Egypt asks its airlines to avoid Iran airspace for three hours on Thursday

Egypt instructed all of its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for three hours in the early morning on Aug 8, amid tension between Israel and Iran. The NOTAM, a safety notice provided to pilots on Aug 7, said the instruction would be in effect from 1am to 4am GMT 9am to 12 noon, Singapore time). It provided no further details as to why the notice was issued. "All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region). No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory," the notice said, referring to the three-hour period specified. Egypt's civil aviation ministry later confirmed on Aug 7 the notice was intended to reduce flight-safety risks in light of a notification it received from Iranian authorities. "Military exercises will be conducted over Iranian airspace on Aug 7 from 11.30 to 14.30 and from 4.30 to 7.30 on Aug 8 Tehran time," the statement said.<br/>