR is uncontrolled Class G airspace, and overflying traffic should route around the country. Some countries say that overflights should only be on airways P500 and G500 in the far east of the OAKX/Kabul FIR.
The reason planes cruise at high altitudes is that they burn less fuel and can fly faster, as the air is less dense. At 30,000 feet and higher, it is also possible for aircraft to avoid weather systems, making it more comfortable onboard.
The sky over Disneyland in Anaheim and Walt Disney World in Orlando is national defense airspace. Intentionally violating Mickey and Minnie's airspace, the alerts warn, could result in interception, interrogation and federal prosecution.
Most commercial airlines that travel between East Asia and the Americas avoid flying over the Pacific Ocean due to high costs and safety concerns, such as the risk of flying during stormy weather.
Dubai-based Emirates and sister carrier flydubai together serve 10 cities in Iran and Iraq, and have continued to use the airspace of both countries for other flights. Kuwait Airways and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways have continued using Iranian and Iraqi airspace.
We continue to advise, do not travel. The security situation remains extremely volatile. If you're in Syria, you should leave as soon as possible (see 'Safety'). Entry and exit measures for Syria may change without notice.