By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The United States has urged its citizens in Saudi Arabia to stay away from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following reported attacks that disrupted flight operations and left several people injured.
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia issued the security warning on Saturday, October 10, 2026, saying it was aware of attacks on the airport and strongly recommending that American citizens avoid the facility and surrounding areas.
The advisory also warned of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions. American travellers were advised to check directly with their airlines and airport authorities for updated information before making their way to the airport.
The warning followed an attack that prompted Saudi aviation authorities to temporarily suspend operations at the airport while officials assessed the damage and worked to establish the full extent of the casualties. Reuters reported that witnesses saw injured people inside the facility and more than a dozen ambulances rushing to the scene.
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The latest incident came amid a series of attacks targeting Saudi aviation facilities during an escalating conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. Earlier attacks at King Khalid International Airport had reportedly killed civilians and damaged a Saudi Arabian Airlines aircraft, raising concerns about the safety of air travel in the kingdom.
Although the Houthis claimed responsibility for earlier attacks, responsibility for the latest incident had not been immediately established in initial Reuters reporting. The development has heightened security concerns for passengers, airline operators and foreign nationals travelling through the Saudi capital.
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Other Western diplomatic missions also issued warnings to their citizens. The British Embassy advised British nationals to avoid King Khalid International Airport until it was secure, while Canadian authorities warned of disruptions linked to ongoing military activity. Some airlines cancelled or diverted flights because of the security situation.
The developments have raised fresh concerns about the wider impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure and international air travel. Riyadh is a major regional transport hub, and prolonged airport closures or restrictions on Saudi airspace could affect passengers travelling between the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.
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Travellers scheduled to fly through Riyadh have been advised to confirm their flight status with their airlines and follow official announcements from Saudi authorities. The situation remains subject to change as security officials assess the incident and determine the appropriate response.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the US advisory is a significant warning for American travellers, but it should not be interpreted as a blanket order for all US citizens to leave Saudi Arabia. The immediate instruction is to avoid the affected airport and surrounding areas while the security situation is assessed.
