Flight Safety Information - July 8, 2025 No. 135 In This Issue : Flights to return to Israel as European Aviation Safety Agency removes restrictions : https://uasweekly.com/2025/07/07/skyryse-and-cal-fire-form-multi-year-partnership-to-enhance-firefighting-aviation-safety/ : Airbus A220, experienced smoke in the cabin while en route : Global Aerospace's SM4 Aviation Safety Program on the Shifting Security Landscape Within the Business Aviation Industry : Lithium battery of a passenger’s powerbank caught fire. : United Kingdom provides major voluntary contributions to aviation safety, sustainability, and ICAO’s transformation : Delta A333 over Atlantic on Jul 6th 2025, engine shut down in flight : Calendar of Events Flights to return to Israel as European Aviation Safety Agency removes restrictions The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has lifted its flight restrictions on Israel, allowing airlines to resume operations and restoring Israel’s position on the global aviation map. By MOSHE COHEN, DR. ITAY GAL JULY 7, 2025 20:50 All restrictions imposed by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on flights to Israel have been lifted, and the agency's recommendation to avoid flying to Israel has been removed The Foreign Affairs Ministry announced on Monday. "This is an important step that will immediately impact major airlines that have not resumed their operations to Israel since Operation Rising Lion and missile attacks from Iran. These airlines will now be able to return to flying to Israel, restoring Israel to the international aviation map with full strength," the ministry stated. EASA, which operates under the European Union and ensures aviation safety in member states and among external operators, addressed the extension of the flight warning issued to Israel last month amid the conflict with Iran. The warning, known as CZIB Number 2025-02 R2, was issued following a military strike by Israel on Iranian territory, which led to retaliatory attacks from Iran. This created a significant risk to the airspace of Israel, Iran, and neighboring countries, leading many foreign airlines to cease operations. These operations resumed on Monday. As part of the warning, EASA advised flight operators to avoid flying through Israel’s airspace, as well as similar restrictions in Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, due to concerns over the potential for a renewed deterioration in security and disruptions to air traffic management systems. Travelers are seen at the departure hall of the Ben-Gurion Airport on April 4, 2023; illustrative (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) Though the restrictions were originally set to expire, they were extended until today to allow for further assessment of the situation. The ceasefire between Israel and Iran reached about two weeks ago, has brought relative calm, but concerns persist over the potential collapse of the agreement and the return of violence, particularly due to tensions in Lebanon and on the Hezbollah front. EASA emphasized that its goal was not to block the skies but to ensure that operators conduct ongoing risk assessments and remain informed with real-time alerts. As a result, the latest recommendations include specific exemptions for flights to Beirut, provided that they land and take off from the sea under close supervision. However, Israel remains a high-risk area due to its proximity to active conflict zones and the possibility of unintended interceptions. Aviation industry sources predict that if the decision allows regular flights to Israel to resume, it will provide a significant boost to airlines that had canceled flights following the escalation. This includes major carriers such as Lufthansa and Air France and leading low-cost airlines, which had suspended popular routes to Ben Gurion Airport. Forecasts suggest that once the market stabilizes and demand rises, flight prices may decrease sharply as competition intensifies on several routes. Along with EASA’s decision, foreign airlines are closely monitoring the position of the Israeli Ministry of Finance. Airlines are demanding compensation or indemnification from the government for losses incurred due to flight cancellations and delays during the military escalations, arguing that the security situation was beyond their control. Without a compensation mechanism, they contend that it will be difficult for them to resume long-term operations in Israel, even if the European warnings are lifted. The industry has been waiting eagerly for the agency’s decision. The resumption of flights to Israel could bring much-needed hope to the tourism and aviation sectors, which have been severely impacted since June due to the regional airspace closure. Skyryse and CAL FIRE Form Multi-Year Partnership to Enhance Firefighting Aviation Safety Skyryse is announcing a new partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) focused on strengthening firefighting technology, operations and training programs. With SkyOS™, the first universal operating system for flight, Skyryse will enable firefighting aircraft to more effectively and safely execute its mission to strengthen wildfire resilience, protecting California’s most vulnerable communities. Skyryse created SkyOS™ to enhance pilot success for every flight, especially during critical missions and in complex environments. As part of this new partnership, SkyOS™ will be developed for future deployment on firefighting aircraft, with features including: • Fly-by-wire technology that enhances safety in all flying conditions by replacing conventional, complex mechanical flight controls • Optionally-piloted capabilities to the frontlines, making it possible to stage assets where it’s too dangerous for manned flights • Increased payload capacity, which also allows firefighting aircraft to fly longer, maximizing effectiveness • A streamlined, intuitive interface that leverages today’s most advanced automation technology, designed to reduce cognitive loading and pilot task saturation • Safe envelope protection and enhanced performance in limited visibility, setting a new standard for aerial firefighting capabilities while keeping first responders safe CAL FIRE’s aircraft are stationed across 14 air attack bases and 11 helitack bases throughout California, CAL FIRE is the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet and built for rapid response to wildfires — strategically located to reach incidents within 20 minutes. CAL FIRE provides fire protection services across more than 31 million acres of privately-owned wildlands in the nation’s most populous state. In addition to those responsibilities, CAL FIRE’s thousands of firefighters provide all-hazard emergency services—responding to medical emergencies, auto accidents, hazmat incidents and more—in 36 of the state’s 58 counties. The partnership comes just months after the devastating wildfires in Southern California in January 2025, which included 14 major wildfires across Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and surrounding counties, ultimately causing at least 30 deaths, burning approximately 57,600+ acres, affecting more than 18,000 structures. “In firefighting, every second counts,” said Mark Groden, Founder and CEO of Skyryse. “Fires can double in size every 30 seconds — and when fires move faster, we have to move smarter. SkyOS technology provides greater capability, enhances mission profiles, and empowers emergency personnel to fight fires more effectively and safely. We’re honored and privileged to work alongside CAL FIRE, especially as a company founded and headquartered in California, to help leverage our technology in the fight against destructive wildfires. Equipping first responders with the latest and best in class technology isn’t just an investment in tools — it’s an investment in lives.” “CAL FIRE continues to leverage advanced technology to enhance aviation safety, increase operational effectiveness, and drive greater efficiency across our aerial firefighting missions. By integrating tools like real-time telemetry, situational awareness systems, and data-driven decision support, we are evolving to meet the complex challenges of modern wildfire response,” said Jake Sjolund, Deputy Director of Fire Protection of CAL FIRE. About Skyryse, Inc. For more information on Skyryse and SkyOS, please visit skyryse.com Date:Monday 7 July 2025Time:10:51Type: Airbus A220-300 Owner/operator:Swiss International Air Lines Registration:HB-JCAMSN:55010 Year of manufacture:2017 Engine model:P&W 1500G Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 120 Other fatalities:0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Category:Incident Location:E of Friedrichshafen - Germany Phase:En route Nature:Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport:Beograd-Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG/LYBE) Destination airport:Zürich-Kloten Airport (ZRH/LSZH) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Swiss flight LX1413, an Airbus A220, experienced smoke in the cabin while en route from Belgrade to Zürich. The flight diverted to Friedrichshafen. At 0854Z (10:54 local time) the flight crew declared an emergency and began with a rapid decent down to FL100. Still too high for EDJA, the nearest airport, EDNY was chosen and the crew with oxygen masks on was guided to Friedrichshafen by Alps Radar, where they safely touched down at 0915Z on RWY 24. After vacating the RWY the A/C came to a stop on apron 3, which usually is for GA only, where it was awaited by rescue services. Also the CHX45 rescue helicopter was alarmed and rushed to the airport. Sources: Global Aerospace's SM4 Aviation Safety Program on the Shifting Security Landscape Within the Business Aviation Industry Emerging Security Threats in Business Aviation: Activism and Down-Route Risks July 04, 2025 10:57 ET | Source: Global Aerospace Morris Plains, NJ, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The security landscape for business aviation is shifting, and operators must remain vigilant. In recent years, operators have encountered increasing ground-based threats unrelated to traditional geopolitical instability. Instead, organized non-state actors (activists, opportunists and localized disruptors) who perceive business aviation as a symbolic or tactical target have begun taking aim at aviation. Threats have evolved. They can range from climate activists breaching airport fences to high-profile vandalism of parked jets and targeting of the C-suite. These are not isolated incidents but part of a growing trend in which operators must prepare for deliberate, targeted interference at or near operational touchpoints—hotels, FBOs, hangars and roadways. A New Type of Risk Historically, corporate and private aviation has managed a well-defined set of risks, including geopolitical volatility, threats to the executive team in unstable regions and opportunistic petty crime. Today’s threat profile includes ideologically driven groups that use disruption—especially public, visual disruption—as a means of protest and advocacy. This operational risk is now a part of the overall risk spectrum. Several recent incidents across Europe and North America have involved protesters gaining access to business aviation terminals or apron areas. Their objectives may not be to harm individuals but to capture attention and cause operational disruption and reputational damage. These events often unfold rapidly and without prior notice, challenging traditional notions of a secure, low-risk destination. “We’re seeing a growing convergence between social and political activism and the high-profile events our clients attend, like annual meetings, conferences and summits where their executives are increasingly visible,” says John Cauthen, Vice President of Aviation Security at MedAire. “In light of recent tragedies targeting corporate leadership, operators must factor reputational risk and personal safety into even the most routine down-route planning.” In addition, the movement of high-net-worth individuals and corporate leadership can intersect with civil unrest, large-scale protests or targeted campaigns aimed at broader social or political causes. Even a well-secured FBO may be adjacent to vulnerable public access points or infrastructure susceptible to demonstration-related blockages. A location’s threat landscape can shift, particularly in countries where lawful protests can still create unpredictable effects on crew, passengers or assets. Importantly, it also reflects the need for collaboration among flight operations teams, airport authorities and local intelligence sources to preserve business continuity without compromising safety. Unlike commercial aviation, business aviation operations may rely on a leaner in-house infrastructure. Flight departments often collaborate with third-party handlers, local agents or concierge services for trip support. While efficient, this model can sometimes lead to underestimating ground-based risk exposure, particularly in otherwise “safe” regions. Some vulnerabilities include: • Unsecured or low-visibility airport perimeters, where access points may be inadequately monitored • Crew accommodation in city centres during periods of political tension or mass gatherings • Publicly visible tail numbers or branding that identify aircraft to activists or opportunists • Security planning that overlooks last-mile transport between the airport and the hotel Security incidents affecting business aviation do not need to involve violence to have an operational impact. A protest delaying crew movements, blocking access to a hangar or resulting in an unauthorized photograph of a sensitive client can all trigger reputational, financial or compliance concerns for operators. Preparing for the Next Security Disruption While the nature of threats continues to evolve, the principles of risk mitigation remain consistent: vigilance, adaptability and pre-emptive planning. Flight departments and operators should consider the following: • Conducting proactive threat and risk assessments before each trip, especially when major political, economic or environmental events occur • Developing alternate routing and secure transport options in high-density urban or politically active areas • Training crew members to recognize early signs of escalating protest activity or suspicious behavior • Strengthening coordination with local airport security teams and requesting additional support when warranted • Establishing contingency communications plans if local disruptions affect mobile networks or access to primary support channels • Briefing crew and passengers on conduct in public spaces This final point is essential when traveling to locations with elevated protest activity or press presence. Even inadvertent engagement with demonstrators or journalists can escalate tensions or lead to reputational fallout. Operators should brief crew and passengers on how to politely disengage from protestors or media without making political statements and clearly instruct them to refer any questions to the appropriate company spokesperson. Providing straightforward, rehearsed responses can help everyone stay calm and professional if approached. Final Thoughts Security is no longer a background consideration but an operational imperative that must be monitored and managed, like weather or aircraft maintenance. Activism and civil disruption are unlikely to diminish in the current global climate, and business aviation’s visibility makes it a potential flashpoint for targeted actions. By recognizing that ground risks can emerge even in politically stable environments, operators are better positioned to implement practical, layered strategies that protect their people and preserve operational continuity. The stakes may vary, but the expectation is always the same: every journey ends safely, no matter what happens on the ground. About Global Aerospace SM4 Aviation Safety Program The Global Aerospace SM4 Safety Program has revolutionized the way insurance specialists help their clients achieve higher levels of operational safety. SM4 was built on the concept of integrating four critical safety components: planning, prevention, response and recovery. Its mission is to help organizations manage risk, enrich training efforts, strengthen safety culture and improve safety management systems. https://sm4.global-aero.com/ Global Aerospace SM4 Aviation Safety Program Media Contact Suzanne Keneally Vice President, Group Head of Communications +1 973-490-8588 Date:Monday 7 July 2025Time:12:16 UTCType: Boeing 757-232 (WL) Owner/operator:Delta Air Lines Registration:N659DL MSN:24421/293 Year of manufacture:1990 Fatalities:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 191 Other fatalities:0 Aircraft damage:NoneCategory:IncidentLocation:near Fort Myers, FL - United States of America Phase:En route Nature:Passenger - ScheduledDeparture airport:Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, GA (ATL/KATL) Destination airport:Fort Lauderdale International Airport, FL (FLL/KFLL)Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Delta Air Lines flight DL1334, a Boeing 757-232, was en route to Fort Lauderdale International Airport, FL (FLL) when the lithium battery of a passenger’s powerbank caught fire. The fire quickly contained and the flight diverted to Fort Myers-Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). United Kingdom provides major voluntary contributions to aviation safety, sustainability, and ICAO’s transformation The Government of the United Kingdom (UK) has made a voluntary contribution of approximately CAD 2.2 million to support the safety and sustainability pillars of ICAO's Strategic Plan. The funding will also enable the digital and organizational transformation of the Secretariat which is key to the plan's implementation. ICAO's Strategic Plan 2026–2050 calls for zero fatality and net zero emissions air connectivity for everyone, everywhere. The contribution announced today demonstrates the UK's continued strong support for this mission. The UK contributions will specifically support the establishment of the ICAO Finvest Hub, a key initiative supporting ICAO's Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) Programme. With ICAO analysis showing that SAF could deliver over half of the reductions needed to achieve net zero, this programme was created to unlock financing mechanisms for SAF deployment worldwide. Beyond environmental initiatives, the United Kingdom's funding will enhance support for global aviation safety oversight, provide targeted capacity-building assistance in the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACC) region, with a focus on the CARICOM states. Incident: Delta A333 over Atlantic on Jul 6th 2025, engine shut down in flight By Simon Hradecky, created Monday, Jul 7th 2025 18:00Z, last updated Monday, Jul 7th 2025 18:00Z A Delta Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration N805NW performing flight DL-127 from Madrid,SP (Spain) to New York JFK,NY (USA), was enroute at FL380 over the Atlantic Ocean about 600nm northwest of Lajes, Azores Islands (Portugal) when the crew reported the failure of the right hand engine (PW4168) and decided to divert to Lajes. The aircraft drifted down to FL200 and landed safely on Lajes' runway 15 about 1.5 hours later. The onward leg was cancelled. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Lajes about 26 hours after landing. https://flightaware.com/live/flight/DAL127/history/20250706/1050Z/LEMD/KJFK CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Airborne Public Safety Association -APSCON / APSCON Unmanned 2025 in Phoenix, AZ | July 14-18, 2025 . 3rd annual Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS), July 15-17, 2025, Singapore, organized by Flight Safety Foundation and CAAS. . Asia Pacific Aviation Safety Seminar 2025; 10-11 September 2025; Manila, Philippines . 2025 PROS IOSA SUMMIT - SEPT 10-11 - Denver, CO · ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC™) - 2025 – October 27-29th (Omaha, Nebraska) . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada Curt Lewis