Update: The US advisory level for Saudi Arabia is unchanged, but a new embassy alert on October 30 sets out which airports are working after Houthi attacks on civilian airports.
October 31, 2026 — The US Mission to Saudi Arabia issued a countrywide security alert on October 30 warning that Iranian-backed Houthi forces have attacked civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, causing civilian casualties, and that hostilities could spread quickly beyond the affected areas. The alert lists the current status of the kingdom’s main airports.
Airport status in the October 30 alert
| Airport | Status |
|---|---|
| Riyadh – King Khalid International (RUH) | Partly reopened October 23 for domestic flights and some international flights by Saudi national carriers. Some Riyadh flights are operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International in Qassim. |
| Jeddah – King Abdulaziz International (JED) | Operating, with some delays and cancellations |
| Dammam – King Fahd International (DMM) | Operating, with some delays and cancellations |
All land border crossings, including the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain, are open, according to the alert. Airports in Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar and the UAE are reported to be operating.
Advisory level and background
- The US travel advisory, updated October 23, remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, with Level 4: Do Not Travel for the area near the Yemen border. The State Department said the level did not change.
- Effective October 23, non-emergency US government employees and their families were ordered to leave Saudi Arabia.
- US government staff need special authorization to use any Saudi airport and may not travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border.
- Saudi authorities warn against photographing or sharing images of missile or drone interceptions and impact sites. Americans have been detained for photographing airports, government buildings and impact sites.
What it means for airline travelers
- Think twice about standby travel to or through Saudi Arabia right now. Schedules at Riyadh are reduced, and delays and cancellations are reported at Jeddah and Dammam. Open seats can disappear fast when flights are cancelled, and you could be stuck.
- If you must go, check directly with the airline before you leave, and have a backup plan, such as leaving through the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain or by road to another Gulf country.
- Do not take photos at airports, and never film drone or missile activity.
- Follow Saudi Civil Defence mobile alerts. During an air attack, stay away from windows and glass.
- Check that your travel insurance covers evacuation. Many policies exclude areas under Level 3 or 4 advisories, so read the fine print.
- US citizens should enroll in STEP; Canadians can use Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Sources
- Gulf News — US renews Saudi Arabia warning over possible airport attacks and flight disruptions (Oct. 30, 2026)
- U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia — Security Alert, October 30, 2026
- U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia — Travel Advisory: Saudi Arabia, October 2026
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