Saudi Arabia's capital has lost its main international gateway for at least a week. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been closed since Houthi forces in Yemen attacked it on Saturday 10 October. Airlines have cancelled flights, and several governments have tightened their travel advice. If you are booked to fly to, from or through Saudi Arabia in the coming days, here is what we know so far.
This is a fast-moving situation. Details below are correct as of 15 October 2026. Check official sources and your airline before you travel.
What happened
According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), a serious incident occurred at King Khalid International Airport at about 3pm local time on 10 October. Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National reports that the attack killed 13 people and injured more than 300, and that another strike the following day killed one person and injured nearly a dozen. Al Jazeera reported that Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a further ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh on Monday 12 October.
The Houthis have warned airlines and travellers against flying to Saudi airports other than those serving the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, Al Jazeera reported. The FCDO says the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at several locations in Saudi Arabia since 13 July, and that further attacks on airports, along with disruption and cancellations, are "very likely".
Airport status
On 12 October, the Saudi Press Agency reported that the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) had extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International while it checks the safety and operational readiness of the airport's facilities. The National, citing a Notice to Air Missions, reported that the airport would stay closed until midnight on 17 October. No confirmed reopening date has been published beyond that, so do not assume flights will automatically resume afterwards.
Airline cancellations
Al Jazeera reported on 12 October that:
- Etihad Airways cancelled all flights to and from Riyadh until next week and also suspended flights to Dammam and Jeddah.
- Gulf Air cancelled all Riyadh flights until Saturday 17 October.
- Delta delayed the launch of its new Atlanta-Riyadh service, which had been scheduled for 23 October.
Other carriers have also changed their schedules. Check your airline's travel alerts page for the latest information.
What government advice says
The UK's FCDO, updated on 13 October, now advises against:
- all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen,
- all but essential travel to Aseer, Riyadh, Najran and Jizan provinces and to the cities of Taif, Jeddah and Dammam,
- all but essential travel to all airports in Saudi Arabia, except Medina International Airport.
The FCDO suggests that British nationals wanting to leave Saudi Arabia consider travelling overland to a neighbouring country and flying from there. It also warns that travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against its advice. Other governments may word their advice differently, so check your own country's foreign ministry.
How people are getting around
The National reports that some travellers stuck in Riyadh have driven to Dammam or flown via Jeddah to reach international flights. Daily life in the city has largely continued, with offices open and sporting events going ahead, but Riyadh schools have moved to remote learning for a week, and at least one major event, the Misk Global Forum, has been cancelled.
Practical advice if you are affected
- Do not go to King Khalid International unless your airline has confirmed your flight is operating.
- Contact your airline or travel agent about rebooking or refunds. Carriers usually offer free changes or refunds when they cancel a flight.
- Check your travel insurance. Policies may not cover travel against official government advice, and many exclude war and terrorism. Read the wording or call your insurer before you travel.
- Register with your embassy and sign up for travel advice alerts.
- Follow local instructions. The FCDO notes that Saudi Civil Defence may send early-warning alerts to phones. If you are told to shelter, go indoors and stay away from windows.
- Consider postponing non-essential trips. If your trip is for leisure, waiting until the situation is clearer is the safest option.
FAQ
Is Riyadh airport open? No. GACA has extended the suspension of operations, and reports say it will stay closed until at least midnight on 17 October. No firm reopening date has been confirmed.
Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia right now? The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several provinces and cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and to all airports except Medina. Check your own government's advice.
Are flights to Jeddah affected? Some are. Etihad has suspended its Jeddah and Dammam flights, and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Jeddah. Check with your airline.
Will my travel insurance cover me? It may not if you travel against official advice. Check your policy before you go.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Saudi Arabia travel advice, warnings and insurance (updated 13 October 2026)
- Saudi Press Agency: GACA extends suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport (12 October 2026)
- The National: Riyadh keeps moving after deadly strikes, but schools go online and travellers reroute (13 October 2026)
- Al Jazeera: Houthi missile attack targets Saudi capital Riyadh for third day in a row (12 October 2026)
