Conflict-Zone Airspace Closures — Timeline 2014–2026

Closures Timeline — Frequently Asked Questions

Common search queries answered with current status, FIR codes, and source citations.

Which conflict-zone airspace closures are still in effect in 2026?

As of April 2026, the following major closures or advisories remain in effect: Ukrainian airspace (UKLV/UKBV/UKDV/UKFV/UKOV/UKBU, since 24 February 2022); Sudan HSSS (since April 2023); the Pakistan OPKR/OPLR closure to Indian carriers (since April 2025); FAA SFAR 117 covering Tehran FIR OIIX (Oct 2024 – Oct 2027); FAA SFAR 77 covering Iraq ORBB; FAA SFAR 115 covering Sanaa OYSC; EASA CZIB 2026-01 covering Venezuela SVZM (the first Western Hemisphere CZIB); EASA CZIB 2026-03 covering Middle East and Persian Gulf airspace (multiple revisions); various advisories covering the Sahel, Afghanistan OAKX, and Myanmar VYYY.

When was the most consequential closure for European aviation?

The 24 February 2022 closure of all Ukrainian FIRs was the largest single-event disruption to European aviation since the 2010 volcanic ash crisis, and the largest sustained closure in EUROCONTROL's operational history. The closure required immediate rerouting of thousands of daily flights and triggered the Russian airspace ban on EU, US, Canadian, and UK carriers, restructuring Europe–Asia traffic flows.

Has any major closure been reopened since 2014?

Some FIR-specific advisories have been narrowed or partially withdrawn (for example, FAA SFAR 113 covering parts of Ukrainian airspace was withdrawn in October 2023, with the broader prohibition continuing under NOTAM KICZ A0004/22). Localized closures with shorter durations (typically 1–6 hours) are routinely lifted. No major sustained closure of national airspace from this list (Ukraine, Sudan, OPKR/OPLR-to-India) has been reopened to civilian operations as of April 2026.

How long do typical conflict-zone closures last?

Patterns vary widely. Localized precautionary closures last 1–6 hours and are routinely lifted. FIR-wide closures driven by sustained conditions can last for years (Ukraine 50+ months and counting; Sudan 36+ months; OPKR/OPLR-to-India 12+ months). EASA CZIBs and FAA SFARs covering airspace remain in effect until formally revised, superseded, or withdrawn; some have been extended through multiple cycles.

What is the difference between a NOTAM, a CZIB, and a SFAR?

A NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) is a time-critical operational notification published by national air-navigation service providers; NOTAMs are operationally binding within their jurisdiction and typically short-duration. An EASA Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) is an advisory to EU-registered operators describing safety considerations in a specified airspace; CZIBs may be made binding by individual EU member-state authorities. A FAA Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) is a binding US federal regulation applying to US-registered operators globally and to foreign operators in US airspace. See the dedicated guides on /guides/ for details on each instrument.