Conflict squeezes flight corridors, European aviation authorities focus on safety risks.

The highest aviation safety regulatory agency in Europe told Reuters that as air corridors become increasingly congested and drones become more popular, conflicts are intensifying aviation risks. The month-long Iran war is reshaping the airspace in the Middle East and causing disruptions to flights, including blocking routes previously used for transit or flying over the region between Asia and Europe. In addition to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict and the war between Pakistan and Afghanistan, airlines have been forced to tighten routes, especially over Azerbaijan and Central Asia. "It is clear that concentrating traffic on certain routes, reducing available airspace for air traffic control, and using less common routes can pose safety risks," said EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky. This is the first time that European aviation regulatory authorities have made such comments since the outbreak of the Middle East war at the end of February.