Updated on 21 May 2019
The Situation:
On 16 May, the FAA released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), advising U.S. Carriers avoid
flight paths over the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to rising tensions between the
U.S. and Iran and U.S. military activity in the region. On, 20 June, the U.S. FAA barred all U.S.
carriers from traveling over the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman until further notice.
The ban comes after Iran shot down a U.S. Global Hawk drone with a surface-to-air missile.
The nearest aircraft was approximately 45 nautical miles from the drone when it was shot
down.
The Persian Gulf serves as a massive channel for international flights from all regions of the
globe bound for destinations in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Passenger
airliners operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airways continue to fly over the
Persian Gulf – sometimes flying as low as 20,000 feet – opening room for misidentifying
aircraft during times of rising tensions.
The FAA does not have the authority to ground foreign aircraft or prevent foreign airlines
from operating in the region. However, should tensions between the US and Iran become
heightened, flights may be forced to reroute. KLM and Lufthansa have already joined the
ban over the Strait of Hormuz.
Possible Effects:
Delayed, canceled, and/or rerouted flights
Increased military activity in the region
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Check your flight itinerary to ensure it is operating normally
Be mindful of flight paths when traveling through the region and make necessary itinerary adjustments at your discretion
Monitor local and social media for updates
Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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