The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has expanded its warning on the use of Saudi Arabian airspace following Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting airports and other locations across the kingdom.
In an update issued on Friday, the regulator said recent attacks had demonstrated the Houthis’ ability and intention to strike targets deeper inside Saudi territory than previously observed.
The warning updates a conflict-zone advisory first issued last month and highlights growing concerns about risks to civilian aircraft amid the regional escalation.
Riyadh and other areas face increased risks
EASA said southern and southwestern Saudi Arabia remained particularly exposed because of their proximity to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
However, recent attacks had also demonstrated the ability to reach areas farther north, including Riyadh, Tabuk, Medina and Yanbu.
The agency noted that repeated missile and drone attacks had targeted the area around the Saudi capital since late September, including locations near Riyadh airport.
It also warned that the attacks showed a greater focus on aviation infrastructure, increasing potential dangers to aircraft on the ground and during take-off and landing.
Missile interceptions pose additional aviation threats
EASA warned that repeated attacks, combined with the activation of air-defence systems, could create additional hazards for civilian aviation.
These include the risk of civil aircraft being misidentified, as well as dangers associated with missile and drone overflights, interception operations and falling debris.
Such conditions can pose risks even when civilian aircraft are not the intended targets, particularly near airports and in areas where air-defence systems are operating.
The expanded advisory reflects the regulator’s assessment that the geographical spread and targeting patterns of recent attacks have increased the potential exposure of civil aviation to conflict-related threats.
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Deadly attacks reported at Saudi airports
The warning follows recent Houthi attacks targeting Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia using ballistic missiles and drones.
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Authority reported that three people were killed and 36 injured in attacks involving Abha International Airport in the southern city of Abha and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of passengers, airport workers and aircraft operating in affected areas.
Airlines face heightened operational concerns
The expanded warning underscores the challenges facing airlines operating routes through or near areas affected by military activity.
Missile launches, air-defence interceptions and falling debris can complicate flight planning and increase uncertainty for aviation operators, even when airspace remains open.
EASA’s advisory highlights the need for airlines and other aviation stakeholders to assess the evolving security situation when making operational decisions. The risks may change as attacks spread geographically or military responses intensify.
