RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has opened its airspace to ensure the smooth flow of air traffic and flight routes amid escalating tensions in the region, mobilizing all human and material resources to accommodate a surge in transit flights. On average, more than 1,330 daily flights have crossed Saudi airspace in recent days, nearly double the traffic levels seen before the regional crisis. These additional flights were managed safely and efficiently, backed by cutting-edge technologies and stringent security protocols, in full alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. During this heightened period, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) took proactive measures to open supplementary air corridors to absorb the increased traffic. The Kingdom expanded its airspace capacity and optimized flight paths through advanced navigational systems that enhanced both safety and operational efficiency. Over 220 air carriers have passed through Saudi skies since the onset of the crisis, prompting the activation of strategic contingency plans. These included rigorous airport and airspace security procedures, supported by high-tech surveillance systems and infrastructure. Real-time crisis management was handled by teams using advanced data processing tools to facilitate seamless communication and coordination among operators, both locally and regionally. This allowed Saudi Arabia to respond rapidly to evolving conditions while maintaining uninterrupted flight operations at the highest safety levels. The Kingdom's air navigation network is among the most advanced globally, comprising 20 control towers, two regional control centers covering 15 sectors, and 10 approach control centers. More than 1,200 navigation devices are deployed across the country, managed by over 1,900 aviation professionals including 700+ certified air traffic controllers.
