Al Ula Saudi Arabia becomes first Middle East airport operated remotely

Credit: Indra Group

Al Ula International Airport (ULH) in Saudi Arabia has become the first airport in the Middle East to be operated fully remotely, marking a major milestone in the region’s air traffic management modernisation.

The airport is now controlled from a remote operations centre in Jeddah, located around 550 kilometres from the runway, powered by Saudi Air Navigation Services and Indra. Air traffic controllers manage take offs and landings through a digital tower system that replaces the need for a conventional physical control tower on site.

To enable the transition, a mast equipped with high definition cameras and advanced sensors has been installed at Al Ula. The system transmits real time images and operational data to the remote centre, providing controllers with a comprehensive live view of the airfield environment.

The digital tower incorporates a 360 degree videowall offering a 4K visual display of the runway, taxiways and restricted areas. Night vision capabilities, artificial intelligence and augmented reality tools further enhance situational awareness and support safe aircraft movements in all operating conditions.

The solution is integrated with an advanced air traffic automation platform that supports more accurate route calculation, optimises aircraft sequencing and contributes to reduced fuel burn and lower carbon dioxide emissions. This integration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability objectives and efforts to modernise national air navigation services.

By eliminating the requirement for a traditional tower structure, the remote model allows for more flexible infrastructure management and the potential to oversee multiple airports from a single operations centre. This approach is already in use in other global markets and is now being introduced to the Middle East for the first time.

Saleh Alzahrani, Chief Operating Officer of Saudi Air Navigation Services, said the implementation demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to safe and efficient air traffic management while advancing digital transformation across the Kingdom’s aviation sector.

The project forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen connectivity and economic development in the region, positioning Al Ula International Airport as a pioneer in remote air traffic operations.

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