German authorities have today issued a NOTAM warning, advising airlines against entering Iranian airspace. The warning comes after personnel have been told to leave military bases in Qatar, amid a high possibility of a United States airstrike on Iranian soil.
Germany has advised its citizens to leave Iran amid growing fears of airstrikes
A NOTAM (Notice to airmen/ aviation / air missions) is issued in circumstances where it is deemed unsafe to fly into an airspace. Currently, Iran faces a nationwide internet and communications blackout, with Safe Air Space levelling the danger as risk one – Do Not Fly. It is unclear how long the NOTAM order will last from the German authorities.
Fatalities, as high as 2,000, have been reported by numerous sources following deadly protests across 17 days. Consequently, military base personnel at the Al Udeid base have been issued a warning to leave following the possibility of a US airstrike, as Trump claims to threaten US military action.
Flight cancellations as airlines respond to the situation
Flights to the Iranian capital, Tehran, continue to be cancelled or rerouted, selected services have been restored for travellers from some airlines but these are subject to change as tensions continue to escalate. Lufthansa Airlines extended its initial pause on its flights to Tehran until Jan. 28.
Trump threatens US military action after 17 days of protests in Iran
Protests began on Dec. 28, when Iran’s currency plunged to a record level low against the United States dollar. Shopkeepers and the public alike were seen in the streets protesting when, on Jan. 1, a new Central Bank Governor was appointed – Abdolnasser Hemmati.
Following the continuation of the protests on Jan 2, Trump warned that the US ‘is locked and loaded’ if any protestors were killed. Iran’s second supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, warned that protestors will be ‘put in place’.
By Jan. 7, protests had erupted all over the country, with hundreds and thousands of people. On Jan. 8, Iran began a nationwide internet and communications blackout. In spite of the blackout, videos from the protests have spread across social media, showing body bags, fires and chaos.
As of today, the blackout and protests are still occurring, leading aviation authorities to act on for the safety of their crews, passengers and aircraft.
Iran temporarily closes its airspace
On Jan. 14 at 22.15 Iran temporarily closed its airspace to incoming and outgoing flights. The closure was due to be in place until 00.30am on Jan. 15 but has been extended to 3.30am, according to sources. The increasing tension with the US was cited as the reason for the closure.
Do you think more countries will issue a NOTAM from Iranian airspace if the protests continue? Let us know in the comments below.
