Drone Rules for Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport
Drone flying near Prince Sultan Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk is heavily restricted because the airport operates within controlled airspace and shares the region with active military aviation infrastructure. Permission for drone operations is managed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation and NAV CANADA
Prince Sultan Abdulaziz Airport is the main commercial airport serving Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, handling domestic routes and growing passenger traffic. Aircraft regularly operate at low altitude during approach and departure, and the airport's proximity to military installations in the region adds an additional layer of airspace sensitivity beyond standard commercial restrictions. GACA regulations prohibit drone operations in controlled airspace without formal authorisation. Pilots are required to check current NOTAMs and consult GACA's drone portal to determine whether flight is permitted before any operation. Recreational pilots must hold appropriate GACA registration and certification, while commercial operators require additional licensing and operational approvals. FPV and beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations face heightened restrictions in this region. Authorities actively enforce drone regulations around airports and military zones, and violations can result in equipment confiscation, heavy fines, or criminal prosecution under Saudi aviation and security law. Commercial operators seeking approval for specialised work must coordinate directly with GACA and relevant air traffic authorities, with approvals rarely granted near dual-use or militarily sensitive airspace.