EASA widens Saudi airspace warning after airport attacks

EASA expanded the areas of Saudi Arabian airspace it recommends airlines avoid on October 9 following missile and drone attacks on airports.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency revised bulletin CZIB-2026-09-R1, first issued on September 30. Reuters reported that a northwestern area of the kingdom was added. The bulletin remains valid until November 16, 2026, unless reviewed earlier.

EASA identifies two areas where operators should avoid flying at all altitudes. Elsewhere in the Jeddah flight information region, it recommends caution, risk assessments and preparation for instructions issued at short notice.

The agency says Houthi attacks have demonstrated an ability to reach targets deeper inside the kingdom, including Riyadh. Missile and drone attacks, alongside air-defence activity, raise the risk of civil aircraft being misidentified and exposed to interceptions or falling debris.

OPSGROUP issued a separate warning recommending that members avoid Saudi operations entirely, including the use of airports as diversion alternatives. Its advice is broader than EASA's recommendation concerning specific areas.

Reuters reported that FlightRadar24 showed 131 cancellations for flights to and from Riyadh by 13:05 UTC on October 9. Saudi aviation authorities had earlier reported three deaths in attacks on King Khalid International Airport.