EU Aviation Safety Agency Widens Saudi Airspace Warning Following Houthi Attacks
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — WEB DESK: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has expanded its aviation safety warning for Saudi Arabia following renewed missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, raising concerns about the safety of commercial flights across the kingdom.
The revised advisory, issued on Friday, October 9, extends the areas where airlines are advised to avoid operations, including additional airspace in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
The decision follows attacks on Saudi aviation infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
EASA Warns of Growing Risks to Civilian Aircraft
The European regulator said recent attacks demonstrated the Houthis’ ability to strike targets farther inside Saudi territory.
Areas of concern include Riyadh, Tabuk, Medina and Yanbu, alongside southern regions closer to Yemen.
EASA identified several potential dangers to commercial aviation, including missiles and drones passing through civilian flight paths, falling debris from interceptions and the activation of air-defence systems.
The agency also warned of the possibility that civilian aircraft could be mistakenly identified during military operations.
These risks can affect aircraft in flight as well as those taking off, landing or parked at airports.
Riyadh Airport Attacks Raise Security Concerns
The warning follows attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday, October 8.
Saudi aviation authorities reported that three Saudi nationals were killed, while several others were injured.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for strikes against the airport, including the use of cruise missiles.
The attacks damaged aviation infrastructure and disrupted scheduled passenger services.
Saudi authorities and aviation operators have been assessing the impact on airport operations and flight safety.
Airlines Suspend Flights to Riyadh
The deteriorating security situation has prompted several international airlines to suspend or cancel flights serving Riyadh.
Lufthansa Group and several Indian carriers announced temporary disruptions following the attacks.
Other regional and international operators have also adjusted services in response to changing security assessments.
Flight-tracking information indicated that 131 flights to or from Riyadh had been cancelled by early Friday afternoon GMT, adding to widespread disruption the previous day.
Passengers travelling through Saudi Arabia have been advised to check directly with their airlines before departure.
Aviation Risk Group Issues Wider Warning
Aviation risk-monitoring organisation OPSGROUP separately advised its members to avoid operating in Saudi Arabian airspace.
Its warning was broader than EASA’s area-specific recommendations.
The European regulator’s guidance does not mean that all Saudi airspace has been formally closed.
Instead, it identifies areas where airlines should avoid operations and calls for heightened caution and contingency planning elsewhere.
Regional Conflict Continues to Affect Air Travel
The expansion of the advisory reflects the increasing geographical reach of attacks linked to the conflict involving Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Missile and drone activity has created additional challenges for airlines, airport authorities and air-traffic controllers.
Further disruption remains possible if attacks continue or aviation regulators revise their assessments.
The latest EASA action is an expanded flight-safety warning, not an announcement of a nationwide Saudi airspace closure.
