Saudi Arabia
Risk Level: Two - Danger exists
[ about risk levels ]
Nov 2024: Red Sea Conflict Zone risk. Saudi lies between Yemen and Israel, and there have been in excess of 220 missiles and drones fired across Saudi Arabia in the last 12 months. A missile intercept incident near Jeddah on Nov 3 (observed at close proximity by transiting air crew) has highlighted the risk to civil aviation, and has made it clear that this area is an extension of the Israeli conflict. Many Europe-Asia Middle East routes fly over this area. A Special Briefing on this risk is now available in your members Dashboard (Special Briefings, Red Sea Conflict Zone).
Be aware of ESCAT procedures if entering the OEJD/Jeddah FIR – you can find those here.
As of Oct 2023, risks to aircraft operating over the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea have increased due to the conflict in Israel/Gaza. There have been several incidents of missiles and drones launched from Yemen targeting Israel. Some have been shot down over the Red Sea, others have landed on the Egypt/Israel border.
Airspace Warnings: Several countries have airspace warnings in place for Saudi Arabia. The most significant risk is in the south of the country along the border with Yemen, but OERK/Riyadh and OEJN/Jeddah airports have also been targeted in the past.
The primary risk is from Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel, shipping in the Red Zea, and prior attempts on airports across the country, but particularly in the south.
Major events:
Nov 2024: Missile intercept in close proximity to transiting aircraft near Jeddah
Oct 2023: Cruise missiles and drones launched from Yemen targeting Israel. Some shot down over the Red Sea, others landing on Egypt/Israel border.
Sep 2023: Houthi drone attacks near the Yemen-Saudi border.
Apr-Oct 2022: All parties in the Yemeni conflict agree a ceasefire.
2020-2022: Frequent Houthi drone and rocket attacks targeting OEAH/Abha and OEGN/Jizan airports along the Yemeni-Saudi Border.
Sep 2020: Multiple Saudi airstrikes on rebels in Sanaa, several near the airport.
Oct 2020: Riyadh briefly on high alert for Houthi cruise missile and drone attack.
Read: Saudi-Yemen Airspace Update, June 2022 (OPSGROUP article)
Be aware of ESCAT procedures if entering the OEJD/Jeddah FIR – you can find those here.
As of Oct 2023, risks to aircraft operating over the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea have increased due to the conflict in Israel/Gaza. There have been several incidents of missiles and drones launched from Yemen targeting Israel. Some have been shot down over the Red Sea, others have landed on the Egypt/Israel border.
Airspace Warnings: Several countries have airspace warnings in place for Saudi Arabia. The most significant risk is in the south of the country along the border with Yemen, but OERK/Riyadh and OEJN/Jeddah airports have also been targeted in the past.
The primary risk is from Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel, shipping in the Red Zea, and prior attempts on airports across the country, but particularly in the south.
Major events:
Nov 2024: Missile intercept in close proximity to transiting aircraft near Jeddah
Oct 2023: Cruise missiles and drones launched from Yemen targeting Israel. Some shot down over the Red Sea, others landing on Egypt/Israel border.
Sep 2023: Houthi drone attacks near the Yemen-Saudi border.
Apr-Oct 2022: All parties in the Yemeni conflict agree a ceasefire.
2020-2022: Frequent Houthi drone and rocket attacks targeting OEAH/Abha and OEGN/Jizan airports along the Yemeni-Saudi Border.
Sep 2020: Multiple Saudi airstrikes on rebels in Sanaa, several near the airport.
Oct 2020: Riyadh briefly on high alert for Houthi cruise missile and drone attack.
Read: Saudi-Yemen Airspace Update, June 2022 (OPSGROUP article)
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | AIC 15/24 | 29 Sep 2023 | Ongoing | |
| Canada | AIC 26/24 | 10 Aug 2023 | Ongoing | |
| Italy | AIC 33/23 | 10 Jul 2023 | 05 Oct 2024 | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Saudi Arabia/Yemen | 17 Mar 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Saudi Arabia | Notam OEJD W0120/21 | 28 Jan 2021 | Ongoing |
Source: France
Reference: AIC 15/24
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 26/24
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: Italy
Reference: AIC 33/23
Issued: 10-Jul-23, valid until: 05 Oct 2024
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, are recommended to exercise enhanced caution when overflying or operating flights in FIR OEJD Jeddah. It is recommended to follow instructions from saudi authorities providing air traffic management, and to pay particular attention to restrictions or interdictions published by notam with very short notice.
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