US renews Saudi airport attack warning as Riyadh partially reopens

The US mission in Saudi Arabia renewed a countrywide warning on 30 October of possible attacks on airports, airspace closures and flight disruption, after the State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia effective 23 October.

The mission said in its warning that the attacks are part of attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group on civilian airports and vital facilities, and urged Americans to exercise extreme caution and to check flight status directly with airlines and airports.

Riyadh airport partially reopened on 23 October for domestic flights and some international flights, while Jeddah and Dammam airports are operating with delays and cancellations.

The situation directly affects travellers and tourism in the region, as the fate of flights remains tied to air security developments and airline guidance, making it essential to follow carrier updates before travelling.

What do these terms mean?

Airspace: The airspace above a given country through which aircraft movements are regulated, and which may be closed temporarily for security reasons.

Non-emergency employees: Embassy and mission staff who do not hold critical posts, and whom a state sometimes asks to leave when conditions deteriorate.

International flights: Flights that depart from an airport inside one country and head to an airport in another country.