EASA issues advisory on Saudi airspace amid escalating regional tensions

COLOGNE, Sept. 30 (YPA) – The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised commercial airlines to exercise caution when operating in Saudi Arabian airspace, citing the ongoing military escalation involving Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

 According to a report by Reuters, EASA stated that it is continuously monitoring the situation to assess risk levels for EU-based air carriers operating in or over Saudi Arabia. Notably, the specific advisory regarding Saudi Arabia made no reference to the recent diversion of a Flydubai flight.

 In a separate bulletin, the agency upgraded its threat assessment for Jordanian airspace, elevating its stance from a general caution to a total flight ban. EASA recommended that all EU air carriers refrain from operating within Jordanian airspace at all altitudes and flight levels.

 The European safety recommendations follow a travel advisory issued by the US Department of State on September 20, which urged American citizens to leave Saudi Arabia and avoid travel to the kingdom. The US advisory cited concerns over the continuing escalation between Sanaa and Riyadh, warning of potential disruptions that could lead to the closure of Saudi airspace.

YPA