Houthi strikes force US diplomats out of Saudi Arabia

Travelers at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh now face a fragmented departure process. Following recent missile and drone strikes on civilian infrastructure, the US Department of State ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to depart Saudi Arabia. The directive took effect on October 23, 2026, marking a sharp escalation in security measures for the American diplomatic mission.

The US Embassy in Riyadh issued the order via a post on X on October 27, citing specific risks from Iranian-supported Houthi forces. The alert noted that hostilities have targeted airports and critical infrastructure, causing civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. The embassy warned that the conflict has the potential to expand rapidly beyond the immediate areas of impact.

Government staff currently working in the kingdom must obtain special authorization from the Chief of Mission to use any domestic airport. This restriction follows recent attacks by missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles on facilities across the country. The embassy advised US citizens to exercise extreme caution when utilizing air travel, noting that airspace closures and flight cancellations remain common occurrences.

Airport operations have shifted in response to the strikes. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh announced a partial reopening on October 23. The facility now handles domestic flights and select international services operated by national carriers. To manage the reduced capacity, a limited number of flights normally based in Riyadh are operating out of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim.

International hubs in Jeddah and Dammam remain active but face ongoing interruptions. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam are both operational. However, travelers at both sites report delays and cancellations as airlines adjust their schedules to account for the volatile airspace.

The embassy recommended that passengers verify their flight status directly with both the airline and the specific airport before arriving at the terminal. The security alert remains in effect as the US mission monitors the situation. The order for non-emergency personnel to leave stands until further notice from the Department of State.

The shift in policy affects thousands of US citizens and government workers based in the region. The embassy’s guidance emphasizes direct communication with carriers to navigate the current flight disruptions. The alert serves as a formal notice of the changing security environment for all American travelers in Saudi Arabia.