U.S. Mission Warns of Houthi Hostilities and Civilian Airport Risks in Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia issued a countrywide security alert dated November 3, 2026, warning Americans about Houthi hostilities and risks to people using civilian airports. The notice cautions that attacks, airspace closures and cancellations could disrupt flights. It urges extreme caution at airports across the country.

The warning applies nationwide. It describes attacks on airports and critical infrastructure that have caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruption. The alert does not identify each airport it lists as an attack site.

The mission warned that the situation could spread quickly. Its message to passengers is direct:

“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.”

The alert does not set out a refund or compensation policy. It tells passengers with affected flights to contact their airline for change details.

Airport operations vary, and the figures are dated

The airport information in the alert reflects stated operating conditions, not a live status feed. Travelers should confirm directly before leaving for an airport.

• Riyadh: King Khalid International Airport (RUH) partially reopened October 23 for domestic flights and some international services operated by national carriers. A limited number of flights usually based at RUH were operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) in Qassim. The Houthis have renewed threats against Riyadh’s airport, warning that it remained a military target despite the partial reopening. The airport had suspended operations following an Oct. 10 Houthi attack that killed 13 people and wounded hundreds.
• Jeddah and Dammam: King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and King Fahd International Airport (DMM) were described as operational, with some delays and cancellations.
• Nearby international hubs: Airports in Bahrain (BAH), Jordan (AMM), Oman (MCT), Qatar (DOH) and the United Arab Emirates (AUH, DXB, SHJ) were listed as operational. Confirm with the airport before traveling.

The notice also listed land-border crossings, including the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain, and roads around Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran as operational. Those conditions may change; check with providers.

Government employee orders are separate from citizen guidance

The Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia, effective October 23, 2026. That departure order does not apply to private U.S. citizens.

Government employees who remain in the country need Chief of Mission authorization to use any Saudi airport. The requirement appeared in updates on October 30 and November 2; the November 3 alert applies it to every airport in the country.

The agency also bars those employees from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemen border. Special authorization is required for travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran, and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.

The State Department rates Saudi Arabia Level 3, advising travelers to reconsider travel, and identifies the Yemen border region as Level 4, “Do not travel.” The broader advisory cites risks including drone and missile targeting, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws. Its Saudi Arabia travel advisory also says the Federal Aviation Administration issued a NOTAM or SFAR because of risks to civil aviation in or near the country.

Check both airport and airline before setting out

Private travelers are not subject to the employee airport-authorization rule. They should still prepare for cancellations or disruptions.

1. Check departure status with both the airline and airport before traveling. Contact the airline directly if a flight changes.
2. Ask transport providers about private car, train or bus alternatives. The alert names Saudi Arabia Railways, SAT Transportation and SAPTCO, and advises confirming availability and schedules directly.
3. Avoid filming or sharing material about missile or drone interceptions and impact sites. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior warns that doing so can create legal liability; the alert says U.S. citizens have been detained, including over airport photographs.
4. Follow Saudi Civil Defense alerts sent to mobile phones. If an aerial attack occurs, stay away from glass, windows and fallen debris.
5. Review the State Department advisory and enroll in STEP for security updates.

The November 3 security alert contains the mission’s full guidance. Check your flight with both the airline and airport before departure.