The Federal Aviation Administration today issued a new Notice to Airmen (a so-called NOTAM) restricting U.S. operators from flying in the Damascus Flight Information Region, which includes all of Syria. The latest warning replaces the current NOTAM in place that strongly advises U.S. operators against flying in that airspace and requires them to contact the FAA before they operate in that airspace.
There is no question the ongoing armed conflict and volatile security environment in Syria poses a serious threat to civil aviation.
“Based on an updated assessment of the risk associated with such operations and the lack of any requests from operators wishing to fly in this airspace, we believe it prudent to prohibit U.S. operators from flying into, out of, and over Syria,” the FAA said in a statement.
As anyone who watches the nightly news knows extremist groups in Syria are known to be equipped with a variety of anti-aircraft weapons which have the capability to threaten civilian aircraft.
The Federal Agency claims that opposition groups have successfully shot down Syrian military aircraft using these anti-aircraft weapon systems during the course of the conflict.
“Due to the presence of anti-aircraft weapons among the extremist groups and ongoing fighting in various locations throughout Syria, there is a continuing significant potential threat to civil aviation operating in Syrian airspace,” the FAA said.
