The United States (US) has ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia amid growing security concerns following attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure attributed to Iranian-supported Houthi forces.
The US Department of State issued the departure order effective October 23, 2026, citing safety risks and the potential for hostilities to escalate beyond the immediate affected areas.
In a security alert issued on October 27, the US Mission in Saudi Arabia warned American citizens about possible further attacks, airspace closures, flight cancellations and travel disruptions, urging those using airports in the kingdom to exercise extreme caution.
The mission said Houthi hostilities against Saudi Arabia had resulted in civilian casualties and significant disruption to travel, raising concerns about the safety of air transport across the country.
The security measures also restrict American government employees working in Saudi Arabia from using any airport in the kingdom without special authorisation from the Chief of Mission, following recent missile and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has partially reopened for domestic flights and some international services operated by Saudi national carriers, according to the US mission.
However, a limited number of flights normally based at the airport are operating from Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim.
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam remain operational, although passengers continue to face some delays and cancellations.
The US advisory urged American citizens to confirm their departure status directly with their airlines and the relevant airports before travelling, warning that the security situation could change rapidly.
The departure order follows reports of deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia, including strikes affecting civilian aviation infrastructure. On October 21, attacks had killed at least one person and injured eight others at a civilian airport in Dammam, while a drone attack on an oil field killed two people.
The developments come amid escalating hostilities involving Yemen’s Houthi movement, which is backed by Iran and Saudi Arabia. The latest security alert reflects Washington’s concerns that continued attacks could further threaten civilian infrastructure and disrupt travel.
The US State Department has advised travellers to reconsider visiting Saudi Arabia because of the risks associated with armed conflict, terrorism and potential missile and drone attacks.
American citizens remaining in the kingdom have been urged to monitor official security announcements and follow guidance issued by Saudi authorities as the situation develops.
