There are several countries in the world where airlines may avoid flying over due to safety and security concerns. While this may change depending on current events and circumstances, here are 10 countries that have been known to be avoided by airlines:

1. Crimea – Airlines generally avoid flying over the Crimea region due to political tensions and uncertainty surrounding the status of the region. As a result, the political situation in the region remains unstable, with ongoing disputes over territorial claims and control. Overall, many airlines continue to avoid flying over the area to prioritize the safety of their passengers and crew.

2. Syria – Airlines generally avoid flying over Syria due to the ongoing conflict and political instability in the region. The conflict in Syria began in 2011 and has led to widespread violence, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. The risk to aviation in Syria is primarily related to the potential for the conflict to spill over into the airspace.

3. North Korea – The lack of cooperation and transparency from North Korean authorities also makes it difficult for airlines to assess the safety of flying over the country. Without accurate and reliable information about air traffic control procedures, airport facilities, and other critical factors, airlines are reluctant to operate flights over North Korea.

4. Afghanistan – Airlines generally avoid flying over Afghanistan due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns in the region. The country has been in a state of war and instability for decades, and the situation on the ground remains volatile with ongoing military operations, terrorist attacks, and other security incidents.

5. Somalia – Due to concerns about the country’s security situation and the lack of adequate air traffic control infrastructure. Somalia has been in a state of civil war and political instability for several decades, and the situation on the ground remains volatile with ongoing military operations, terrorist attacks, and piracy incidents.

6. Yemen – Yemen has limited air traffic control infrastructure and resources, which could lead to increased risks to aviation safety. Without proper air traffic control procedures and equipment, the risk of mid-air collisions or other incidents could be higher. Due to these risks, many airlines have chosen to avoid flying over Yemen altogether.

7. Libya – Due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns in the region. Libya has been in a state of political instability and armed conflict since the fall of the Gaddafi regime in 2011, and the situation on the ground remains volatile.

8. South Sudan – Airlines generally avoid flying over South Sudan due to concerns about the country’s security situation and the lack of adequate air traffic control infrastructure. ICAO has also issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) advising airlines to avoid airspace over South Sudan. As a result, flights to and from Africa may be diverted to alternative routes to avoid flying over the conflict zone.

9. Ukraine – particularly the Crimean Peninsula and eastern Ukraine. There have been several incidents in the past where anti-aircraft missiles have been used against military and civilian aircraft in eastern Ukraine. There is also a risk of inadvertent clashes between different military forces operating in the region, which could potentially result in a shoot-down of a commercial aircraft.

10. Iraq – ongoing security concerns and the potential for ground-to-air missile attacks in the region. Iraq has been in a state of political instability and armed conflict for many years, and the situation on the ground remains volatile with ongoing military operations, terrorist attacks, and other security incidents. The risk to aviation in Iraq is primarily related to the potential for ground-to-air missile attacks, which pose a serious threat to commercial aircraft flying over the region.