The head of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Florian Guillermet, warned that ongoing wars—particularly the expanding conflict in the Middle East—are increasing risks to global aviation safety.

Speaking to Reuters, Guillermet said the conflict has reshaped airspace in the region, causing major disruptions to flight routes, especially those linking Asia and Europe.

He noted that closures and restrictions have forced airlines to rely on limited alternative routes, leading to congestion in certain corridors, particularly over Azerbaijan and Central Asia.

The growing use of drones and reliance on unusual flight paths are also adding complexity to air traffic management.

“Concentrating traffic on specific routes, combined with limited available airspace, can create safety risks,” he said.