The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has today issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin for the airspace of the Russian Federation.To ensure maximum flight safety amid Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine, the new Conflict Zone Information Bulletin replaces and broadens the scope of the recommendation regarding Russian airspace previously outlined in CZIB 2022-01R10. It advises against operating within the affected Russian airspace west of longitude 60° East, at all flight levels. The recommendation also applies to foreign air carriers that have received a safety authorisation from EASA (Third-Country Operators).
The recommendation is valid until 31 July 2025 and can be reviewed earlier and adapted or withdrawn subject to the revised security and safety assessment. EASA, in cooperation with the European Commission, will continue to closely monitor the situation, to assess the risk exposure for EU and third-country operators conducting flights to/from the European Union (EU).
It is important to note that no EU airlines currently fly to, from or over the airspace of the Russian Federation. However, a number of third-country carriers continue to do so, despite the war-related risks.
Background
Following the downing of flight MH17, the EU established the ‘‘EU Conflict Zone Alerting System’’ to provide consistent advice to airlines and better protect European travellers. Active since early 2016, it facilitates cooperation among EU Member States, institutions, EASA, and aviation stakeholders to share intelligence on risks from conflict zones. The system aims to consolidate information and risk assessments, issuing timely recommendations to enhance safety for Member States, operators, and passengers, while complementing national efforts with a common European risk perspective. More information.
Brief
On 09/01/2025, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an update regarding EU Aviation Safety Agency updates safety guidance on Russian Airspace. The Conflict Zone Information Bulletin advises against operating within affected Russian airspace west of longitude 60° East and applies to foreign air carriers with EASA's safety authorisation until July 31, 2025.
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Purpose:
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin to advise against operating within Russian airspace west of longitude 60° East, at all flight levels. This update replaces and broadens the scope of the previous recommendation regarding Russian airspace, aiming to ensure maximum flight safety amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Effects on Industry:
The new conflict zone information bulletin will have a significant impact on airlines operating in the region. The ban on flying within affected Russian airspace west of longitude 60° East at all flight levels will affect foreign air carriers that have received a safety authorisation from EASA, also known as Third-Country Operators. This may lead to increased costs and operational complexities for these airlines, potentially affecting their schedules and routes. Furthermore, the ban may discourage some airlines from operating in the region, thereby limiting passenger options.
Relevant Stakeholders:
The stakeholders affected by this update include:
- Airlines operating within or through Russian airspace west of longitude 60° East
- Third-Country Operators with safety authorizations from EASA
- Passengers traveling to, from, or over the affected Russian airspace
- EU airlines, which are not currently flying to, from, or over the airspace of the Russian Federation
Next Steps:
To comply with this update, airlines operating within or through Russian airspace west of longitude 60° East must:
- Review their flight schedules and routes to ensure compliance with the new ban
- Update their operational procedures and risk assessments to reflect the changed security environment
- Inform passengers about any changes to their travel plans or options
Any Other Relevant Information:
EASA will continue to closely monitor the situation in Ukraine, assessing the risk exposure for EU and third-country operators conducting flights to/from the European Union. The agency may review and adapt its recommendations as necessary to ensure maximum flight safety. Additionally, EASA’s cooperation with the European Commission will help maintain a unified approach to conflict zone management, providing consistent advice to airlines and protecting European travelers.
