EU aviation agency renews Gulf airspace warning through late July

WASHINGTON, United States — The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has renewed its warning to airlines operating in the Middle East, urging them to avoid the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as well as areas over the Gulf of Oman. The agency cited heightened security risks in the region, saying the presence of U.S. military bases had increased the likelihood of missile or drone attacks targeting civil aircraft. It also warned of the risk that air defense systems could misidentify civilian planes. The advisory is set to remain in effect until July 29. The renewal comes amid renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran, according to the agency. EASA had previously issued similar cautions to carriers operating in parts of the region. No further details on specific flight restrictions or affected carriers were immediately available.