Last updated: October 12, 2026
The United States has issued a fresh security warning for Saudi Arabia after a new wave of attacks on the kingdom’s airports. The US Mission in Saudi Arabia is urging Americans to use extreme caution at all major airports, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has told US airlines to be careful when flying in or over Saudi airspace. Here is what we know so far.
What the US Warning Says
In an alert posted on Monday, the US Mission said it was aware of additional attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a targeted attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Sunday, October 11. It advised US citizens to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions, and to check their departure status directly with airlines and airports.
The mission also said US government employees in Saudi Arabia now need special authorization to use the airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and are barred from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemen border. Regular and emergency consular services remain available to US citizens in the country.
A Series of Attacks on Saudi Airports
The warning follows several days of attacks that Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led coalition have blamed on Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. Earlier in the week, strikes on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport on October 6 and 7 killed three people and injured 36, according to travel reports. Saudi officials said an attack on the Riyadh airport on Saturday, October 10, killed 12 people and injured more than 300, and that a further attack on Sunday killed one person and injured 11. Fox News reported that the attacks on Riyadh’s airport and others have killed at least 20 people in total. Casualty figures have varied between outlets and may change.
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed major disruptions at three large Saudi airports, and operations at the Riyadh airport were reportedly suspended after the strikes.
Houthis Renew Threats
The Houthis said on X that they were renewing their warning to airlines, workers and travelers not to use Saudi airports and airspace, describing them as vulnerable to attack. The group said the only airports it would not target were those in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Washington’s Response
The US has condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure and says it stands with Saudi Arabia and is coordinating closely with officials in Riyadh. After the latest strike, President Donald Trump said the US “may” get involved in strikes in response. Fox News also reported that the president is weighing new strikes on Iran, which backs the Houthis. The State Department already lists Saudi Arabia at Level 3, “Reconsider Travel,” citing armed conflict, Iranian drone and missile attacks, terrorism and exit bans.
What Travelers Should Know
- Check flights directly: confirm departure status with your airline or the airport before leaving for the terminal.
- Expect disruptions: cancellations, delays and temporary airspace closures are possible.
- Follow official alerts: the US Embassy and the State Department are updating their advisories regularly.
- Stay connected: US citizens in the kingdom can enroll in the State Department’s STEP program to receive alerts.
What to Watch Next
- More attacks: whether strikes on Saudi airports continue in the coming days.
- US action: whether Washington joins Saudi strikes or takes new steps against Iran.
- Air travel: how long flight suspensions and airspace restrictions last.
