Al-Ula Airport launches the Middle East's first remote digital tower.
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Saudi Air Navigation Services and Indra launched the Middle East's first remote tower at Al-Ula Airport; controllers now manage flights from Jeddah.
Key Takeaways
- •Al-Ula International Airport is the first in the Middle East to use a remote digital tower.
- •Controllers manage flights from a center in Jeddah, located 550 kilometers away.
- •The system uses Indra's technology to improve safety and operational efficiency.
- •This project supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals for aviation growth.
Al-Ula International Airport has reached a major milestone. It is now the first airport in the Middle East to use a remote digital tower. This new system was built by Indra and Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS).
Air traffic controllers no longer sit in a physical tower at the airport. Instead, they work from a center in Jeddah. This center is 550 kilometers away from the actual runway. This shift marks a massive change for regional aviation.
How the Digital Tower Works
The system uses high-definition cameras and sensors. These tools provide a 360-degree view of the airport. The data travels instantly to the controllers in Jeddah.
Controllers see a digital view on large screens. The technology also uses artificial intelligence to track planes. It can spot objects that the human eye might miss. This makes the airport safer for everyone.
Boosting Safety and Efficiency
According to SANS, this project is part of Saudi Vision 2030. The goal is to make the country a global hub. Remote towers help airports handle more flights. They do this without building expensive new buildings.
The ICAO has been watching digital tower growth closely. These systems are already used in Europe. Now, Saudi Arabia is leading the way in the Middle East. This technology helps manage traffic more effectively.
Impact on Regional Aviation
This move will likely change how other airports operate. Smaller airports can now share resources with larger hubs. This lowers costs for airlines. It also helps keep ticket prices stable for passengers.
Indra has stated that this is a major project. It shows that remote technology is ready for busy airports. The success at Al-Ula may lead to more digital towers across the region soon.
Key Benefits of the Remote Tower:
- Increased safety through enhanced visual data.
- Lower costs by centralizing air traffic services.
- Better reliability in various weather conditions.
- Scalability for future airport growth.
flying.flights provides comprehensive commercial aviation news covering airlines, aircraft, and airports. Stay informed on aviation incidents, investigations, and best practices in the Safety category at flying.flights/safety.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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