As a result of the war in the Middle East (see EUROPE 13819/1 - and see other news), the European Commission announced on Monday 2 March, at the end of a Security College meeting, that it would be stepping up “the monitoring of the risks of transport disruption, particularly around the Straits of Hormuz and the Red Sea”. It will also intensify “coordination with airlines, shipping companies and national authorities”.
On Saturday 28 February, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published an information bulletin on conflict zones in the Middle East and Persian Gulf, valid until Monday, then extended until Friday 6 March. It advised air operators “not to operate in the airspace concerned, at all flight levels and altitudes”, to “closely monitor developments in the situation” and to “comply with all available aeronautical publications concerning the region”. It also reminded them that other areas are also affected by this recommendation: the airspace of Syria, Yemen (in particular Sana'a), Lebanon, Iraq and neighbouring Iran.
“We hope for a rapid peaceful resolution to the current hostilities. In this context, it is essential that States respect their obligation to protect civilians and civil aviation”, reacted Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in a press release. Located in the Persian Gulf and bordering Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is strategic for maritime transport, particularly for oil from the Middle East.
“The safety of sailors is paramount. Sailors must not be targeted or put at risk as a result of the conflict, and the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation must be respected”, added Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council (WSC).
Damian Viccars, WSC’s Director of European Government Affairs, speaking to Agence Europe on Monday, compared the situation to that in the Red Sea (see EUROPE 13814/35).
“At the start of this crisis, we saw some disruption as shipping lines set up new routes to avoid the regions most at risk”, he reported, stressing the ability of carriers to “maintain trade between Asia and Europe”. He went on to explain that there could be disruptions in Asia where cargo destined for the Middle East region might not be loaded. This could lead to congestion in Asian ports, with “repercussions that would affect trade more generally”. (Original version in French by Anne Damiani)