EU aviation agency expands no‑fly warning over Saudi airspace after Houthi attacks

Europe’s aviation safety regulator has expanded its advisory against operating flights over a larger portion of Saudi Arabian airspace. The change follows a recent attack on Riyadh’s main airport by Yemen’s Houthi movement, which is aligned with Iran.

The agency, which oversees civil aviation safety across the European Union, said the heightened threat from Houthi missile and drone strikes prompted the broader warning. It now recommends that airlines avoid the newly defined area until the security situation improves.

The advisory, issued on 9 October, builds on earlier cautions that had already limited flight paths over parts of the kingdom. By widening the restricted zone, the regulator aims to reduce the risk of aircraft being caught in any further hostilities.

Airlines operating to and from the region are expected to adjust their routes in line with the updated guidance. The regulator’s notice does not constitute a legal prohibition but a safety recommendation for carriers under its jurisdiction.

The move reflects growing concerns among international aviation authorities about the spill‑over effects of the conflict in Yemen and the potential for attacks on civilian infrastructure beyond the immediate combat zone.