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<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cIt\u2019s clear that concentrating traffic on certain routes, the availability of the airspace for air traffic control, the fact that traffic can use routes which are not so usual, can generate safety risks,\u201d said Florian Guillermet, executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).<\/p>\n
The comments are the first from Europe\u2019s aviation regulator since the Middle East war erupted at the end of February. Aviation is among the most disrupted industries, with pilots facing growing risks from missiles and drones.<\/p>\n
Guillermet, a sector veteran who previously ran France\u2019s air traffic control system, said crew and controllers were trained to anticipate and mitigate risks. Even so, shutting airspace or restricting flights were sometimes unavoidable.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe in aviation have the means to mitigate risk. One of those means is to clear the skies,\u201d he said, adding that while this disrupted passengers, it remained the most effective way to keep traffic density \u201cunder control at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n
EASA, which brings together 31 European countries, is preparing a regular overhaul of its aviation strategy at a time when one of the safest transport modes faces rising hazards \u2013 from GPS interference and drones to operational threats such as unstable approaches and runway incidents.<\/p>\n
On Friday, EASA renewed its advisory to avoid airspace over Iran, Israel and parts of the Gulf until April 10.<\/p>\n
Clearer Rules for Counter-Drone Usage<\/p>\n
EASA is also drafting clearer guidance on what powers can be used to counter the surge in rogue drone activity targeting civil airports, Guillermet said.<\/p>\n
EU airports are grappling with drone incidents that security experts link to so-called \u201chybrid warfare\u201d \u2013 a mix of military force, cyberattacks and other interference.<\/p>\n
Since Russia\u2019s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, drones have become a key weapon on both sides. Airports from Stockholm to Munich have faced drone-related disruptions, suspected though not confirmed to be linked to the conflict.<\/p>\n
Guillermet said clearer rules were needed, especially given the rise of \u201cstate-related\u201d drone activity.<\/p>\n