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OERD_1_CTR [OERD 1] Briefing Material | Hajj OPS: 2026

Covering

This section details all the necessary briefing materials for OERD_1_CTR [OERD 1] during Hajj OPS: 2026

Designated Area of Responsibility

"Riyadh Control" (OERD_1_CTR) is in charge of the North, Eastern, and North Eastern Sector from FL325+.

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Notes

  • A single traffic flow will enter Riyadh UIR airspace from the northeast at varying times.
  • Controllers are required to use the VATCAN plugin to distinguish event traffic from non-event traffic.
  • RVSM procedures and the semi-circular cruising level rule are applicable throughout the OERD UIR.
  • Standard separation minima within the airspace are:
    • 1,000 ft vertical separation up to FL410 or 10 NM lateral separation.
    • 2,000 ft vertical separation above FL410 or 10 NM lateral separation.
  • Any non-event aircraft entering the Riyadh UIR with destination Jeddah must obtain a release from the appropriate Jeddah Control sector before entry. Adjacent ACC sectors are responsible for coordinating the release prior to transfer.
  • Issuing arrival clearances for traffic inbound to Jeddah is not the responsibility of Riyadh Control; this duty belongs to Jeddah Terminal Control.
  • A minimum of 10-15 NM longitudinal spacing must be maintained between arrival aircraft before transfer to Jeddah Control (ACC 2). This means initial sequencing and spacing start in this sector
  • Controllers should regularly review ECFMP updates to remain informed of the latest traffic flow restrictions and measures.

Delay Phases

Incase of TMA overload, the following delay phases can be initiated by Jeddah Approach (APP 1) or Jeddah Terminal Control (CTA W). All delay phases should be coordinated with the designated "HAJJ OPS HELP" staff member or Ismail Hassan. After initiation of a delay phase, this should be announced globally in the ATC chat on EuroScope.

All temporary holding procedures can be found here.

Phase Initiated By Description
P1 APP 1 Arrivals into OEJN will be slowed down to delay the hourly rate into the TMA. Relevant flow measures to be put in place.
P2 APP 1 and CTA W APP and CTA to agree on this phase prior to coordination with staff members. All handoffs into the Jeddah TMA will be stopped. Holding will be initiated at the TMA entry points (e.g. VEMEM, NOMDA, MUVOL). Holding stacks to be managed by CTA.
P3 CTA W All handoffs into the Jeddah CTA will be stopped. Holding will be initiated at the CTA entry points (e.g. BOPEV, ASLAD, GODSA). Holding stacks to be managed by ACC.