Iran has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) concerning planned rocket launches in parts of southern Iran on Thursday, February 19, between 0330 GMT and 1330 GMT, according to news agency Reuters.
This advisory was also reflected on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s website on Wednesday, February 18.
The situation coincides with Iran’s ongoing naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz and a scheduled joint naval drill with Russia.
The notice comes amid rising tensions with the United States, which has stationed warships close to Iranian waters.
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The NOTAM system delivers vital safety information to pilots, flight crews, and other airspace users.
Aviation security warnings and IndiGo announcements
On February 16, IndiGo announced that flights to and from Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku, and Tashkent continue to be affected due to ongoing regional events.
The airline has extended previously announced cancellations to March 28, providing customers with alternative travel options or full refunds.
Travel Advisory
Owing to the current situation around Iran and its airspace, flights to/from Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku, and Tashkent remain affected.The previously announced cancellations have been extended until March 28, 2026. The safety and…
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) February 16, 2026
Additionally, Netherlands-based Dyami Security Intelligence has warned aviation clients to prepare for potential disruptions across Gulf airspace.
Analysts have cautioned about “Short-notice airspace closures, expanded restricted areas, GPS interference, increased military activity, and possible missile or drone engagements” if military operations commence, as reported by Aviation International News (AIN).
US military buildup and nuclear negotiations
US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that Washington is contemplating whether to continue diplomatic efforts or explore alternative strategies.
In light of these developments, the United States has dispatched more than 50 fighter aircraft — including F-22, F-35, and F-16 jets — to the Middle East as high-level nuclear discussions with Iran continue in Geneva, as reported by the Times of Israel.
Open-source flight tracking data has shown increased US air activity towards Europe and the Gulf. Recent weeks have seen over 250 US cargo flights delivering equipment to Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, according to a report by The Times of India (TOI).
Read more: Iran optimistic after US negotiations, but JD Vance states ‘red lines’ remain unmet
The ongoing delivery of American air defense systems to the region has also been reported, according to CNN.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned that the second round of talks in Geneva reached agreements on “guiding principles” for future negotiations.
“We’ve reached understandings on the guiding principles, but the drafting and writing stages will be more challenging,” Araghchi stated, as quoted by CNN.
“Currently, we have a clearer understanding of the necessary work and what needs to continue; both sides still have efforts to make for closer alignment, but at least we now have a framework and clearer direction going forward,” he added.
