The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a conflict zone information bulletin (CZIB-2026-09) covering the airspace of Saudi Arabia, affecting all altitudes and flight levels within FIR Jeddah. Issued on 30 September 2026, the bulletin is valid until 16 November unless reviewed earlier, and applies to EASA operators and third-country operators authorised by EASA. EASA says that, as a consequence of the military conflict between the United States and Iran, the regional security situation remains highly volatile, with significant kinetic military activity affecting Saudi airspace.

WHY THE RISK HAS INCREASED

EASA says that in September 2026 the Houthis significantly increased the frequency and geographic scope of attacks against Saudi maritime, energy and infrastructure targets, including in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with military and aviation-related infrastructure across Saudi Arabia also repeatedly targeted by missiles and drones. While the southern and south-western parts of Saudi airspace remain particularly exposed due to their proximity to Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, EASA says recent attacks have demonstrated the ability and intent of the Houthis to strike deeper inside Saudi territory, including the Riyadh, Tabuk and Yanbu areas. The agency says these attacks, together with the activation of air-defence systems, create an increased risk of misidentification of civil aircraft, as well as risks from missile and drone overflights, interception activity and falling debris.

WHAT OPERATORS ARE ADVISED TO DO

EASA recommends that air operators not operate, at any flight level or altitude, within a defined section of FIR Jeddah bounded by a line connecting the navigation points RIBOK, BOSUT, ISLAM, DEKLO, OBSAM and SILPA, and exercise caution elsewhere in FIR Jeddah. It further recommends operators ensure an up-to-date risk assessment and a high level of contingency planning are in place for operations within the affected airspace, be prepared for short-notice instructions from Saudi authorities, and closely monitor airspace developments through available aeronautical publications and national authority guidance. EASA says Saudi Arabia has demonstrated an ability to manage its airspace effectively, including through tactical deconfliction and Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic measures, but that the operating environment remains vulnerable to rapid deterioration.