US Embassy warns Americans to rethink Saudi Arabia trips after Riyadh airport attack sparks fears
WASHINGTON,DC: The US Embassy in Riyadh, on Tuesday, October 13, warned American travelers to reconsider trips to Saudi Arabia as attacks on airports and escalating military activity raise concerns about further disruption across the region.
The diplomatic mission has also tightened restrictions on US government employees using airports in the kingdom, while cautioning that missile threats, airspace closures and flight cancellations could complicate travel.
The warning comes as Saudi-led coalition forces report intercepting missiles and drones targeting the country.
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
US embassy issues warning
The US Embassy said American government employees stationed in Saudi Arabia now require special permission from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in the kingdom, following recent aerial attacks on airport facilities.
In its travel notice, the embassy warned US citizens of the possibility of further strikes and transport disruption.
“US citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions,” the notice said.
It added: “Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia.”
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh through October 17, according to the embassy.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam remain operational, although passengers may face delays and cancellations.
The embassy urged travelers to verify their arrangements before leaving for the airport, recommending that they check departure information directly with airlines and airport operators.
It also pointed to possible alternatives for journeys to and from the country.
“Private car, train, and bus options may provide alternatives to air travel to or from Saudi Arabia,” the advisory said, while asking travelers to confirm schedules and availability with providers.
Travel Advisory - Saudi Arabia - Level 3 - Reconsider Travel (October 12, 2026) Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the Iranian-supported Houthis, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to the Yemen border due to terrorism. Read more: https://t.co/Lfw0twL9pO
— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) October 13, 2026
Travel advisory cites threats
A separate US travel advisory issued earlier in the day urged Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia because of the risk of attacks in Yemen, alongside armed conflict.
“Reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia due to risk of drone and missile targeting of American interests by Iran and the violent groups, armed conflict, exit bans, and local laws regarding social media activity,” the advisory stated.
It also issued a more severe warning for the border region with Yemen: “Do not travel to the Yemen border due to terror.”
The notices come as Saudi Arabia faces reported attacks on airports and infrastructure, raising concerns that further military action could affect civilian travel and essential facilities.
Saudi coalition reports intercepting missiles
The diplomatic warnings coincide with fresh military developments.
Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki said on Tuesday that coalition forces had intercepted and destroyed three cruise missiles and two drones targeting Riyadh and southern areas of Saudi Arabia.
The reports came amid heightened tensions involving the Iran-aligned armed group based in Yemen and Saudi-led military operations against targets inside Yemen.
Coalition authorities also issued an evacuation warning for civilians near Al-Sabaha Central Station, a Yemen Petroleum Company facility on the western outskirts of Sana’a.
Al-Maliki released a map showing the targeted area and urged residents to leave as tensions escalate.
