PNN – The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has advised airlines to avoid flying in certain areas of Saudi Arabian airspace due to attacks by Yemeni armed forces.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network citing Anadolu Agency; the European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a notice recommending that airlines steer clear of specific sections of Saudi airspace due to escalating missile and drone attacks by Yemeni forces.
The European agency’s notice states that the regional security situation remains “highly volatile” due to the military conflict between the United States and Iran, and that significant military activity is affecting Saudi Arabian airspace.
The agency reported that in September, Yemeni forces significantly increased the frequency and geographical scope of their attacks on Saudi Arabian maritime, energy, and infrastructure targets—particularly in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden—while military and aviation-related infrastructure across Saudi Arabia was also repeatedly subjected to missile and drone strikes.
According to the report, the airspace over southern and southwestern Saudi Arabia remains vulnerable, particularly due to its proximity to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen; however, the agency views recent attacks as evidence of the group’s capability and willingness to strike deep within Saudi territory.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency specifically identified the Riyadh, Tabuk, and Yanbu regions as affected areas, warning that frequent missile and drone attacks—coupled with the activation of air defense systems—have heightened the risk of civil aircraft being misidentified, as well as dangers associated with interceptions and falling projectile debris.
Operators are advised to refrain from flying at any altitude within a specific area of Saudi Arabian airspace that is particularly exposed to risks from missiles and drones.
According to a notice from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, this warning is valid until November 16 and is subject to early review.