Saudi Arabia opens airspace to over 1,300 daily flights amid regional crisis

Dubai: As regional airspace across the Middle East grows increasingly unstable following recent US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and Tehran’s retaliatory missile attacks on US bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to absorb a surge in diverted international flights, facilitating the safe transit of more than 1,330 aircraft daily—nearly double the volume seen before the crisis erupted.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed that the Kingdom rapidly mobilised resources to maintain the flow of global aviation traffic as escalating tensions forced airlines to reroute around conflict zones. More than 220 air carriers have used Saudi corridors in recent days, as the Kingdom became a critical safe transit zone amid widespread flight disruptions.

To manage the unprecedented demand, GACA opened supplementary air corridors and activated emergency protocols, deploying advanced navigational technologies and stringent safety and surveillance systems in full alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. “The safety and continuity of air operations remain paramount,” the authority said in a statement. “Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure and expertise allowed for a swift, coordinated response to secure regional skies under extraordinary conditions.”

The crisis management response included the deployment of over 1,900 aviation personnel, including 700 certified air traffic controllers, supported by 20 control towers, 10 approach control centres, and two regional control centres overseeing 15 flight sectors. The network also includes more than 1,200 navigation devices nationwide. Real-time coordination among local and regional operators was made possible through cutting-edge data processing systems, enabling safe routing, rapid decision-making, and uninterrupted flight operations.

The surge in traffic follows a dramatic escalation in regional hostilities, with U.S. forces striking Iranian nuclear sites earlier this week, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory missile attacks on U.S. military installations in Qatar. The confrontation has led to widespread disruption across regional air routes, particularly over Iraq, Iran, and the Gulf.

Amid the turbulence, Saudi Arabia’s skies have emerged as a vital corridor for international aviation—providing both operational safety and geopolitical stability in a moment of mounting uncertainty.

Saudi Arabia's air navigation infrastructure is among the most advanced globally, comprising 20 control towers, two regional control centres covering 15 air sectors, and 10 approach control centres, all staffed by over 1,900 aviation professionals, including more than 700 certified air traffic controllers.

The Kingdom’s response highlights its growing role as a regional aviation hub and transit lifeline during crises. “We continue to operate under the highest safety and operational standards, ensuring air traffic is not only maintained but optimized during these exceptional circumstances,” GACA said.