The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has decided not to extend the Conflict Zone Information Bulletins (CZIB) for Israel and Iran, citing ceasefire agreements and a reduction in regional tensions. The CZIBs expired on January 31, and EASA has instead issued dedicated Information Notes (IN) to highlight remaining risks in these airspaces.
However, EASA extended the CZIB for Lebanon until March 31, 2025. This bulletin applies to all EASA-based and third-country operators, as Lebanon has not shown “full capability to address existing airspace risks by implementing an efficient and proactive approach to the airspace deconfliction.”
For Israel, Iran, and surrounding areas within a 100 nautical mile radius, airlines are advised to exercise caution and consult all available aeronautical publications. EASA also extended the IN for the Southern Red Sea. “The advisory for Iran recommends also to consider daylight operations only. The Information Notes are distributed to relevant parties on a need-to-know basis to provide more operational background and recommendations.”
In addition to these updates, several airlines are planning their return to Israel. Delta Air Lines is among those intending to resume flights there. Meanwhile, American Airlines and United Airlines have not changed their plans regarding flights to Israel; United’s spokesperson confirmed that its flights remain suspended.
Data from Cirium’s Diio Mi airline planning system indicates that February will see an increase of 613 year-on-year flights at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). EL AL plans 95 additional weekly round-trip itineraries during this period, with Arkia adding up to 75 weekly trips. Wizz Air is also expanding its schedule significantly.
On the other hand, Turkish carriers AJet and Pegasus Airlines are increasing connectivity with Iran from Europe in February. AJet will add 28 weekly round-trip itineraries between Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). Pegasus Airlines will increase its schedule by 36 weekly round-trip flights across various Iranian airports.
