United Arab Emirates
Risk Level: Three - Caution
[ about risk levels ]
Improving airspace risk picture in the UAE, where there were no reported drone or missile strikes from Yemen since a ceasefire was agreed in April 2022. However, the ceasefire was not extended as of Oct 2022, and there are now concerns that the conflict may start up again soon.
If the conflict resumes, Houthi drone and missile attacks on targets in the UAE pose a potential threat to ops at airports, and for overflights of the OMAE/Emirates FIR. OMAA/Abu Dhabi Airport has been targeted on several occasions in the past. There are not currently any official airspace warnings for the OMAE/Emirates FIR by any countries, but we are listing this info here for reference.
The primary risk is from incidental damage from Houthi drone and missile attacks on airports. Also note that short notice airspace disruptions are likely, along with air defence activity near major cities.
Major events:
Feb 2022: At least three drones were shot down by surface-to-air missiles in UAE airspace on Feb 2. This time militants in Iraq have claimed responsibility for the attack.
Jan 2022: Houthi ballistic missile targeting Abu Dhabi was destroyed on Jan 30 - the third attack in two weeks. Flights at OMAA/Abu Dhabi were briefly affected.
Read: OPSGROUP article: Has The Yemen Conflict Reached The UAE? Jan 2022
If the conflict resumes, Houthi drone and missile attacks on targets in the UAE pose a potential threat to ops at airports, and for overflights of the OMAE/Emirates FIR. OMAA/Abu Dhabi Airport has been targeted on several occasions in the past. There are not currently any official airspace warnings for the OMAE/Emirates FIR by any countries, but we are listing this info here for reference.
The primary risk is from incidental damage from Houthi drone and missile attacks on airports. Also note that short notice airspace disruptions are likely, along with air defence activity near major cities.
Major events:
Feb 2022: At least three drones were shot down by surface-to-air missiles in UAE airspace on Feb 2. This time militants in Iraq have claimed responsibility for the attack.
Jan 2022: Houthi ballistic missile targeting Abu Dhabi was destroyed on Jan 30 - the third attack in two weeks. Flights at OMAA/Abu Dhabi were briefly affected.
Read: OPSGROUP article: Has The Yemen Conflict Reached The UAE? Jan 2022
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | Notam OMAE A0404/21 | 16 Feb 2021 | Ongoing |
Source: United Arab Emirates
Reference: Notam OMAE A0404/21
Issued: 16-Feb-21, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Risk from Houthi weapons targeting UAE territory. (This Notam was cancelled in May 2021 and not re-issued, but we are keeping it listed here for reference).
A0404/21 - REFERENCE TO SAUDI ARABIA NOTAM W0120/21, DUE TO THE CONFLICT IN YEMEN BETWEEN THE LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT AND IRANIAN-SUPPORTED HOUTHI MILITIA, THERE EXISTS THE POTENTIAL FOR HOUTHI WEAPONS TO AFFECT CIVIL AVIATION OPERATIONS BEYOND THE SANAA FIR.
AS A RESULT, PILOTS SHALL KEEP LISTENING TO THE APPROPRIATE ATC FREQUENCIES AND SHALL STRICTLY ADHERE TO ATC INSTRUCTIONS WHEN FLYING IN THE EMIRATES FIR.
IN ADDITION, UAE IS PUTTING IN PLACE MEASURES TO MITIGATE RISK THAT MIGHT RESULT FROM UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM CAPABILITIES THAT MAY TARGET AIR OPERATIONS WITHIN THE EMIRATES FIR.
16 FEB 10:00 2021 UNTIL PERM. CREATED: 16 FEB 10:00 2021
AS A RESULT, PILOTS SHALL KEEP LISTENING TO THE APPROPRIATE ATC FREQUENCIES AND SHALL STRICTLY ADHERE TO ATC INSTRUCTIONS WHEN FLYING IN THE EMIRATES FIR.
IN ADDITION, UAE IS PUTTING IN PLACE MEASURES TO MITIGATE RISK THAT MIGHT RESULT FROM UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM CAPABILITIES THAT MAY TARGET AIR OPERATIONS WITHIN THE EMIRATES FIR.
16 FEB 10:00 2021 UNTIL PERM. CREATED: 16 FEB 10:00 2021