Saudi Arabia
Risk Level: Three - Caution
[ about risk levels ]
March 2026: Saudi Arabian airspace remains open, but risk has increased following large-scale US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets beginning Feb 28 and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the region. Iranian missiles and drones linked to the conflict have landed inside Saudi Arabia this week. The situation remains active and unpredictable, with potential for further spillover.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation - March 2026
The primary risk is missile and drone activity, and associated air defence responses, which could affect civil aircraft at short notice. Risk is elevated over the Gulf coast and eastern province, around major cities, and in the southwest near the Yemen border and southern Red Sea.
Several states maintain airspace warnings for the OEJD/Jeddah FIR. Some advise their operators not to enter Saudi airspace, while others require enhanced caution and specific risk assessment due to missile, UAV and military activity. Saudi authorities warn that emergency air traffic procedures may be activated at short notice. You can find details of those procedures here.
Major events:
Feb - March 2026: Iranian missile and drone strikes inside Saudi Arabia following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
June 2025: Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes; EASA warned of spillover risk into Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Nov 2024: Missile intercept observed near Jeddah in close proximity to civil traffic.
2020 - 2022: Repeated Houthi drone and missile attacks targeting airports in southwest Saudi Arabia.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Middle East airspace situation - March 2026
The primary risk is missile and drone activity, and associated air defence responses, which could affect civil aircraft at short notice. Risk is elevated over the Gulf coast and eastern province, around major cities, and in the southwest near the Yemen border and southern Red Sea.
Several states maintain airspace warnings for the OEJD/Jeddah FIR. Some advise their operators not to enter Saudi airspace, while others require enhanced caution and specific risk assessment due to missile, UAV and military activity. Saudi authorities warn that emergency air traffic procedures may be activated at short notice. You can find details of those procedures here.
Major events:
Feb - March 2026: Iranian missile and drone strikes inside Saudi Arabia following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
June 2025: Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes; EASA warned of spillover risk into Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Nov 2024: Missile intercept observed near Jeddah in close proximity to civil traffic.
2020 - 2022: Repeated Houthi drone and missile attacks targeting airports in southwest Saudi Arabia.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | Notam LFFF F0999/26 | 12 May 2026 | 27 May 2026 | |
| Italy | Notam LIRR E0571/26 | 13 Mar 2026 | 10 Jun 2026 | |
| EASA | CZIB 2026-03-R10 | 28 Feb 2026 | 27 May 2026 | |
| France | AIC 002/26 | 29 Sep 2023 | Ongoing | |
| Canada | AIC 21/25 | 10 Aug 2023 | Ongoing | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Saudi Arabia/Yemen | 17 Mar 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Saudi Arabia | Notam OEJD W0120/21 | 28 Jan 2021 | Ongoing |
Source: France
Reference: Notam LFFF F0999/26
Issued: 12-May-26, valid until: 27 May 2026
Plain English: French operators are advised to exercise great caution and carry out a robust risk assessment before operating in Saudi airspace.
FRENCH AIR CARRIERS AND CAPTAINS OF AIRCRAFT IN CHARGE OF AIR SERVICES OPERATED BY CARRIERS HOLDING AN OPERATING LICENSE ISSUED BY FRANCE, WHETHER THEY ARE CONTRACTUAL CARRIERS AND/OR OPERATING CARRIERS, OR PERFORMING AIR SERVICES THROUGH A WET LEASE OR A CODESHARE AGREEMENT AS WELL AS FOR ANY FLIGHT MADE WITH AN AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN FRANCE ARE REQUESTED TO EXERCISE GREAT CAUTION WHEN OPERATING INTO THE AIRSPACE OF SAUDI ARABIA (FIR JEDDAH (OEJD)). THE AIR OPERATOR MUST CARRY OUT A ROBUST RISK ASSESSMENT TO ENSURE THAT THE FLIGHT CAN BE CONDUCTED UNDER SATISFACTORY SAFETY AND SECURITY CONDITIONS BEFORE ENTERING THIS AIRSPACE OF SAUDI ARABIA. THIS NOTAM SUPERSEDES THE RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING SAUDI ARABIA AIRSPACE (FIR JEDDAH (OEJD)) ISSUED IN PARAGRAPH 3.13 SAUDI ARABIA OF THE AIC NR 02/26 CURRENTLY IN EFFECT.
Source: Italy
Reference: Notam LIRR E0571/26
Issued: 13-Mar-26, valid until: 10 Jun 2026
Plain English: Caution to Italian operators in the OEJD/Jeddah FIR where ATC could apply ESCAT procedures with short notice.
ITALIAN AIR CARRIERS AND CAPTAINS OF AIRCRAFT IN CHARGE OF AIR SERVICES OPERATED BY CARRIERS HOLDING AN OPERATING LICENSE ISSUED BY ITALY, WHETHER THEY ARE CONTRACTUAL CARRIERS AND/OR OPERATING CARRIERS, OR PERFORMING AIR SERVICES THROUGH A WET LEASE OR A CODESHARE AGREEMENT AS WELL AS FOR ANY FLIGHT MADE WITH AN AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN ITALY WHEN PLANNING FLIGHT OPERATIONS WITHIN JEDDAH FIR (OEJD) ARE RECOMMENDED TO EXERCISE ENHANCED CAUTION AND TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS FROM SAUDI AUTHORITIES PROVIDING AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PAYING PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO RESTRICTIONS OR INTERDICTIONS PUBLISHED WITH VERY SHORT NOTICE AND TO EASA SAFETY DIRECTIVES.
Source: EASA
Reference: CZIB 2026-03-R10
Issued: 28-Feb-26, valid until: 27 May 2026
Plain English: Operators should avoid Iran, Iraq and Lebanon airspace, and exercise caution in Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
This CZIB is issued based on information currently available to EASA, the European Commission and Member States in order to share information which is considered necessary to ensure the safety of flights over zones of interest and indicate areas of high risk.
On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel conducted military strikes targeting sites within Iranian territory. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory attacks. The resulting military conflict created high risks not only to the airspace of Iran but also to that of neighbouring States hosting U.S. military bases or otherwise affected by the hostilities and associated military activities, including interceptions.
A temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, announced on 8 April 2026 and subsequently extended on 21 April 2026, is currently holding. As a result, the situation has moved from an active intense conflict with a high number of kinetic events to a state of heightened tension, with limited, sporadic and confined kinetic events of low intensity. However, maritime incidents are still taking place in the Strait of Hormuz and neighbouring airspace, affecting in particular UAE.
Given the ongoing high level of tensions and the potential for further military action, Iran maintains a high level of alert for its air force and air defence units nationwide, which creates an increased likelihood of misidentification within the FIR Tehran (OIIX).
In addition, the airspace over Iraq (ORBB/FIR Baghdad) continues to be affected by recurrent Iranian strikes and the ongoing operations of violent non-state actors (VNSAs), in particular Iranian-backed militant groups (IBMGs).
Furthermore, due to the recurrence of military activity affecting the airspace of Lebanon and the limited actions in terms of air space risk management of the State concerned, there is high risk to civil aircraft at all altitudes and flight levels within the airspace of Lebanon.
While the overall level of risk has decreased in the region, the sustainability of the ceasefire remains uncertain in the longer term, with a possibility of rapid escalation. Therefore, close monitoring and up-to-date risk assessments remain essential to ensure safety of flights. Should the existing truce break down, the airspaces covered by this Bulletin are likely to be exposed to imminent threats.
In terms of airspace management during the conflict, most of the States concerned have taken measures to address airspace risks by implementing temporary airspace closures and restrictions, thereby contributing to the mitigation of risks to civil aviation.
EASA, together with the Commission and Member States, will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of the risk for EU aircraft operators due to the evolution of the threat and risk situation.
Air operators should:
1. Not operate within the affected airspace of Iran, Iraq, Lebanon at all flight levels and altitudes.
2. Exercise caution and take potential risks into account when operating within the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
3. Ensure that an up-to-date risk assessment and a high level of contingency planning are in place for operations within the airspace specified in point 2 above, and be prepared for short notice instructions from the State authorities.
4. Closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.
Air operators are reminded that the following CZIBs remain in effect with recommendations not to operate at all flight levels and altitudes:
* CZIB on airspace of Syria (CZIB-2017-03R19)
* CZIB on airspace of Yemen – Sana’a Flight Information Region (CZIB-2017-07R19)
The present CZIB supersedes the following CZIBs:
* CZIB on Iran and neighbouring airspace (2026-02-R1)
* CZIB on the airspace of Lebanon (2024-01 R7);
* CZIB on the airspace of Iraq (CZIB-2017-04R19);
On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel conducted military strikes targeting sites within Iranian territory. In response, Iran carried out retaliatory attacks. The resulting military conflict created high risks not only to the airspace of Iran but also to that of neighbouring States hosting U.S. military bases or otherwise affected by the hostilities and associated military activities, including interceptions.
A temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, announced on 8 April 2026 and subsequently extended on 21 April 2026, is currently holding. As a result, the situation has moved from an active intense conflict with a high number of kinetic events to a state of heightened tension, with limited, sporadic and confined kinetic events of low intensity. However, maritime incidents are still taking place in the Strait of Hormuz and neighbouring airspace, affecting in particular UAE.
Given the ongoing high level of tensions and the potential for further military action, Iran maintains a high level of alert for its air force and air defence units nationwide, which creates an increased likelihood of misidentification within the FIR Tehran (OIIX).
In addition, the airspace over Iraq (ORBB/FIR Baghdad) continues to be affected by recurrent Iranian strikes and the ongoing operations of violent non-state actors (VNSAs), in particular Iranian-backed militant groups (IBMGs).
Furthermore, due to the recurrence of military activity affecting the airspace of Lebanon and the limited actions in terms of air space risk management of the State concerned, there is high risk to civil aircraft at all altitudes and flight levels within the airspace of Lebanon.
While the overall level of risk has decreased in the region, the sustainability of the ceasefire remains uncertain in the longer term, with a possibility of rapid escalation. Therefore, close monitoring and up-to-date risk assessments remain essential to ensure safety of flights. Should the existing truce break down, the airspaces covered by this Bulletin are likely to be exposed to imminent threats.
In terms of airspace management during the conflict, most of the States concerned have taken measures to address airspace risks by implementing temporary airspace closures and restrictions, thereby contributing to the mitigation of risks to civil aviation.
EASA, together with the Commission and Member States, will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of the risk for EU aircraft operators due to the evolution of the threat and risk situation.
Air operators should:
1. Not operate within the affected airspace of Iran, Iraq, Lebanon at all flight levels and altitudes.
2. Exercise caution and take potential risks into account when operating within the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
3. Ensure that an up-to-date risk assessment and a high level of contingency planning are in place for operations within the airspace specified in point 2 above, and be prepared for short notice instructions from the State authorities.
4. Closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.
Air operators are reminded that the following CZIBs remain in effect with recommendations not to operate at all flight levels and altitudes:
* CZIB on airspace of Syria (CZIB-2017-03R19)
* CZIB on airspace of Yemen – Sana’a Flight Information Region (CZIB-2017-07R19)
The present CZIB supersedes the following CZIBs:
* CZIB on Iran and neighbouring airspace (2026-02-R1)
* CZIB on the airspace of Lebanon (2024-01 R7);
* CZIB on the airspace of Iraq (CZIB-2017-04R19);
Source: France
Reference: AIC 002/26
Issued: 29-Sep-23, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: French operators should exercise caution in the southwest of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR where ATC could apply ESCAT procedures.
From 29/09/2023 and until further notice, pilots in command of aircraft performing air services mentioned in paragraph 1.1 are requested :
- to exercise great caution in the southwest of JEDDAH FIR (OEJD) where the airports of Abha (OEAB), Jazan (OEGN), Nejran (OENG), Sharurah (OESH), Wadi Al Dawasir (OEWD), Al Bahah (OEBA) and Bisha (OEBH) are located, in which ESCAT (Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic) may be activated by NOTAM from the Saudi authorities, and
- to monitor the appropriate ATC frequencies and to comply strictly with the instructions given by the Saudi authorities providing air traffic services.
- to exercise great caution in the southwest of JEDDAH FIR (OEJD) where the airports of Abha (OEAB), Jazan (OEGN), Nejran (OENG), Sharurah (OESH), Wadi Al Dawasir (OEWD), Al Bahah (OEBA) and Bisha (OEBH) are located, in which ESCAT (Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic) may be activated by NOTAM from the Saudi authorities, and
- to monitor the appropriate ATC frequencies and to comply strictly with the instructions given by the Saudi authorities providing air traffic services.
Source: Canada
Reference: AIC 21/25
Issued: 10-Aug-23, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Canadian operators advised caution in the OEJD/Jeddah FIR due to potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations; also due to short notice ESCAT rules in airspace next to Yemen.
Level 1 (Information)
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN SAUDI ARABIA.
Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are advised to take all potential risk information into account in their risk assessment routing decisions within FIR Jeddah (OEJD). Potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations. ESCAT (Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic) rules may be activated by NOTAM from the Saudi authorities in the southwest area of FIR OEJD.
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN SAUDI ARABIA.
Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are advised to take all potential risk information into account in their risk assessment routing decisions within FIR Jeddah (OEJD). Potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations. ESCAT (Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic) rules may be activated by NOTAM from the Saudi authorities in the southwest area of FIR OEJD.
Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Saudi Arabia/Yemen
Issued: 17-Mar-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: There is a potential risk to ops at Saudi airports and for overflights of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR due to Houthi drone and missile attacks from Yemen and the associated defensive operations.
Title: FAA Information Note - Saudi Arabia/Yemen: Houthi UAS Attack in Riyadh.
Click the link for full text.
Click the link for full text.
Source: Saudi Arabia
Reference: Notam OEJD W0120/21
Issued: 28-Jan-21, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: ESCAT rules may be activated at any time in the south part of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR, when Saudi air defenses are repelling drone and missile attacks from Yemen. Operators will likely be given a change of route directly out of the airspace, or will be directed to land at the nearest airport.
DUE TO CONFLICT IN YEMEN BETWEEN LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT AND THE HOUTHI MILITIA SUPPORTED BY IRANIAN REGIME ESCAT IS ACTIVATED IN THE SOUTH PART OF JEDDAH FIR FLYING RULES AND INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE ATS ROUTES ARE DESCRIBED IN AIP SUP 02/2021. PILOTS SHALL KEEP LISTENING TO THE APPROPRIATE ATC FREQUENCIES AND SHALL ADHERE STRICTLY TO ATC INSTRUCTIONS WHEN FLYING TO/FROM THE SOUTHERN AIRPORTS DUE TO DEFENSE RESPONSES THAT MAY OCCUR. IN ADDITION, SAUDI ARABIA IS PUTTING IN PLACE MEASURES TO MITIGATE RISK THAT MIGHT RESULT FROM LIMITED LONG-RANGE MISSILES AND UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM CAPABILITIES THAT MAY TARGET AIRPORTS WITHIN JEDDAH FIR. OPERATORS MAY CONSIDER THIS INFORMATION WHEN CONDUCTING RISK ASSESSMENT.
28 JAN 14:00 2021 UNTIL PERM. CREATED: 28 JAN 14:01 2021
28 JAN 14:00 2021 UNTIL PERM. CREATED: 28 JAN 14:01 2021