October 19, 2026 — US embassies and consulates in 12 Middle East countries issued coordinated security alerts on Sunday, October 18, telling Americans to stay highly alert and to be ready for flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruption. On the same day, Canada updated its Saudi Arabia advice, which still tells Canadians to avoid all travel to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
What the US alerts say
The alerts cover Americans in Israel, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Their main points, as reported by Doha News, Middle East Eye, JNS and the ANI news agency:
- Why: They point to recent Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian airports and infrastructure, and warn the fighting could spread quickly beyond that area. They also say Iran and groups aligned with it may target US interests overseas, including American businesses and institutions.
- Travel: Travelers are told to “be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.” They should check airline and airport operations and have a backup plan ready.
- Personal safety: Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, take care around places publicly linked to the US, keep a low profile, keep your phone charged and enroll in STEP. If there is an aerial attack, stay away from glass doors, windows and fallen debris.
- Embassy services: The US Embassy in Doha says it is still open for routine citizen services and limited visa services.
The coverage we found reports no new ordered departures and no change to any US advisory level. Saudi Arabia stays at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), the level issued on October 12. According to ANI, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar and the UAE all had working international airports at the time of an earlier US advisory. Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia were operating with delays and cancellations.
Background
The alerts come as tension with Iran rises. ANI, citing a CNN report quoting US officials, says Washington has prepared additional strike options against Iran. Iran’s foreign minister responded that Tehran is ready for further escalation.
Canada: Saudi Arabia advice updated October 18
Global Affairs Canada updated its Saudi Arabia page on October 18 (13:56 ET) with new security information. The overall level is still avoid non-essential travel. It also advises avoiding all travel to:
- King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh (RUH), because military activity is disrupting operations
- Asir, Jazan and Najran provinces
- Areas within 30 km of the Yemen border
Canada warns that further attacks could close Saudi airspace and that other airports could close with little or no warning. It suggests that travelers who need to leave by air consider working airports in neighbouring countries that can be reached by land. Canada’s page still describes RUH as closed, even though, as we reported yesterday, news outlets said it began reopening in stages on October 18. Check with your airline before relying on it. Canada’s UAE advice, last updated October 14, is exercise a high degree of caution, with a warning to avoid non-essential travel near Al Minhad Air Base.
What it means for airline travelers
- Have a plan B for the whole region, not just Saudi Arabia. The alerts specifically warn that airspace closures could happen with little notice. If you are flying standby to or through a Gulf hub (Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat, Kuwait, Amman), a closure could leave you without a seat for days. Know your positive-space or ticketed backup before you leave home.
- Riyadh: Canada still says avoid all travel to RUH. If you must fly into Saudi Arabia, Canada notes that working airports in neighbouring countries reachable by land may be an exit route.
- Check before every leg. Look up airport and airline operations right before you head out, and expect delays and cancellations at Jeddah and Dammam.
- Register: Americans should enroll in STEP. Canadians should use Registration of Canadians Abroad. Canadians in Saudi Arabia needing emergency help can call +966 11 202-3288 or +1-613-996-8885, or email SOS@international.gc.ca.
- Keep a low profile: Avoid protests and crowds, and do not wear airline uniforms or clothing with US branding in public while off duty.
- Insurance: Check whether your travel policy covers trips to places under a government warning and pays out for airspace closures and conflict-related disruption. Many policies exclude war or known events.
Sources
- Doha News — U.S. issues security alerts across the Middle East, warns of flight disruptions
- Middle East Eye — US Embassy in UAE urges citizens exercise ‘heightened vigilance’ in the Middle East
- JNS via Cleveland Jewish News — US missions across Mideast warn of Iranian threats, Houthi escalation
- ANI via Daily Prabhat — US issues Middle East security alert amid Iran strike speculation
- US Mission UAE (official) — Security Alert: U.S. Mission United Arab Emirates, October 18, 2026
- US State Department (official) — Travel Advisories
- Government of Canada (official) — Saudi Arabia travel advice
- Government of Canada (official) — United Arab Emirates travel advice
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