Houthis Warn Airlines to Avoid Saudi Airspace as Royal Air Maroc Serves Three Cities
The Houthis have warned airlines that Saudi airspace could become a theater of military operations. The threat also matters to travelers departing from Morocco, particularly Royal Air Maroc customers and pilgrims preparing for Umrah.
Saudi airspace is the subject of a new warning. According to Air Journal, the Houthis on Monday, October 5, called on carriers to stop using this airspace as Yemeni government forces, backed by Riyadh, launched an offensive against the movement.
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In Morocco, these tensions affect a destination served by Royal Air Maroc. On its booking site, the airline offers flights from Casablanca to Jeddah, Medina and Riyadh. The first two destinations allow worshippers to reach the holy sites for Umrah.
The Houthis also say they struck Riyadh International Airport. Explosions were heard in the Saudi capital. However, Saudi authorities had not confirmed any damage or disruption at the airport at the time of the first reports.
Part of the airspace to avoid
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency had already issued a warning to operators. Its September 30 bulletin, valid until November 16 unless revised, recommends avoiding a defined area of the Jeddah flight information region at all altitudes. In the rest of the region, it calls for ongoing risk assessments and the ability to respond quickly to instructions from the authorities.
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The danger goes beyond a potential direct attack on an aircraft. Missiles, drones and the activation of air defenses increase the risk of a civilian aircraft being misidentified, intercepted or struck by falling debris. The European agency also notes that attacks have spread to areas around Riyadh, Tabuk and Yanbu.
For Royal Air Maroc passengers, no cancellations linked to this warning have been confirmed in the information reviewed. Passengers should check their flight status with the airline before departure.
