October 12, 2026 — Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport was hit again on Sunday, a day after the deadly missile strike, and Dammam’s airport was also attacked. Riyadh stays closed, Canada has raised its risk level for the whole country, and the FAA has issued a caution notice for Saudi airspace.
What’s new since yesterday
- Another hit on Riyadh: A projectile struck the domestic terminals (3 and 4) at King Khalid International on Sunday, October 11. Al Jazeera reports one person was killed and 11 injured. The death toll from Saturday’s strike rose to 13 after an Indian national died of his injuries, per AP.
- Dammam targeted: Saudi authorities said King Fahd International in Dammam was attacked on October 11. The Houthis claimed it.
- Riyadh still closed: Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority suspended operations to assess damage and has given no reopening time. The National reports the closure now runs to at least midnight Tuesday (local), described as precautionary. Reuters data cited by Airways Magazine showed 82% of Riyadh’s scheduled flights cancelled as of midday UTC Monday.
- Houthi warning: The group’s military spokesman told airlines, crews and passengers to stay away from Saudi airports and airspace. The Mecca and Medina airports were said to be exempt.
Government advice
- United States: The US Mission’s October 11 security alert tells Americans to use extreme caution at all major Saudi airports and to expect cancellations and airspace closures; it suggests trains, buses or cars instead. US government staff now need special permission to use the Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam airports and may not go within 20 miles of the Yemen border. The State Department advisory remains Level 3, “Reconsider Travel” (reissued October 10).
- Canada: Global Affairs Canada moved Saudi Arabia from “Exercise a high degree of caution” to “Avoid non-essential travel”, with “Avoid all travel” to King Khalid International Airport itself, according to The Traveler. Asir, Jazan and Najran remain “Avoid all travel.”
- Others: Australia and New Zealand updated their advice on October 12 to warn against Riyadh’s airport; the UK advises against all but essential travel to Jeddah, Dammam and all Saudi airports except Medina (Al Jazeera).
- FAA: Notice A0056/26 urges US operators to use caution in the Jeddah flight information region at all altitudes because of military activity and GPS interference. It is advisory, not a ban, and runs from October 11 to December 10, 2026.
Airline schedules
Reported suspensions include Etihad (Saudi flights cancelled, through October 19 per The National), flydubai (Riyadh, Dammam and Abha through October 14), Emirates (Dubai–Riyadh cancelled Monday and partly Tuesday), Lufthansa Group (Riyadh through October 16), Air India (Riyadh to October 15), KLM (Amsterdam–Riyadh to October 24) and Cathay Pacific (Riyadh to November 3). Gulf Business, citing Flightradar24, counted about 1,500 cancellations across Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam over two days.
What it means for airline travelers
- Do not plan standby trips to or through Riyadh until the airport reopens and schedules settle. Cancellations are also hitting Jeddah and Dammam, so open seats elsewhere will fill fast with displaced passengers.
- If you are in Saudi Arabia now, follow the US Mission’s advice: consider a train, bus or car rather than counting on a flight out of Riyadh.
- Canadians: “Avoid non-essential travel” can affect travel insurance. Check your policy before going.
- Register with STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad so you receive alerts.
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport on any Gulf itinerary; airlines are changing Saudi schedules day by day.
Sources
- US Mission Saudi Arabia — Security Alert, October 11, 2026
- Al Jazeera — Saudi Arabia says 1 dead, 11 injured in latest attack on Riyadh airport
- Al Jazeera — Countries warn against travel to Saudi Arabia following Houthi attacks
- PBS NewsHour / AP — Riyadh airport hit by projectile a day after deadly missile strike
- The National — Riyadh airport closure: Etihad cancels flights until October 19
- Airways Magazine — FAA Warns U.S. Airlines Over Saudi Airspace as Riyadh Airport Remains Closed
- Gulf Business — Almost 1,500 flights cancelled across Saudi Arabia
- The Traveler — Canada urges citizens to avoid Riyadh’s main airport
- Yahoo Finance / TheStreet — Airport shut down, international airlines cancel flights after Houthi attack
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