The sun sets during the rainy season in Sudan CO N F L I C T Z O N E S Crew should know why mitigations are in place bomb threats and other security issues on the ground in the event of a diversion; reduced alternate options; debris impact; sudden or unannounced airspace closures; reduced or degraded infrastructure, including Air Traffic Management/Air Navigation Services; and (everyones favourite) GPS interference (see p30). What you need to know As a pilot, at the very least you must know the current warnings and prohibitions applicable to you. You also must know where to find this information and the final must is knowing what actions to take to prevent misidentification, inadvertent targeting, and conflict with military assets in the area. Crew should also know why those mitigations are in place what the specific risks are in the country, the background of the situation, and other secondary or indirect risks that could be present. There is a full list of mitigation tactics in Appendix E of Doc 10084, but here are some general mitigations for avoiding issues while over-flying: Maintain two-way contact with ATC at all times, follow their clearances and check-in when youre supposed to (particularly if routing into an Air Defence Identification Zone) Maintain accurate navigation. Monitor systems closely (especially if routing through known GPS-interference regions) and advise ATC immediately if systems may be degraded Ensure transponder and other required surveillance systems are operational Be aware of regions where the Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic procedures may be applied Plan in advance: consider what a weather deviation might look like (if in proximity to prohibited airspace); think about fuel; and think about contingency plans in the event of engine failure, depressurisation or other failures that may require an immediate descent or diversion. CONFLICT ZONES Lets look at some of the currently active conflict zones around the world. Afghanistan Extremist/militant activity remains high across the country, with multiple groups involved. Many of these have access to anti-aircraft weaponry and have shown intent to target civilian aircraft. The level of risk mitigation from Afghanistans military is considered very low. The change in governance in 2021 led to reduced ATS across the OAKX/Kabul FIR and concerns about the level of coordination between military and civil air traffic services. The UK says, best not to enter the OAKX/ Kabul FIR below 25,000ft (EASA recommends not below FL320). This doesnt apply to the P500/G500 north/south airways. While these are less risky, its wise to think about where youll head if you need an alternate route. Also consider the risk levels in Pakistan. Pakistan: Karachi/Lahore FIRs Part of Pakistan is attached to Afghanistan, and those causing issues there can cause issues here, too. Especially the ones with access to anti-aircraft weaponry and the ones in the hills near OPPS/Peshawar. Then there is the Kashmir region (within the OPLA/Lahore FIR), which has long been an area of territorial dispute. The Pakistani military carry out sporadic operations here and, when tensions rise, so do the chances of misidentification. The UK says, do a good risk assessment and avoid going below 25,000ft. We say consider your alternatives, the proximity to Afghanistan, and what this all means for communications. Pakistan is an ADIZ with specific entry and communication procedures. It also doesnt get on very well with India, and this can result in handover issues at the border. Iraq and Iran Following the 2003-11 Iraq war, numerous insurgent groups emerged opposing the US coalition and looking to fill the power vacuum, leading to widespread sectarian violence and civil war. Things are still volatile, particularly around the ORBI/Baghdad area. Iraqs relationship with Iran is also tense. An ongoing dispute over the Kurdistan region, and clashes between Kurdish secessionist group Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan (PEJAK) and Iranian Shia militia, often impact ORER/ Erbil, as well as routes bordering Iran. The UK recommends that flights avoid entering the ORBB/Baghdad FIR below FL320. We say there are some additional risks to think about: the targeting of airports and the proximity of major airways to conflict regions. ORER/Erbil and ORBI/Baghdad are regularly targeted by militia groups, and general infrastructure, safety and security (on the ground if diverting) may all be affected. GPS interference in the region is significant. Syria The 2011 Syrian civil war came after large-scale Arab Spring protests and pro-democracy rallies escalated into a multi-sided mess, with domestic factions and foreign-country interventions from the likes of Russia, Turkey, Iran, Israel and the USA. There are still frequent airstrikes and hostility along the Turkish border. Israel also carries out regular airstrikes as deterrence against Iranian forces, who maintain a heavy presence in the country. The level of volatility and number of actors with access to anti-aircraft weaponry, coupled with significant damage to airports and general infrastructure, has led to many states, including the UK, prohibiting operations into the OSTT/ Damascus FIR and the area within 200 nautical miles of the border. Sudan and South Sudan Sudan has an ongoing conflict, primarily between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the opposition Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both groups have access to air assets, including anti-aircraft artillery, MANPADS and SAMs, and military operations tend to be based at civil airports. There is therefore a high risk of misidentification, miscalculation, and collateral damage for civilian aircraft. EASA says: Dont fly here at any level. South Sudan has had a ceasefire in place since 2020. However, 34 THE LOG Autumn 24 pp32-35 Conflict Zones.indd 34 13/11/2024 14:28