Europe issues alert to airlines about flying in Iranian airspace

The EASA warned that passenger jets flying through Iranian airspace risk being accidentally targeted by the country’s air-defense systems. “Due to the hazardous security situation, and poor coordination between civil aviation and military operations, there is a risk of misidentification of civil aircraft,” EASA announced Thursday. “Due to the presence of various advanced air-defense systems, it is advised to be cautious.” The Cologne, Germany-based European Union agency added: “The risk to operations is assessed to be HIGH for flight levels below 250,” or 25,000 feet (7,600 meters). The recommendation -- or Conflict Zone Information Bulletin -- is valid until Jan. 16, 2021. The EASA alert comes days after Iran said it mistakenly shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 shortly after take-off in January, killing all 176 aboard.<br/>