Indra and SANS launch Middle East’s first remote air traffic control tower at Al-Ula International Airport

Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) taps Indra’s digital tower technology to manage air traffic from a control center located 340 miles away.

MADRID, February 11, 2026 – Al-Ula International Airport in Saudi Arabia has officially transitioned to fully remote flight operations, marking a historic milestone as the first airport in the Middle East to implement this technology. This digital transformation was made possible through a partnership between Indra, the Spanish-based global technology leader, and Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS), alongside its technological solutions and services company, NERA.

The new system allows air traffic controllers to manage take-offs and landings from a specialized center in Jeddah, located approximately 550 kilometers (340 miles) from the Al-Ula runways. By utilizing a mast equipped with high-definition cameras and sensors installed on-site, the system streams real-time data and 4K visuals to controllers. This facilitates more flexible infrastructure management by eliminating the need for a traditional physical tower and allowing for the possibility of operating multiple airports from a single centralized hub.

Indra’s digital tower solution features a 360-degree "video wall" that provides a crystal-clear, 4K view of the airfield and all restricted zones. The platform is bolstered by night vision and augmented reality capabilities that overlay critical data directly onto the visual feed to assist controllers and ensure aircraft safety. Furthermore, the system utilizes artificial intelligence to monitor runway elements and is integrated into Indra’s ManagAir automation suite. This integration allows for the calculation of more accurate flight routes, which helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, moving the region toward more sustainable aviation.

“The integration of SANS’s operational expertise with the innovative capabilities of the virtual tower demonstrates our dedication to transforming air navigation services,” said Mr. Saleh Alzahrani, COO of Saudi Air Navigation Services. “This partnership enhances our ability to provide seamless, safe, and efficient air traffic management, paving the way for a smarter and more connected aviation future”.

“This project will establish Indra as a benchmark in advanced and innovative digital technology, which enables remote operation in projects such as Al Ula Airport, while in other environments it enhances airport efficiency, safety, and operational capacity, as already occurs in Norway, where 15 airfields are controlled at a single center; at Budapest Airport, where it improves airport operations; and at the airport in Vancouver, one of the largest and busiest in the world, where Indra’s solution will manage operations on seven of its aprons,” added Víctor Martínez, Executive Vice President of ATM at Indra.

This deployment is a key component of Indra’s broader growth strategy in the Arabian Peninsula and the Middle East, as outlined in its current strategic plan. Beyond aviation, the company manages critical infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including the signaling and safety systems for the Mecca–Medina High-Speed Rail line and the comprehensive ticketing system for Riyadh’s bus network. Indra’s regional strategy is further strengthened by its alliance with the EDGE group to design and manufacture state-of-the-art radar systems.

About SANS

 Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) is the Kingdom’s national provider of air navigation services, entrusted with managing an airspace spanning more than two million square kilometers. Guided by the highest standards of safety and operational excellence, and empowered by cutting-edge technologies and innovation, SANS is fully aligned with the objectives of the Aviation Program.

About Indra 

Indra is a leading Spanish multinational and one of the foremost global defence, air traffic and space companies that, through technology, protects our current way of life and anticipates the needs of the future. Its committed team of experts, its in-depth knowledge of the business and the latest technologies, and its unique innovation and systems integration capabilities make it the trusted technology partner for key operations and digitalization for its customers around the world. Thanks to its leadership in major European programs and projects, as well as its spirit of collaboration and partnership strategy, it drives the industrial and innovative ecosystem in these sectors. The company is part of Indra Group, which posted revenues totaling €4.843 billion in the 2024 fiscal year, with a local presence in 49 countries and business operations in over 140 countries.

Media Contact:

For Indra

Elsa Jiménez
ejimenezbl@indra.es
+34 669 82 93 19

For Indra Group USA

Scott Worden
scott.worden@llyc.global
248-825-9343