Western Sahara
Risk Level: Three - Caution
[ about risk levels ]
Oct 2026: Morocco controls most of Western Sahara, while the Polisario Front holds territory east of the berm. Fighting continues, and a reported drone strike killed 3 Polisario members in June.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Western Sahara Airspace Update - 2021
The primary risk is exposure to anti-aircraft weapons at low altitude. The FAA’s note flags this as a possible threat, but it’s for information only and does not restrict flights. ATC coverage is not continuous, and the airspace is split between the GCCC/Canarias FIR and GOOO/Dakar FIR.
Major events:
Jun 2026: The UN expressed concern after a reported drone strike in the Mijek area killed 3 Polisario members.
Nov 2020: The Polisario Front declared the 1991 ceasefire over and said it would resume armed ops.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Western Sahara Airspace Update - 2021
The primary risk is exposure to anti-aircraft weapons at low altitude. The FAA’s note flags this as a possible threat, but it’s for information only and does not restrict flights. ATC coverage is not continuous, and the airspace is split between the GCCC/Canarias FIR and GOOO/Dakar FIR.
Major events:
Jun 2026: The UN expressed concern after a reported drone strike in the Mijek area killed 3 Polisario members.
Nov 2020: The Polisario Front declared the 1991 ceasefire over and said it would resume armed ops.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | FAA Information Note Morocco/Western Sahara | 19 Nov 2020 | Ongoing |
Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Morocco/Western Sahara
Issued: 19-Nov-20, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Potential new conflict zone in Western Sahara, including anti-aircraft weaponry which may pose an inadvertent risk to civil aircraft up to FL120.
Title: FAA Information Note - Morocco/Western Sahara - Potential Conflict Concerns
Click the link for full text.
Click the link for full text.