The United States has ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating security threats linked to attacks by Iranian-supported Houthi forces.
In a security alert issued on October 27, 2026, the US Mission in Saudi Arabia said the Department of State issued the departure order effective October 23, citing safety risks in the Kingdom.
The alert warned that Houthi hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure, had resulted in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
It further cautioned that the situation could escalate rapidly beyond the immediate areas affected by the hostilities.
The US Mission also revealed that American government employees in Saudi Arabia must obtain special authorization from the Chief of Mission before using any airport in the Kingdom, following recent missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks on airports.
The security alert outlined varying operational conditions at major Saudi airports, warning travellers to expect possible delays, cancellations and further disruptions.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh partially reopened on October 23, allowing domestic flights and some international services operated by Saudi national carriers.
Some flights normally based at the Riyadh airport have also been relocated to Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim.
Meanwhile, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam remain operational, although both are experiencing some delays and cancellations.
The US Mission warned American citizens about the possibility of further attacks on airports, airspace closures and widespread flight disruptions.
“Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia,” the alert stated.
Travellers have been advised to confirm their flight departure status directly with their airlines and the relevant airports before travelling.
The advisory underscores growing concerns over aviation safety and regional security as hostilities threaten to disrupt air travel and critical infrastructure across Saudi Arabia.
