US govt employees in Saudi Arabia need “special authorization” to use any airport
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
US government employees working in Saudi Arabia must obtain special authorization from the Chief of Mission before using any airport in the Kingdom, the US Mission to Saudi Arabia said in a security alert on Thursday.
The restriction follows recent Houthi missile and drone attacks on airports across the Gulf country.
Security Alert: U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia (October 14, 2026) U.S. citizens are reminded to follow the guidance of national alerts released by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense via cellular broadcast. 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. 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, 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. 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/aXJ0z4Qcwy - SAT Transportation: https://t.co/WP25alCywq - SAPTCO: https://t.co/ZadKUfSCgq 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/ByeH7IoOu4
— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) October 15, 2026
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has 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 remain operational, though with some delays and cancellations.
The alert advises US citizens of the risk of further attacks, airspace closures, flight disruptions, and travel interruptions.
It recommends that travelers exercise extreme caution if using Saudi airports and check flight status directly with airlines and airport authorities.
The attacks, claimed by Yemen’s Houthi group, included strikes on Riyadh’s main airport that killed more than a dozen people and injured hundreds recently.
