OMM Redaksiyası
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has urged airlines to avoid flying through parts of Saudi Arabian airspace amid an increase in missile and drone attacks, according to an agency bulletin issued on Wednesday.
The agency said the regional security situation remained “highly volatile” because of the military conflict between the United States and Iran, with significant military activity affecting Saudi airspace.
Houthi attacks have expanded
According to the bulletin, the Houthis significantly increased the frequency and geographic scope of attacks against Saudi maritime, energy and infrastructure targets in September, including in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Military and aviation-related infrastructure across Saudi Arabia has also been repeatedly targeted by missiles and drones, the agency said. Southern and southwestern parts of the country remain particularly exposed because of their proximity to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
Recent attacks, however, have demonstrated the group’s ability and intent to strike deeper inside Saudi Arabia. The agency specifically cited the areas around Riyadh, Tabuk and Yanbu.
Risks to civil aviation
The agency warned that recurring missile and drone attacks, together with the activation of air-defence systems, could increase the risk of civil aircraft being misidentified. It also cited dangers linked to interception operations and falling debris.
Operators were advised to avoid flying at any altitude in a designated part of Saudi airspace, particularly areas exposed to heightened missile and drone risks. The restricted zone is defined by aviation navigation points within the Jeddah Flight Information Region.
Airlines were also urged to exercise caution across the rest of Saudi airspace. The warning is valid until Nov. 16 unless it is reviewed earlier, the bulletin said.
