21SAB05 SAUDI ARABIA YEMEN AIRSPACE

SAFETY BULLETIN

21SAB05

19 March 2021

Saudi Arabia – Yemen Airspace

The drone and missile attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia are increasing. These are a threat to operations for Saudi airports and overflights of the OEJD/Jeddah FIR. The most significant risk is in the south of the country along the border with Yemen, but OERK/Riyadh and OEJN/Jeddah airports have also been targeted. It is a dynamic situation with flight operations being regularly interrupted. The threat to civilian traffic arises not only from direct attacks on Saudi Arabia airports but also from falling debris coming from air defence activities.

Several countries have long-standing airspace warnings in place and have issued NOTAMs. In addition, those operating in the area may have heard SCATANA (Security Control of Air Traffic and Air Navigation Aids) rules now in force or are now active. This has been replaced with ESCAT (Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic) rules in force or are now active. Once ESCAT is activated there should be a general broadcast on all frequencies to indicate ESCAT is activated and for all aircraft to standby for instructions.

It is likely there will be a change of route directly out of the airspace or directions to land at the nearest suitable aerodrome. The purpose is to clear the affected airspace of all civilian aircraft at which point they will close down all navigation aids and airports until the threat has been dealt with.

Crews need to check the latest NOTAMS and EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION when operating in this airspace.

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