The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a new Saudi Arabia travel warning on Sunday, telling Americans to take "extreme caution" at the kingdom's airports after missile and drone attacks it attributed to Iranian-supported Houthis.
The security alert, dated October 25, says the Houthis have attacked civilian airports and other critical infrastructure, causing civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The embassy warned that the hostilities could escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area.
For travelers, flights are running but remain uncertain. The alert lists the land borders, roads and neighboring airports that are still open. It also repeats a Saudi warning that sharing images of missile and drone impact sites carries legal risk, and it says U.S. citizens have already been detained under that rule.
The alert restates the State Department's order, effective October 23, that non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members leave Saudi Arabia because of safety risks. POST Wrestling, which covers WWE events in Riyadh, said the notice does not appear to be a second or expanded evacuation order. Instead, it repeats the earlier measure and adds detailed restrictions on airport use.
Under those restrictions, U.S. government employees still in the country need special authorization from the Chief of Mission to use any Saudi airport. They may not travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border. They also need special authorization to visit the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.
Saudi Arabia remains at "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" under the State Department's travel advisory system, POST Wrestling reported. The outlet also reported that U.S. intelligence officials have warned Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iranian plans to target Americans have reached "advanced stages." The research gives no further detail on that warning.
Has Riyadh airport reopened, and which Saudi airports are flying?
The embassy told U.S. citizens to expect possible attacks on airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions. "Please take extreme caution if you choose to use airports in Saudi Arabia," the alert said. It advised travelers to check departure status directly with both the airline and the airport.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh partially reopened on Sunday, according to POST Wrestling. Domestic flights and some international services by Saudi carriers have resumed. A limited number of flights normally based in Riyadh are operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim.
Airports in Jeddah and Dammam are operating with some delays and cancellations, the outlet reported. No date has been given for the Riyadh airport to reopen fully. The embassy alert does not name the airports that were struck or give a casualty figure.
Which nearby airports and land routes remain open?
The embassy said travel by private car, train or bus may be an alternative to flying into or out of Saudi Arabia. It asked travelers to confirm availability and schedules directly with the providers.
All land border crossings remain operational, the embassy said, including the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain. All highways and roads in and around Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran are also operating.
The embassy listed these international airports in neighboring countries as operational and advised travelers to confirm their status directly:
- Bahrain (BAH)
- Jordan (AMM)
- Oman (MCT)
- Qatar (DOH)
- United Arab Emirates (AUH, DXB, SHJ)
Can you be detained for photographing drone or missile impact sites?
Yes, according to the embassy. It said 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 breaking these rules, including for photographing government buildings, airports and impact sites, the embassy said. It reminded visitors and residents that they are subject to local law. It also told Americans to follow national alerts that Saudi Arabia's Civil Defense sends by cellular broadcast.
For medical emergencies, the embassy said the Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital system provides English-language care in all major Saudi cities. U.S. diplomatic posts can be reached at:
- U.S. Embassy Riyadh: (966) (11) 835-4000, RiyadhACS@state.gov; outside office hours +966-11-510-3731
- U.S. Consulate General Jeddah: (966) (12) 220-5000, JeddahACS@state.gov
- U.S. Consulate Dhahran: (966) (13) 839-5700, DhahranACS@state.gov
Riyadh title fight in doubt as WWE keeps Crown Jewel on schedule
The disruption is already affecting major sporting events in the Saudi capital. Citing Sports Illustrated, POST Wrestling reported that boxer Lindolfo Delgado and trainer Robert Garcia remain in the United States and have not booked travel.
Delgado is scheduled to fight Arthur Biyarslanov for the vacant IBF super lightweight championship on the October 31 Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli card in Riyadh. Boxing reporter Dan Rafael reported that Biyarslanov is already in Saudi Arabia. A source told Rafael that the Delgado fight would "probably not" take place. The bout has not officially been canceled.
WWE has announced no change to Crown Jewel, which remains scheduled for November 7 at Riyadh Season Stadium, POST Wrestling reported. TKO executive chair Ari Emanuel said on Friday that "everything's still set." He added that the company has a team monitoring developments daily and could relocate an event if necessary.