Saudi Arabia: AlUla Airport transitions to fully remote air traffic control model

 

AlUla Airport transitions becomes first in the Middle East to operate using a complete digital tower system

AlUla International Airport has officially transitioned to a fully remote air traffic control (ATC) model, becoming the first airport in the Middle East to operate using a complete digital tower system.

The system, developed by Indra and implemented in collaboration with Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) and its technology arm NERA, enables aircraft take-offs and landings to be managed from a remote control centre approximately 550 kilometres away in Jeddah.

How the Digital Tower Works

The new system eliminates the need for a traditional on-site control tower. Instead, a mast equipped with high-definition cameras and advanced sensors has been installed at the airport. These capture live visual and operational data, which is transmitted in real time to air traffic controllers based at the remote operations centre.

 

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Controllers monitor airport activity through a 360-degree 4K videowall displaying continuous views of runways, taxiways and restricted zones. The platform is enhanced with:

·        Night vision capabilities

·        Artificial intelligence-based detection tools

·        Augmented reality overlays to assist aircraft identification

·        Advanced situational awareness systems

Together, these features are designed to ensure safe, seamless and efficient air traffic management despite the physical distance between the airport and its controllers.

Driving Smarter Air Navigation

According to Saleh Alzahrani, COO of SANS, the integration of operational expertise with digital tower technology represents a significant step forward in modernising Saudi Arabia’s air navigation services. The initiative aims to deliver smarter, more connected and efficient aviation infrastructure.

The system is also integrated with Indra’s ManagAir automation platform, which supports route calculation and traffic planning. Already deployed in multiple international air traffic environments, the software is designed to optimise flight paths, improve efficiency and contribute to reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Part of a Global Trend

Víctor Martínez, Executive Vice President of ATM at Indra, described the project as a milestone in advanced digital air traffic solutions. He noted that similar technologies are already in use internationally — including in Norway, where 15 airports are operated from a single control centre, at Budapest Airport to enhance operational efficiency, and at Vancouver International Airport, where the system supports apron management across multiple zones.

 

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With this deployment, AlUla positions itself at the forefront of aviation innovation in the region, setting a new benchmark for remote air traffic control operations in the Middle East.

Source: airportindustry-news.com