Archive · 9 Oct 2026
EU Regulator Expands Saudi Airspace Warning After Riyadh Airport Strike
A European aviation agency has widened its warning for planes flying near Saudi Arabia.
It did this after attacks at an airport in Riyadh, the country’s capital.
Saudi Arabia’s aviation authority said three people were killed and several were hurt.
The Houthis said they fired two cruise missiles at the airport.
EASA warned that missiles, drones and air-defence activity could make flying more dangerous.
It also said falling debris could pose a risk to planes.
A group that shares aviation safety information told its members not to fly in Saudi Arabia.
It also advised against using Saudi airports as backup stops.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency expanded its warning to cover an additional area in north-western Saudi Arabia.
EASA said recent Houthi attacks showed the ability and intent to strike deeper inside Saudi Arabia, including its capital.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said three Saudi nationals were killed and several people injured in two attacks at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Thursday.
The Houthis said they struck the airport with two cruise missiles and renewed threats against airlines flying to Saudi Arabia.
EASA cited risks from missiles, drones, air-defence activity and falling debris; OPSGROUP advised members to avoid all operations in Saudi Arabia.
- Who
- The European Union Aviation Safety Agency, airlines, the Houthis, and Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority.
- What
- EASA expanded its advisory against operating in portions of Saudi airspace after attacks at Riyadh airport.
- When
- The advisory was updated on Friday after attacks on Thursday.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia, including airspace in the north-west and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
- Why
- EASA cited the risk of missile and drone attacks, air-defence activity, misidentification of civilian aircraft and falling debris.
Aviation Risk Warnings
Houthi Position
Risk to airline operations
Aviation Risk Warnings
EASA recommended airlines avoid additional portions of Saudi airspace, while OPSGROUP advised avoiding operations in Saudi Arabia entirely.
Houthi Position
The Houthis renewed threats against airlines flying to Saudi Arabia and said they had struck Riyadh airport.
- Advisory issuer
- European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
- Initial bulletin date
- September 30
- Latest change
- An additional area in north-western Saudi Arabia was added to the advisory.
- Airport attacked
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh
- Reported deaths
- Three Saudi nationals
- Houthi claim
- The Houthis said they struck the capital’s airport with two cruise missiles.
- OPSGROUP advice
- Avoid operations in Saudi Arabia, including using its airports as enroute alternates.