The United States Mission in Saudi Arabia warned American citizens on Saturday to avoid King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and surrounding areas after reported attacks on the facility on October 10, 2026. The Mission said the alert followed attacks on the airport and urged U.S. citizens to exercise heightened caution amid possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions.
“The U.S. Mission is aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 and strongly recommends all U.S. citizens avoid this airport and surrounding areas,” the Mission stated.
Riyadh airport — what the US Mission advises
The Mission said U.S. government employees in Saudi Arabia would require special authorisation to use the airport and asked American travellers to confirm flight status directly with their airlines and the airport because of the possibility of cancellations and disruptions. It also reiterated that regular and emergency consular services for American citizens remain available.
U.S. government employees are subject to additional movement restrictions: they are prohibited from travelling within 20 miles of the Saudi Arabia–Yemen border and require special authorisation to travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran, as well as to the cities of Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.
The Mission urged U.S. citizens to review the State Department’s travel advisories for both Saudi Arabia and Yemen and to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and to facilitate contact by U.S. diplomatic officials during emergencies.
It advised Americans to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, stay away from areas with heavy police presence, remain alert to their surroundings, monitor local media, follow instructions from Saudi authorities and maintain a low profile at locations publicly associated with the United States.
The Mission issued specific guidance for the event of an aerial attack, urging people to stay away from glass doors and windows, avoid fallen debris and monitor their phones and news outlets for official guidance. Travellers whose flights may be affected were also told to contact their airlines directly for information on changes or cancellations.
The warning comes as the security environment in the region remains volatile, a situation that has prompted several governments to issue travel warnings and impose additional precautions on their citizens and personnel.
