Middle East: Houthis Claim Strike Near Riyadh, Airlines Cut Saudi Flights, West Bank Checkpoints Close Oct. 5 and 7

October 4, 2026 — Update to our October 3 story. The Saudi–Yemen fighting escalated over the weekend. Houthi forces claimed a missile and drone strike on an Aramco site south of Riyadh, the Saudi-led coalition bombed Sanaa, and more foreign airlines have pulled back from Saudi airports. The US Embassy in Jerusalem also warned that West Bank checkpoints will close on October 5 and 7.

Saudi Arabia and Yemen

Houthi claim: a strike on an Aramco facility south of Riyadh on Saturday, October 3, using ballistic missiles and drones. A coalition spokesman called the claims misleading. Saudi Arabia has not confirmed damage.
Coalition response: air strikes on Sanaa on Saturday and Sunday.
New on October 4: the head of Yemen’s Saudi-backed presidential council announced an offensive to retake all Houthi-held territory.
Airports: Riyadh is operating with some delays and cancellations, and Jeddah is fully operational, eTurboNews reports. There is no general closure of Saudi airspace.
Airlines: KLM has suspended Riyadh and Dammam through October 24. Lufthansa Group has suspended some Saudi flights, and Cathay Pacific extended its Riyadh suspension. Air Arabia cancelled Sharjah flights to Gassim, Jizan and Tabuk, and flydubai cancelled Abha, Gulf News reports. Saudia and flynas continue to fly.
Canada’s advice: exercise a high degree of caution in Saudi Arabia. The page’s update date is TBA. We found no new US alert for Saudi Arabia.

West Bank checkpoints: October 5 and 7

Issued by: US Embassy Jerusalem, security alert dated October 4.
What: checkpoints across the whole West Bank will be closed on Monday, October 5, and Wednesday, October 7.
Who can cross: Jerusalem ID holders can travel freely. Permit holders cannot cross. Medical and humanitarian cases may be allowed.
The alert does not mention airports or flights.

Gulf and Strait of Hormuz

flydubai’s Israel flights remain suspended, and Emirates has suspended its flydubai codeshare to Tel Aviv indefinitely, Gulf News reports. All UAE airports are operating.
Gulf News reports a Kuwait-flagged tanker was struck by a projectile and five crew were evacuated. The date of the strike is TBA.

What it means for airline travelers

Saudi standby: fewer foreign carriers into Riyadh and Dammam means fewer seats and short-notice cancellations. Have a confirmed backup out, and avoid southern airports such as Abha and Jizan.
West Bank side trips: do not plan Bethlehem, Jericho or Ramallah visits, or a land crossing to Jordan through the West Bank, on October 5 or 7.
Dubai–Tel Aviv: the flydubai route is still not an option. Check which carriers your pass agreements cover before listing.
Register: enrol in STEP (US) or Registration of Canadians Abroad so the embassy can reach you.
Insurance: many policies exclude acts of war. Read yours before you go.