October 23, 2026 — The United States has ordered non-emergency government staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia, and Canada now advises against all travel to Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport as well as Riyadh’s. Riyadh’s main airport has reopened only for a limited number of domestic flights.
What’s new since yesterday
- US ordered departure: State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said on X that non-emergency US government employees and their family members must leave Saudi Arabia, citing Houthi attacks on civilian airports. He said the order applies to Saudi Arabia only. Reuters and AFP sources said families at some other Gulf posts are also being told to leave; Pigott called reports of a Gulf-wide order “inaccurate,” The National reported.
- Canada adds Dammam: Global Affairs Canada updated its Saudi Arabia advice on October 22 (3:24 p.m. ET). It now says to avoid all travel to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh because of military activity disrupting airport operations. The overall level is unchanged: avoid non-essential travel.
- Riyadh partly open: King Khalid International has resumed a limited number of domestic flights. Saudia and flynas are operating them subject to prior approval, and most foreign airlines have not returned, Gulf News reported.
- Dammam: Saudi aviation authority GACA says operations at Dammam resumed after Wednesday night’s attack, which killed two people and injured eight.
- State Department level: The travel.state.gov advisory page could not be loaded today, so any level change after the ordered departure could not be verified (TBA).
Foreign airline suspensions
As reported by Gulf News (updated October 22). Airlines change these often, so check directly.
| Airline | Routes | Suspended through |
|---|---|---|
| Etihad; Qatar Airways | Riyadh and Dammam | October 24 |
| Air France | Saudi flights | October 24 |
| KLM; SalamAir | Riyadh and Dammam | October 31 |
| Lufthansa Group | Riyadh / Dammam | November 18 / November 30 |
| British Airways | Riyadh | One daily flight resumes November 3 |
| Cathay Pacific | Riyadh | January 31, 2027 |
| Delta | Atlanta–Riyadh launch | Postponed to March 2027 |
| Emirates | Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam (Medina operating) | No end date (TBA) |
Qatar Airways has also cut Jeddah from seven to four daily flights.
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What it means for airline travelers
- Take the ordered departure seriously. When the US pulls its own non-emergency staff, consular help for private travelers can thin out. Postpone non-essential trips to Saudi Arabia.
- Riyadh is not an option for most international travel. Only limited domestic flights on Saudia and flynas are running, and they need prior approval. Don’t plan a standby trip through RUH.
- Dammam is open but now on Canada’s avoid-all-travel list. Check whether your travel insurance still covers you there before you go.
- Seats out will be scarce. With many foreign airlines suspended, the remaining flights fill quickly. Standby travelers already in the kingdom should consider buying a confirmed ticket out rather than waiting.
- Register with STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad, and follow the US Mission’s security alerts.
Sources
- Government of Canada — Travel advice and advisories for Saudi Arabia (updated October 22, 2026)
- The National — US pulls diplomats from Saudi Arabia but denies wider Gulf withdrawal (October 22, 2026)
- ABC News (Australia) — US orders embassy staff, families to leave Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes (October 22, 2026)
- Gulf News — UAE flight status today: Cancellations, delays and updates after Saudi airport attack (updated October 22, 2026)
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