US Embassy in Riyadh issues new warning to Americans in KSA

• US government employees in Saudi Arabia now need special authorization from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in the Kingdom, following recent aerial attacks on airports.
• Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport remains suspended through Oct. 17, and the US Mission urges Americans to use “extreme caution” if they choose to fly.

 The US Mission to Saudi Arabia issued a security alert on Oct. 13 stating that US government employees “require special authorization from Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent aerial attacks on airports in the Kingdom.” The alert warned US citizens to “be aware of potential attacks on airports, flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh through Oct, 17. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam are “operational with some delays and cancellations,” according to the alert. The mission recommended that travelers check “flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport.”

The alert said that “private car, train, and bus options may provide alternatives to air travel to or from Saudi Arabia,” and listed Saudi Arabia Railways (sar.com.sa), SAT Transportation (satrans.com.sa) and SAPTCO (saptco.com.sa/en), urging travelers to “confirm availability and schedules directly with the providers.” It added that international airports in Bahrain (BAH), Jordan (AMM), Oman (MCT), Qatar (DOH) and the United Arab Emirates (AUH, DXB, SHJ) “remain operational,” though travelers should confirm status directly with the airports.

The alert also relayed a warning from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior that “filming, publishing, or sharing information related to counter missiles and drones, and their impact sites, exposes you to legal liability.” The mission said “US citizens have been detained for not adhering to these regulations, including taking photos of government buildings, airports, and impact sites,” and noted that “visitors and residents are subject to local laws while in Saudi Arabia.”

This comes amid a sharp escalation of fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. On Oct. 8, attacks targeted King Khalid International Airport and a Saudia Airbus A320 during that escalation. The Oct. 10 strike was the deadliest in any Gulf Arab country since the start of the Iran war. Fears of a wider conflict are growing in Saudi Arabia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the "reprehensible attacks" on the Riyadh airport. NBC News reported that the strikes have raised questions about whether the United States would join another conflict in the region.

Security Alert: U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia (October 13, 2026) U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorization from Chief of Mission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia following recent aerial attacks on airports in the Kingdom. Saudia Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh through October 17. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam are operational with some delays and cancellations. U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, flight cancellations, airspace closures, 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. 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. - Saudi Arabia Railways: https://t.co/aXJ0z4QKm6 - SAT Transportation: https://t.co/WP25alD6lY - SAPTCO: https://t.co/ZadKUfTa5Y 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. 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.” U.S. citizens have been detained for not adhering to these regulations, including taking photos of government buildings, airports, and impact sites. Visitors and residents are subject to local laws while in Saudi Arabia. Read more: https://t.co/5tSn05gKdv

— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) October 13, 2026