US issues fresh warning as Houthi attacks disrupt Saudi airports
*Saudi authorities warn against filming, publishing, or sharing counter missiles and drones by Houthis, and their impact sites
The alert stated that, “Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”
The United States has warned its citizens in Saudi Arabia to exercise extreme caution following attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure in the kingdom.
On October 7, Houthi reportedly attacked Saudi airports killing three people and injuring 36.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport.
A report titled, “US Warns of Fresh Attacks on Saudi Airports”, was published on October 12, 2026, detailing an October 11 security alert about additional attacks on King Khalid International Airport and a targeted attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
The latest warning was contained in a security alert issued by the US Mission to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The alert stated that, “Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.”
The mission reminded US citizens to follow safety guidance issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense.
“U.S. citizens are reminded to follow the guidance of national alerts released by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense via cellular broadcast,” the alert stated.
It added that operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remained suspended following recent attacks.
“U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization from Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent missile and UAV attacks on airports in the Kingdom.
“Operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain suspended. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam are operational with some delays and cancellations,” the alert stated.
The mission warned of possible further disruptions to air travel.
“U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia. We recommend checking your flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport,” it said.
The alert also listed alternative transportation options, including private cars, trains and buses, while urging travellers to confirm availability and schedules directly with service providers.
“Private car, train, and bus options may provide alternatives to air travel to or from Saudi Arabia. Below are some transportation resources for your consideration. Please confirm availability and schedules directly with the providers,” it stated.
The listed providers included Saudi Arabia Railways, SAT Transportation and the Saudi Public Transport Company.
On land transportation, the mission said all land border crossings, including the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain, remained operational. It added that highways and roads in and around Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran were also operational.
The alert further stated that international airports in neighbouring countries remained operational.
“International airports in neighboring countries of Bahrain (BAH), Jordan (AMM), Oman (MCT), Qatar (DOH), and the United Arab Emirates (AUH, DXB, SHJ) remain operational. Please confirm status directly with airports,” it stated.
The mission also drew attention to Saudi Arabia’s restrictions on sharing information about missile and drone interceptions and their impact sites.
“Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior continues to warn that ‘filming, publishing, or sharing information related to counter missiles and drones, and their impact sites, exposes you to legal liability,’” the alert stated.
It added that US citizens had been detained for violating the regulations, including taking photographs of government buildings, airports and impact sites.
“Visitors and residents are subject to local laws while in Saudi Arabia,” it warned.
The alert also outlined travel restrictions affecting US government employees in the kingdom.
“U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks and need special authorization for travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir, Najran, and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu, and Taif,” it stated.
The mission said regular and emergency consular services remained available to US citizens.
