Countries with no-fly zones in 2026
Some no-fly zones are long-standing, while others change quickly due to new conflicts or events. Below is a snapshot of the countries with restricted airspace in 2026 and the reasons airlines are avoiding them.
No Fly Zones
Discover countries you can't fly over in 2026
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What are no-fly zones?
No-fly zones are areas of airspace where aircraft are not allowed to fly. They exist to protect people, places and aircraft, and airlines are required to route around them.
You might not notice them, but no-fly zones influence flight paths every day. Some are always in place. Others appear temporarily due to conflict, emergencies or major events.
Why no-fly zones exist
- Security: Protecting sensitive areas like government buildings, military bases or borders.
- Safety: Keeping aircraft away from hazards like wildfires, volcanic ash or drone activity.
- Conflict: Avoiding war zones or regions with active military operations.
These zones are enforced by aviation authorities like the FAA and EASA, and are standard in flight planning. Airlines receive constant updates and adjust their routes accordingly.
Even drones must follow no-fly rules, especially near airports or city centres, and in some countries, drones are banned entirely.
If you’ve ever seen your flight take a long detour or curve unexpectedly, there’s a good chance it was avoiding restricted airspace. It’s all part of keeping air travel safe.
Why do some countries have no-fly zones?
Some countries restrict parts of their airspace to reduce risk and protect what’s on the ground. These restrictions are often tied to national security, public safety or ongoing conflict.
Common reasons for no-fly zones
- Military conflict: Countries involved in war or political tension may block access to their skies. Flights are currently banned over Ukraine, and most airlines avoid airspace near Syria, Iraq and North Korea.
- Sensitive infrastructure: Areas above government buildings, nuclear sites or religious landmarks are often permanently restricted. For example, Mecca and central Washington D.C. are protected zones.
- Major events or emergencies: Temporary restrictions are issued during high-profile events, natural disasters or VIP travel. This can include space launches, wildfires or state visits.
Each government decides how its airspace is used, and international aviation bodies share these restrictions with airlines in real time. Carriers then adjust flight paths to comply.
When a country closes part of its airspace, the goal is to reduce risk, not just for those on the ground, but for everyone flying above it.
| Country | Reason for no-fly zone | Current impact on flights |
|---|---|---|
| Ukraine | Active warzone | All civilian flights banned |
| Russia (select regions) | Military conflict, political restrictions | Avoided by most Western airlines |
| North Korea | Airspace closed by government | No international overflights |
| Syria | Conflict zone with sporadic risk | Rerouted at higher altitudes or avoided |
| Iran | Political tensions and security advisories | Restricted for US and some EU carriers |
| Israel and Gaza (select areas) | Ongoing conflict (regional) | Temporary airspace closures may apply |
| Yemen | High conflict and airstrike risks | Fully restricted for commercial flights |
| Afghanistan | Unstable airspace, limited ATC capability | Avoided by most international carriers |
| Belarus | Geopolitical sanctions and safety concerns | EU/UK airlines banned from entry |
Can I choose to avoid a certain airspace?
Not exactly. When you book a flight, you don’t choose the route - airlines do. Flight paths are set based on safety, regulations and real-time airspace updates.
Here’s what to know:
- Passengers can’t request a specific route. Airspace decisions are made by airlines and air traffic control.
- Airlines avoid high-risk areas automatically. If a region is unsafe, your flight won’t go near it.
- Some airlines take different routes. This depends on the carrier’s nationality and what restrictions apply to them.
- Flight-tracking tools can show recent routes. Use these if you’re curious about the airspace your flight may pass through.
If avoiding a certain region is important to you, consider researching which airlines are currently overflying it or speak to the airline directly. Either way, your route is planned with safety first.
Do no-fly zones affect flight time and cost?
Yes - when flights are rerouted around restricted airspace, it can lead to longer journeys and higher operating costs for airlines.
Here’s how it can affect your trip:
- Longer routes: Flights may need to take detours that add distance and time. For example, avoiding Russian airspace has added hours to some Europe-Asia routes.
- Extra fuel stops: In rare cases, long detours require extra fuel or unscheduled refuelling stops.
- Higher fares: More distance means more fuel, which can raise operating costs. Airlines may pass some of this on through higher ticket prices, especially on long-haul routes.
That said, airlines work hard to minimise disruption. Flight paths are planned to balance safety, time and fuel efficiency, and pricing is often adjusted across routes to stay competitive.
So while you might notice a longer flight time, the reason is simple: keeping your journey safe.
How airlines handle no-fly zones
Airlines plan around no-fly zones every day. This is a standard part of flight operations and not a last-minute adjustment. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
- Real-time updates: Aviation authorities like the FAA, EASA and ICAO send constant alerts about restricted or high-risk airspace.
- Dedicated route planning: Specialist teams map every flight based on safety, airspace access, fuel efficiency and weather conditions.
- Advanced systems and coordination: Airlines use sophisticated software and work closely with airspace managers like Eurocontrol to adjust routes as needed.
- In-flight rerouting: If a restriction is issued while a flight is already in the air, pilots receive new instructions from air traffic control.
These procedures apply to every flight, regardless of route or airline. Your journey is planned using the most current airspace data available.
No-fly zones may result in longer routes, but they’re already accounted for before take-off. Your safety is built into the flight plan from the start.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a plane accidentally enters a no-fly zone?
If a commercial aircraft unintentionally enters restricted airspace, air traffic control will immediately contact the flight crew with instructions to exit.
In high-security areas, military aircraft may be deployed to intercept the plane. This is standard protocol and doesn’t necessarily indicate a threat.
Pilots are trained to respond calmly and follow instructions. These incidents are rare, as airlines receive constant updates and flight routes are carefully planned to avoid no-fly zones.
Why do some airlines fly over conflict zones while others don’t?
Each airline follows guidance from its national aviation authority. For example, the FAA may ban US airlines from flying over a certain region, while the same airspace remains open to carriers from other countries.
Airlines also assess risk independently, considering factors like route efficiency, aircraft type and insurance coverage. That’s why you might see one airline flying a route another avoids - it often comes down to regional regulations and internal risk policies.
Is it safe to fly near a no-fly zone?
Yes. No-fly zones are created to protect against specific risks, such as military activity, sensitive infrastructure or natural disasters, but the surrounding airspace is carefully monitored and remains open only if it’s considered safe.
Flights near restricted areas are routed at safe distances and altitudes, and pilots are in constant contact with air traffic control. If there’s any elevated risk, the flight path is changed in advance.
Can flights be cancelled because of a new no-fly zone?
Yes, but it’s not common. If a major event or conflict suddenly makes an area unsafe, affected flights may be cancelled or rerouted.
Airlines typically adjust routes rather than cancel entirely, but in extreme cases, like the full closure of a country’s airspace, flights to or through that region may be grounded.
Airlines will contact affected passengers and offer rebooking or refunds, and in most cases, the disruption is temporary.
Why does my flight map show us going off course or in circles?
If you’ve ever watched the in-flight map and noticed your plane taking a wide turn or looping around, it could be due to airspace restrictions, weather or traffic delays.
Flights may need to hold in a pattern if airspace is congested, or divert slightly to avoid a no-fly zone.
These movements are normal and planned for. Pilots will usually announce the reason, but rest assured - it’s all part of flying safely.
Are drone users affected by no-fly zones too?
Yes - drone pilots must follow strict airspace rules, just like commercial airlines. Flying near airports, over crowds or around certain landmarks is prohibited.
In some countries, drones are banned entirely. Many drones are pre-programmed with geofencing that prevents take-off in restricted areas, but it’s still the pilot’s responsibility to check local rules.
Apps like B4UFLY (US) or DJI FlySafe help travellers avoid accidentally violating airspace laws.
Can I check my flight’s route in advance to see if it avoids certain areas?
You can use flight tracking tools like FlightRadar24 or FlightAware to view planned or historical routes. Simply enter your flight number a day or two before departure. While exact paths can change due to weather or air traffic, you’ll get a good sense of the general route.
If you’re concerned about flying over a specific region, you can also contact the airline directly to ask if their routes avoid it.
Do no-fly zones only apply to planes, or to helicopters and private jets too?
No-fly zones apply to all types of aircraft, including helicopters, private jets, and even balloons or drones in some areas. Restricted airspace is defined by altitude and location, not just the type of aircraft.
In high-security areas, like military bases or major events, even low-flying craft are restricted. All pilots must follow NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) and other published airspace rules to stay compliant.
How are airlines informed when a new no-fly zone is created?
Airlines are notified through official channels such as NOTAMs, updates from aviation authorities (like the FAA or EASA), and direct coordination with air traffic control. These alerts can go out within minutes of a change, and flight planning systems are updated automatically.
For major disruptions, airlines also receive security briefings and recommendations from international bodies like ICAO and IATA to help adjust their routes accordingly.
Does flying around a no-fly zone make my trip less efficient?
Rerouting can add distance and flight time, especially on long-haul routes. However, airlines work hard to minimise the impact by finding the most efficient alternative path.
In some cases, rerouting might add 30-90 minutes to a flight, especially if crossing a large restricted region like Russian or Middle Eastern airspace.
You might notice slightly higher fares or longer durations, but these changes are managed carefully to balance safety, time and cost.