Airlines warned of possible air strikes into Syria

Eurocontrol, the European air traffic control organisation, has warned airlines operating in the eastern Mediterranean to exercise caution over the next 72 hours due to the possible launch of air strikes into Syria.

The US and its allies have been discussing possible military action in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack by Syrian government forces, led by Bashar al-Assad, against a rebel-held town—the latest major attack in the Syrian Civil War.

“Due to the possible launch of air strikes into Syria with air-to-ground and/or cruise missiles within the next 72 hours, and the possibility of intermittent disruption of radio navigation equipment, due consideration needs to be taken when planning flight operations in the Eastern Mediterranean/Nicosia FIR area,” said the statement by Eurocontrol.

Most European and North American airlines already avoid Syrian airspace because of the ongoing conflict, but the Nicosia flight region extends as far as Cyprus, so flight paths in the region may have to be adjusted.

UK airline easyJet has said it will be rerouting flights from Tel Aviv.

(Source: Reuters)