Saudi Arabia: Riyadh Airport Still Shut as US Tightens Airport Rules for Its Staff

October 20, 2026 — The US Mission in Saudi Arabia issued a new security alert on Monday, October 19, after more missile and drone attacks on the kingdom’s airports. It says Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) has suspended operations, and US government employees now need special permission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia. Bloomberg reports RUH was still shut on Monday with no reopening plan.

What’s new since our last update

Tighter rules for US staff: The October 19 alert says US government employees “require special authorization from Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia.” Earlier alerts, reported by Gulf News on October 8, applied that rule to King Khalid airport only. Staff are still barred from travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border and need permission to visit Jizan, Asir and Najran provinces and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.
Riyadh still closed: As we reported yesterday, news outlets said on October 18 that RUH was reopening in stages. But Bloomberg (via the Spokesman-Review) reports that on October 19 the airport told airlines that all landings and departures need prior permission and that it cannot be used for emergency diversions. Neither notice to airmen has an end date.
Airlines cutting back: Qatar Airways has suspended Riyadh and Dammam flights until October 24 and cut Jeddah service from seven daily flights to four, Euronews reports. Gulf News says Etihad has cancelled Abu Dhabi flights to Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah through October 24. Bloomberg reports Akasa Air and Air India have also cut Riyadh operations.
Other airports: The alert says Jeddah (JED) and Dammam (DMM) are operating with some delays and cancellations. Airports in Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar and the UAE are operating. Land crossings, including the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain, and roads around Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran are open, and rail and bus are suggested as alternatives.
Photography warning: Saudi authorities warn that filming or sharing images of air-defence activity or impact sites can bring legal trouble. The alert says US citizens have been detained for photographing government buildings, airports and impact sites.

The US advisory for Saudi Arabia remains Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), issued October 12.

What it means for airline travelers

Don’t plan on Riyadh. With RUH closed indefinitely and several carriers suspended until at least October 24, standby seats on the remaining Jeddah and Dammam flights will be scarce as ticketed passengers are rebooked.
Use land routes as a backup. The causeway to Bahrain and the open airports in neighbouring countries are your realistic exits if Saudi flights are cancelled. Know your positive-space or ticketed option before you go.
Keep your camera away. Do not photograph airports, damage or air-defence activity, even from a hotel window.
Follow Civil Defense alerts. The embassy asks US citizens to follow Saudi Civil Defense cell-broadcast alerts. During an aerial attack, keep away from windows, glass doors and debris.
Register and save numbers: Enroll in STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad. US citizen emergencies in Saudi Arabia: +966-11-510-3731.
Insurance: Many policies exclude conflict-related disruption or known events. Check before you travel.