Egypt Instructs Airlines to Avoid Iranian Airspace Amid Tensions

Egyptian airlines were instructed to avoid Iranian airspace for a three-hour period due to tensions between Israel and Iran. A NOTAM issued Wednesday outlined the time frame from 0100 to 0400 GMT for the avoidance. Many airlines are revising schedules amid fears of broader conflict after recent unrest.

In a precautionary move, Egypt has instructed all of its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for a three-hour period early Thursday morning. The directive, issued in a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Wednesday, will be in effect from 0100 to 0400 GMT, though no specific reason was cited for the timing.

The NOTAM states, 'All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region) FIR. No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory,' as tensions rise following the recent killings of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah. In response, many airlines are adjusting schedules to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace whilst canceling flights to Israel and Lebanon due to fears of potential conflict escalation.

OPSGROUP, an organization that shares flight risk information, noted, 'Such a NOTAM from Egypt is very unusual. It is possible that this is an indicator of an Iranian response to Israel, and in turn a potentially large set of airspace disruptions - at the same time, there may be another reason.' Additionally, Jordanian authorities have advised airlines to carry 45 minutes of extra fuel when landing, as regional airspace closures have become increasingly common amidst aerial attacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)