The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia warned of possible airport attacks amid Houthi hostilities, telling travelers to prepare for flight disruptions and check departure details before going to airports.
An Oct. 28 security alert listed flight cancellations and airspace closures among possible disruptions. It advised passengers to confirm schedules with their airline and airport operator and to exercise caution at airports.
An Oct. 23 advisory from the U.S. Department of State rates Saudi Arabia Level 3, “Reconsider travel.” It cites risks including armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local restrictions involving social media. It also says Iran or the Iranian-supported Houthis could target U.S. interests with drones or missiles.
The department said it ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members of U.S. government employees to leave Saudi Arabia on Oct. 23 because of safety risks. The advisory says earlier Houthi operations against Saudi airports and other infrastructure harmed civilians and significantly disrupted travel. It also warns that hostilities could spread beyond the area directly affected.
The warning follows an earlier regional alert from the U.S. Embassy in the United Arab Emirates urging Americans in the Middle East to prepare for travel interruptions after Houthi attacks.
