Saudi Arabia Launches First Virtual ATC Tower At AlUla Airport

The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has approved the Kingdom’s first virtual air traffic control (ATC) tower at AlUla International Airport.

GACA granted approval for the system on Oct. 1 after Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS), working with Spanish ATC specialist Indra, met all safety and security requirements. SANS and Indra had signed agreements in 2022 to develop the virtual air traffic control towers, pledging at the time that the first remotely operated virtual control tower in the Middle East would be at the airport serving AlUla, an ancient oasis town Saudi Arabia is developing into a tourist destination.

The new facility allows air traffic at AlUla to be managed remotely from Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, more than 600 km (373 mi.) away.

The system features 360-degree cameras, advanced sensors and artificial intelligence (AI), all of which are designed to boost efficiency, reduce workload on staff, and ensure smoother traffic flows. The technology is also intended to support environmental sustainability by lowering construction and operating costs.

The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s strategy to strengthen aviation infrastructure and expand tourism in AlUla, with plans to increase its airport capacity from 400,000 to 6 million passengers annually by 2030.

The airport serves both domestic and limited international routes.