The United States (US) has ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia over security risks, warning its citizens of possible attacks on airports, airspace closures and flight disruptions.
The US Embassy in Riyadh announced the decision in a security alert posted on X on October 27, stating that the US Department of State had ordered the departure to be effective from October 23.
The alert cited hostilities by Iranian-supported Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure that have caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
It warned that the situation could escalate rapidly beyond the areas directly affected.
The embassy also said that US government employees in Saudi Arabia now require special authorisation from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in the kingdom following recent missile and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) attacks on airports.
The alert provided updates on operations at three major Saudi airports, with restrictions and disruptions affecting air travel.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh partially reopened on October 23, allowing domestic flights and some international services operated by Saudi national carriers. A limited number of flights normally based at the airport are operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam remain operational, although both are experiencing delays and cancellations, according to the alert.
The embassy warned US citizens that airport attacks, airspace closures and flight cancellations could disrupt their travel plans.
It urged travellers to exercise extreme caution if using airports in Saudi Arabia and advised them to check their departure status directly with their airlines and the relevant airports.
