EU aviation agency extends Gulf airspace warning through late July

WASHINGTON, United States — BRUSSELS — The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has renewed its advisory urging airlines operating in the Middle East 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, warning that the presence of U.S. military bases in the region has increased the potential for missile or drone strikes against civil aircraft. EASA also flagged the risk of air defense systems misidentifying civil aircraft. The advisory, which mirrors earlier cautions issued to carriers operating in parts of the region, is set to remain in effect until July 29. The renewed warning follows a fresh escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. No further details on specific incidents prompting the update were immediately available.