Saudi authorities have shut three airports in the south of the kingdom until Sept. 6, as aviation and security reports say security concerns remain in the region.
The airports impacted are Abha International Airport in Asir province, Jizan International Airport near the Yemeni border and Najran Regional Airport. The restrictions come as tensions in the region have mounted and after missile and drone strikes on southern Saudi Arabia.
Aviation risk-monitoring group Solace Global said Saudi authorities issued a Notice to Airmen(NOTAM) closing Abha, Jizan and Najran airports following an attempted Houthi attack on Abha. The group said the closure has been repeatedly renewed.
Safe Airspace, an independent aviation conflict zone database managed by the flight operations network OPSGROUP, stated, the restrictions are distinct from a wider reopening of Saudi Arabia’s airspace. Saudi authorities continue to warn of the risk from missile and drone activity, which could see emergency air-traffic procedures activated at short notice.
The airport closures could affect commercial flights serving communities and businesses in the south-west of the kingdom, particularly in areas bordering Yemen. Airlines serving the region have in the past suspended or altered services following security incidents and temporary airport restrictions.
