ANSP
SANS (Saudi Air Navigation Services)
Saudi Arabia's ANSP; AlUla became the Middle East's first fully remote-operated airport in February 2026, run from Jeddah.
Overview
Saudi Air Navigation Services launched remote operations at AlUla International (OEAO) in February 2026, the first fully remote-operated airport in the Middle East, controlled from a centre in Jeddah about 550 km away on Indra digital tower technology integrated with Indra's ManagAir. Saudi Arabia had already reported remote aerodrome AFIS operations starting May 2025 in an ICAO Assembly working paper (A42 WP/94), which also urges ICAO to build remote tower SARPs; further Saudi sites are implied in the national concept (unverified).
Key facts
- AlUla International live February 2026, the first fully remote-operated airport in the Middle East, controlled from Jeddah 550 km away (Indra digital tower).
- Saudi remote aerodrome AFIS operations reported from May 2025 (ICAO A42 WP/94).
- The A42 working paper presses ICAO to enhance SARPs to incorporate remote towers.
Related
Discussion: talk remote and digital towers with the community at
r/DigitalTowers. New and open, help start it.
Sources
Independent informational resource compiled from public sources. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any organization named. Trademarks belong to their owners.