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 F0578/26 | 27 Mar 2026 | 10 Apr 2026 | |
| EASA | CZIB 2026-03-R5 | 28 Feb 2026 | 10 Apr 2026 | |
| Italy | Notam LIRR E2890/25 | 16 Dec 2025 | 15 Mar 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 F0578/26
Issued: 27-Mar-26, valid until: 10 Apr 2026
Plain English: French operators should avoid Saudi airspace, except OEJN/Jeddah and OETB/Tabuk, western routes at or above FL320, and OEYN/Yenbo and OETF/Taif as alternates only.
F0578/26 NOTAMR F0488/26
Q) LFXX/QXXXX/I/BO/E/000/999/4412N00040E460
A) LFBB LFFF LFRR LFEE LFMM B) 2603271351 C) 2604102359
E) 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 NOT TO PENETRATE INTO THE AIRSPACE OF SAUDI ARABIA (FIR JEDDAH (OEJD)), EXCEPT
- FOR THE USE OF JEDDAH AERODROME (OEJN) AND TABUK AERODROME (OETB).
- FOR ROUTES ON WHICH A FLIGHT LEVEL ABOVE OR EQUAL TO FL320 IS REQUESTED TO BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES AND ARE LOCATED WEST OF THE SEGMENTS DEFINED BY THE FOLLOWING REPORTING POINTS, RESPECTING THE SEQUENCE BELOW :
OBSOT 295451N373455E
DANOM 225454N450509E
KEDON 202516N555850E
- FOR THE USE OF YENBO AERODROME (OEYN) AND TAIF AERODROME (OETF) AS ALTERNATE ONLY.
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 AREA AND BEFORE OPERATING FLIGHTS TO JEDDAH AIRPORT (OEJN).
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.
Q) LFXX/QXXXX/I/BO/E/000/999/4412N00040E460
A) LFBB LFFF LFRR LFEE LFMM B) 2603271351 C) 2604102359
E) 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 NOT TO PENETRATE INTO THE AIRSPACE OF SAUDI ARABIA (FIR JEDDAH (OEJD)), EXCEPT
- FOR THE USE OF JEDDAH AERODROME (OEJN) AND TABUK AERODROME (OETB).
- FOR ROUTES ON WHICH A FLIGHT LEVEL ABOVE OR EQUAL TO FL320 IS REQUESTED TO BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES AND ARE LOCATED WEST OF THE SEGMENTS DEFINED BY THE FOLLOWING REPORTING POINTS, RESPECTING THE SEQUENCE BELOW :
OBSOT 295451N373455E
DANOM 225454N450509E
KEDON 202516N555850E
- FOR THE USE OF YENBO AERODROME (OEYN) AND TAIF AERODROME (OETF) AS ALTERNATE ONLY.
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 AREA AND BEFORE OPERATING FLIGHTS TO JEDDAH AIRPORT (OEJN).
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: EASA
Reference: CZIB 2026-03-R5
Issued: 28-Feb-26, valid until: 10 Apr 2026
Plain English: Operators should avoid airspace of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Exception: southern Saudi and Oman airspace permitted only at FL320 or above (as per this map).
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 has carried out retaliatory attacks.
Given the ongoing military intervention and Iranian strikes, there are additional 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.
The possession of all-altitude capable air-defence systems, cruise and ballistic missiles and the use of air assets capable to operate at all-altitudes, including interception capability make the entire affected airspace vulnerable to spill-over risks, misidentification, miscalculation and failure of interception procedures.
Iranian retaliatory attacks have, so far, primarily targeted the eastern parts of Saudi Arabia, while the airspace of Oman has, to date, been subject to a relatively limited level of kinetic activity, impacting primarily low and medium flight altitudes. Therefore, varying levels of risk exist across FIR Jeddah and FIR Muscat.
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 at all flight levels and altitudes, with the exception specified in point 2 below.
2. Not operate below FL 320 within the airspace of Saudi Arabia and Oman located South of the segments defined by the following compulsory reporting points, respecting the sequence below:
- OBSOT 295451N373455E
- DANOM 225454N450509E
- KEDON 200516N555850E
- VELOD 234617N573430E
3. Implement a robust monitoring process and up to date risk assessment when intending to operate within the airspace specified in point 2 above.
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.
On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel conducted military strikes targeting sites within Iranian territory. In response, Iran has carried out retaliatory attacks.
Given the ongoing military intervention and Iranian strikes, there are additional 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.
The possession of all-altitude capable air-defence systems, cruise and ballistic missiles and the use of air assets capable to operate at all-altitudes, including interception capability make the entire affected airspace vulnerable to spill-over risks, misidentification, miscalculation and failure of interception procedures.
Iranian retaliatory attacks have, so far, primarily targeted the eastern parts of Saudi Arabia, while the airspace of Oman has, to date, been subject to a relatively limited level of kinetic activity, impacting primarily low and medium flight altitudes. Therefore, varying levels of risk exist across FIR Jeddah and FIR Muscat.
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 at all flight levels and altitudes, with the exception specified in point 2 below.
2. Not operate below FL 320 within the airspace of Saudi Arabia and Oman located South of the segments defined by the following compulsory reporting points, respecting the sequence below:
- OBSOT 295451N373455E
- DANOM 225454N450509E
- KEDON 200516N555850E
- VELOD 234617N573430E
3. Implement a robust monitoring process and up to date risk assessment when intending to operate within the airspace specified in point 2 above.
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.
Source: Italy
Reference: Notam LIRR E2890/25
Issued: 16-Dec-25, valid until: 15 Mar 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: 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