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Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to support the smooth flow of international air traffic amid recent regional tensions, mobilising all available resources and implementing extensive preparations to accommodate a significant increase in transit flights, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on June 27.
The kingdom is now handling an average of more than 1,330 daily flights through its airspace, which is nearly double the number recorded before the crisis began.
These additional flights were managed safely and efficiently, aided by advanced technologies and stringent security measures in full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
According to SPA, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) activated additional air routes and expanded airspace capacity, reducing flight times through modern navigational systems and procedures. The move ensured continuity and safety of air traffic operations during the period of heightened tension.
More than 220 international air carriers transited through Saudi skies during this time, prompting the activation of pre-planned airspace expansion protocols.
Saudi reinforces airport and airspace security
The kingdom reinforced its airport and airspace security through enhanced surveillance systems, risk management frameworks, and technical infrastructure upgrades.
Crisis management teams, equipped with cutting-edge technologies, processed real-time data to provide rapid operational support to local and regional stakeholders.
This allowed for seamless traffic flow and strengthened Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a safe and reliable aviation hub.
Saudi Arabia’s air navigation system includes 20 control towers, two regional area control centres with 15 control sectors, 10 approach control centres, and over 1,200 navigation devices across the country, SPA reported.
These are operated by a workforce of more than 1,900 aviation specialists, including over 700 male and female air traffic controllers, all working under advanced operational methodologies.
