US Embassy Warns of Flight Disruptions in Saudi Arabia After Airport Attacks
The US embassy in Saudi Arabia has extended for a third consecutive day a security warning over the risk of disruptions to air travel, following recent attacks on airports in Riyadh and Dammam.
The embassy issued its warnings on October 10, 11 and 12, and in the latest advisory referred to recent attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Sunday’s attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
Under the warning, US government employees need special permission to use the airports in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. The embassy has urged US citizens to exercise “maximum caution” when travelling through Saudi Arabia’s main airports, citing the possibility of flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruptions.
The US embassy has asked travellers to check the status of their flights directly with airlines and airports. The advisory also suggests using a private car, train or bus as alternative options to air travel if needed.
US government employees are also barred from travelling to areas within 32 kilometres of the Yemeni border. Travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran, as well as the cities of Qatif, Yanbu and Taif, is only possible with special permission.
The embassy has asked US citizens to follow local media reports and comply with Saudi authorities’ instructions during airstrikes.
The warnings were issued after a series of attacks on Riyadh airport. According to Saudi officials and diplomatic sources, weekend attacks on the airport left a total of 14 people dead and 320 injured.
