The airspace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded more than 1,330 flights crossing it daily during the recent period, an increase of more than 95% compared with before the crisis, amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East region.
This significant rise in the number of transit flights comes as a result of the Kingdom opening its airspace to airlines, with the aim of maintaining the smooth flow of air traffic in the region, according to a press release published on the website of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
The General Authority of Civil Aviation affirmed that the flights were managed with high efficiency and in accordance with the highest safety standards, through advanced technical equipment and precise security procedures that take into account the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Saudi response included opening additional air routes to relieve pressure on the airspace, which helped shorten flight times and improve operational efficiency, supported by modern navigation systems that enhance aviation safety and airspace protection.
The authority explained that Saudi airspace accommodated the transit of more than 220 airlines during this period, which required activating pre-prepared airspace expansion plans, along with tightening security measures at airports and strengthening air surveillance through advanced digital systems.
Crisis management teams were also supported with real-time data analysis technologies to ensure the provision of instant information that helps local and regional operators make quick and effective decisions on operating flights and managing air traffic.
The Kingdom's air navigation system includes 20 control towers and two area control centers covering 15 area control sectors, and 10 approach centers, in addition to more than 1,200 navigation devices distributed across various regions, overseen by more than 1,900 specialized employees, including more than 700 male and female air traffic controllers, working according to the latest global operational methodologies.
The authority affirmed that this readiness comes within the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen Saudi Arabia's position as a regional aviation hub and to provide a safe and reliable environment for the transit of international flights under all circumstances.
To view the post on the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation website, click here.
