US Warns Of Fresh Attacks On Saudi Airports As Flights Face Disruption

US Warns Of Fresh Attacks On Saudi Airports As Flights Face Disruption

The United States Mission in Saudi Arabia has warned of further attacks targeting major airports in Riyadh and Dammam, urging travellers to exercise extreme caution amid growing security concerns and widespread disruption to air travel.

In a security alert dated Sunday, October 11, 2026, the US Mission said it was aware of additional attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and a targeted attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

“Please take extreme caution when using all major airports in Saudi Arabia,” the mission said, warning that travellers could face flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions.

The mission advised US citizens to confirm their flight status directly with airlines and airports before travelling. It also suggested considering alternative means of transportation, including private cars, trains and buses, while checking availability and schedules with service providers.

The warning followed a series of attacks on Saudi aviation facilities over the weekend, including a deadly strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.

Saudi authorities extended the suspension of operations at the airport on Monday, October 12, saying additional time was needed to complete safety procedures and confirm the operational readiness of its facilities.

According to Reuters, the airport had remained closed following an attack on Saturday that killed 13 people and injured more than 300. A further attack on Sunday killed one person and injured 11 others, according to Saudi aviation authorities.

The attacks have caused significant disruption to the kingdom’s aviation sector, with airlines cancelling or suspending services and passengers facing uncertainty over scheduled journeys.

Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that 99.7 per cent of scheduled flights at Riyadh airport were cancelled on Sunday, underscoring the scale of the disruption.

Several international airlines have adjusted their schedules in response to the deteriorating security situation. Lufthansa cancelled flights to Riyadh until October 16, while Air France-KLM extended its suspension of services to and from the Saudi capital until the end of October.

Etihad Airways also extended cancellations affecting flights to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam on Monday and Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed on Sunday that King Fahd International Airport in Dammam had been targeted in an attack. The authority said damage assessments and safety inspections were under way in coordination with relevant authorities.

The US warning also reflects wider concerns about the security of civilian aviation amid escalating hostilities involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, have claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi targets. However, details of individual incidents, including the full circumstances and extent of damage, have been reported through statements from different authorities and should be assessed against official updates.

The latest incidents have raised concerns among travellers, airlines and businesses that depend on reliable air connections across the Gulf region.

The disruption extends beyond passengers. Riyadh is scheduled to host major business gatherings this month, including the kingdom’s flagship investment conference and the WPC Energy Congress. The security situation has placed pressure on preparations for these events, with Reuters reporting that some prominent oil executives had been removed from the energy congress programme.

The United States has also urged caution among its aviation operators. The Federal Aviation Administration advised US carriers to exercise care when flying to or over Saudi Arabia, citing safety risks.

Travellers with upcoming journeys have been advised to monitor official announcements, contact their airlines before leaving for airports and avoid assuming that previously confirmed flights will operate as scheduled.

The US Mission’s alert did not provide a definitive timeline for when the security situation would stabilise or when all affected airport operations would return to normal.

Saudi authorities have said inspections and safety procedures remain necessary before operations at Riyadh airport can resume. Further updates from aviation officials and individual airlines are expected to determine how quickly services can be restored.

The developments mark a serious disruption to regional air travel, with the prospect of further attacks adding uncertainty for passengers and airlines operating in and around Saudi Arabia.

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