US Embassy in Saudi Arabia Renews Airport Security Alert for Third Consecutive Day
Why It MattersRepeated government travel warnings and attacks on civilian airports add disruption and security risk to Saudi airspace, a factor operators and charter planners weigh for Gulf routings.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia renewed its security alert on Monday for the third consecutive day, warning American citizens of heightened risks after Houthi attacks on airports in the kingdom. The embassy had issued similar alerts on October 10 and 11.
The mission advised US citizens to exercise "extreme caution" at major Saudi airports and warned that flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions could affect travel plans. It urged travellers to check flight information directly with airlines and airports and to consider private cars, trains and buses where appropriate. In the event of an aerial attack, Americans were told to stay alert, monitor local media and follow instructions from Saudi authorities.
US government employees must obtain special authorisation to use King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and the airports in Jeddah and Dammam. They are also barred from travelling within 32 kilometres (20 miles) of the Yemen border, and official travel to Jizan, Asir and Najran provinces and to Qatif, Yanbu and Taif requires special authorisation.
The alert follows attacks on Saudi civilian airports that the Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognised government has blamed on Houthi militias. Saudi authorities and diplomatic sources put the toll from the weekend attacks on Riyadh's airport at 14 killed and 320 injured. The coalition has vowed a firm response.
