The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin on January 16 recommending air operators avoid Iranian airspace entirely due to heightened air defence alert levels and increased likelihood of civilian aircraft misidentification.

The bulletin, designated CZIB 2026-02 and valid through February 16, advises against operations within the Tehran Flight Information Region at all altitudes and flight levels.

EASA stated that "given the ongoing situation and the potential for US military action, which has placed Iranian air defence forces on a heightened state of alert, there is currently an increased likelihood of misidentification."

The agency warned that "the presence and possible use of a wide range of weapons and air-defence systems, combined with unpredictable state responses and the potential activation of SAM systems, creates a high risk to civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels."

EASA said Iran is likely to maintain elevated alert levels for air force and air defence units nationwide considering overall regional tensions.

The regulator noted that retaliatory actions against US assets in neighbouring countries cannot be excluded in the event of intervention, which could introduce additional risks to airspace where American military bases are located.

The bulletin applies to operators subject to European Commission Regulation 965/2012 planning operations in the affected airspace, as well as third-country operators authorised by EASA conducting operations to, from and within the European Union under their Third Country Operator authorisations.

EASA recommended air operators exercise caution and implement contingency planning for operations and routing within neighbouring countries' airspace, particularly where US military installations are located.

The agency advised operators to closely monitor airspace developments and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region.

The formal bulletin follows previous EASA information notes issued in September 2025 advising operators to consider potential risks in Iranian airspace when conducting risk assessments and planning routes.

The agency stated it will continue monitoring the situation alongside the European Commission and member states to assess whether risk levels increase or decrease.