U.S. Issues Travel Warning as Missile and Drone Strikes Hit Saudi Airports

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia released a security alert following missile and drone attacks that shut down King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and disrupted operations at other hubs. All U.S. government personnel stationed in the kingdom must obtain special authorization before using any airport, and American travelers are advised to anticipate widespread flight disruptions and possible airspace closures.

Saudi authorities strictly prohibit photographing or sharing images of counter-missile defenses and impact sites, with legal penalties for violations. While King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam operate with delays, the embassy recommends checking flight status directly with airlines and considering land routes, as highways and border crossings remain open. Nearby international airports in Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates continue to function. The alert comes amid intensified cross-border air attacks between Saudi forces and Yemen’s Houthi militants, raising concerns for regional energy supplies and maritime traffic through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.