Canada Advises Against Travel to Major Saudi Airports Citing Military Attacks

Update — November 5, 2026 3:11 PM CST: Airports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia faced repeated attacks, causing severe disruption to regional and international air traffic on November 4, 2026. Multiple carriers including IndiGo, Air India, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Air Arabia have cancelled or suspended flights to key Saudi cities.

Update — November 4, 2026 12:13 PM CST: The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued an updated security alert cautioning travelers about ongoing Houthi attacks on civilian airports and infrastructure. Non-emergency US government staff and families were ordered to depart effective October 23, 2026, amid risks of flight cancellations and airspace closures.

Update — November 4, 2026 12:13 PM CST: The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued an updated security alert warning of potential attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure by Yemen's Houthis. American citizens were advised to exercise extreme caution when using airports in the Kingdom and prepare for possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. The alert follows a State Department order directing non-emergency government personnel and families to leave the country.

Update — November 4, 2026 4:13 AM CST: Indian carriers including Akasa Air, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo have prolonged flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia following security incidents at civilian infrastructure. Akasa Air extended cancellations to Jeddah through November 18 and Riyadh through November 30, 2026, while other carriers extended suspensions until November 14. Indian consular authorities are assisting stranded travelers, and limited services by Saudi carriers continue.

Update — November 4, 2026 4:13 AM CST: Indian carriers Akasa Air, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo have extended flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia following attacks on airport and energy infrastructure. The route halts affect services to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam through mid-to-late November 2026. Affected travelers are being offered refunds or rebookings, while limited services by Saudi carriers continue.

Update — November 4, 2026 4:13 AM CST: Indian carriers have prolonged flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia into mid-to-late November 2026 following security attacks on Saudi airports and infrastructure. Akasa Air, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo have suspended routes to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Indian consular missions are assisting stranded travelers while airlines offer refunds and rebookings.

Update — November 4, 2026 4:13 AM CST: Indian carriers have prolonged flight suspensions to Saudi Arabia following attacks on King Fahd, King Khalid, and Abha airports. Akasa Air suspended flights to Jeddah until November 18 and Riyadh until November 30, while Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo paused operations through November 14. Indian diplomatic missions are coordinating alternative travel arrangements for stranded passengers and Umrah pilgrims.

Update — November 3, 2026 11:14 PM CST: Singaporean low-cost carrier Scoot has extended the suspension of flights TR796 and TR797 between Singapore and Jeddah until February 28, 2027, citing regional geopolitical tensions. The thrice-weekly route to King Abdulaziz International Airport was previously scheduled to resume on December 2, 2026. Affected passengers are eligible for full refunds through direct customer channels or their respective booking agents.

Update — November 3, 2026 3:13 PM CST: Budget carrier Scoot has extended the cancellation of its flights between Singapore and Jeddah until February 28, 2027, citing regional geopolitical conditions. The disruption impacts flights TR796 and TR797, which were previously scheduled to resume on December 2, 2026. Affected passengers are eligible for full refunds or assistance via direct booking channels and travel agencies.

Update — November 3, 2026 12:12 PM CST: Houthi forces claimed to target King Fahd International Airport in Dammam with two drones, while military coalition officials verified intercepting two drones over the Riyadh region. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert warning of flight disruptions and heightened security risks, though the airport remains operational.

Update — November 3, 2026 12:12 PM CST: Houthi forces claimed targeting King Fahd International Airport in Dammam with two drones, while coalition officials reported intercepting drones over the Riyadh region. The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh warned of flight disruptions and elevated security risks at the operational airport.

Update — November 3, 2026 6:14 AM CST: The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia issued an alert warning of potential airport attacks, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions. Effective October 23, 2026, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members were ordered to depart the kingdom. King Khalid International Airport has partially reopened, while major hubs in Jeddah and Dammam face ongoing delays and cancellations.

Update — November 3, 2026 6:14 AM CST: The U.S. Mission in Saudi Arabia has issued a security alert warning of possible airport attacks, airspace closures, and travel disruptions linked to Houthi hostilities. The U.S. Department of State ordered non-emergency personnel and families to depart the kingdom effective October 23, 2026. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has partially reopened, while regional airports experience ongoing delays.

Update — November 3, 2026 6:13 AM CST: The US Embassy in Riyadh reported flight disruptions and delays at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on November 2, 2026. The alert followed claims by Houthi military officials that two drones targeted the airport over a 48-hour period. Separately, British Airways announced plans to resume direct London-Dubai flights while keeping Abu Dhabi services suspended.

Update — November 2, 2026 10:11 PM CST: IndiGo has reduced approximately 30 daily flights to Saudi Arabia due to security threats and strikes on Riyadh's main airport. The carrier is evaluating shifting international capacity to alternative markets amid regional airspace challenges.

Update — November 2, 2026 3:14 PM CST: King Khalid International Airport recorded flight cancellation rates of approximately 94 percent between October 10 and October 27, according to Cirium analytics. Over 7,800 scheduled flights across Saudi Arabia were cancelled between October 8 and October 25 due to missile and drone activity. While Riyadh's airport has partially reopened under NOTAM requirements, all flights still require prior regulatory clearance.

Update — November 1, 2026 5:14 PM CST: The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued a security alert warning of potential attacks targeting civilian airports across the kingdom. The alert highlights risks of airspace closures, flight cancellations, and travel disruptions, following previous drone and missile attacks attributed to Houthi forces. Non-emergency US government personnel have been ordered to depart the country, and US personnel must seek authorization before using Saudi airports.

Update — November 1, 2026 5:14 PM CST: The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued a security alert warning of potential attacks on airports that could disrupt flights and airspace. The US Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families, while aviation agency Eurocontrol highlighted broader flight disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.

Update — November 1, 2026 1:12 AM CST: Saudi carrier Riyadh Air has cancelled and redirected multiple flights following reported drone and missile strikes targeting airports in Saudi Arabia. The airline has moved aircraft away from its Riyadh hub amid regional airspace restrictions. Airline personnel also reportedly assisted local hospitals treating casualties resulting from airport strikes.

Update — October 31, 2026 7:13 PM CST: Data from Cirium Ltd shows that 94% of scheduled departures from Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport were cancelled between October 10 and October 27 following deadly missile attacks. Regionwide, cancellations across Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh reached 26,561 flights between February 1 and late October, marking a fivefold increase year-on-year.

Update — October 31, 2026 7:13 PM CST: Aviation data provider Cirium Ltd reported that approximately 94% of scheduled departures from Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport were cancelled between October 10 and October 27, 2026, following deadly missile strikes. Between February 1 and late October, cancellations across airports in Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha reached 26,561 flights, a fivefold increase compared to the prior year. Several carriers have suspended services or relocated operations, while transit operations through Kuwait remain halted.

Update — October 31, 2026 2:11 PM CST: The US Mission to Saudi Arabia issued a nationwide security alert on October 30, 2026, warning of potential strikes on airports and flight cancellations. US personnel must receive special approval to use domestic airports and are barred within 20 miles of the Yemen border. Citizens are advised to confirm flights with airlines and prepare contingency ground transport.

Update — October 30, 2026 12:13 AM CST: Indian carrier IndiGo has extended cancellations on flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until November 14, 2026. The airline cited ongoing airspace restrictions across the Middle East for the continued service suspensions. IndiGo is directly contacting affected travelers to provide rebooking assistance.

Update — October 30, 2026 12:12 AM CST: Indian carrier IndiGo has extended flight cancellations to and from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah until November 14, 2026. The airline attributed the extended suspensions to continuing airspace restrictions across the Middle East. Affected customers are being contacted directly for rebooking assistance.

Update — October 29, 2026 3:12 PM CST: Flyadeal and Saudia have temporarily relocated selected flights to Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim amid disruptions at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Dedicated buses have been organized to transfer passengers between Riyadh and Qassim, while several international carriers maintain flight suspensions to major Saudi destinations.

Update — October 29, 2026 9:14 AM CST: The United States has ordered non-emergency diplomatic staff and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia amid security concerns. The advisory cited drone and missile attacks targeting civilian airports and infrastructure. US government personnel in the country are also barred from using Saudi commercial aviation facilities without special permission.

Update — October 28, 2026 3:15 PM CST: Aviation data provider Cirium recorded that 4,071 out of 4,736 scheduled departures at King Khalid International Airport were cancelled or grounded between October 8 and October 25, 2026. Across Saudi Arabia, 45.1 percent of all scheduled departures were dropped during the same 18-day period. Despite a partial reopening on October 25, multiple international airlines maintained extensive flight suspensions.

Update — October 28, 2026 3:14 PM CST: Data provider Cirium reported that 4,071 out of 4,736 scheduled departures at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport were cancelled or grounded between October 8 and 25, 2026. Across Saudi Arabia, 45.1% of all scheduled departures were dropped during the 18-day period. Despite a partial reopening on October 25, foreign airlines continue to maintain widespread flight suspensions.

Update — October 28, 2026 7:48 AM CST: Regional tensions have led to significant flight cancellations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport following drone and ballistic missile attacks toward Saudi targets. Saudi coalition air defences confirmed intercepting four drones and three ballistic missiles. International airlines and transit passengers are reviewing operations across Gulf airspace.

Update — October 27, 2026 10:13 PM CST: Aviation data provider Cirium reported that 4,071 scheduled flights at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport were cancelled between October 8 and October 25, 2026. Despite a phased reopening starting October 25, several international airlines continue to delay their return. Nationwide, over 7,800 flights were grounded during the period following missile and drone strikes.

Update — October 27, 2026 11:12 AM CST: Flight operations partially resumed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Sunday after a two-week closure triggered by Houthi attacks. Most flights remained cancelled according to tracking data, while fresh strikes and warnings targeted the capital and southern Saudi Arabia.

Update — October 27, 2026 11:12 AM CST: Flight operations partially restarted at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 25, 2026, after a two-week closure prompted by Houthi strikes. Tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that most flights remained cancelled despite select arrivals from cities including Dubai, Cairo, and Paris. Fresh missile and drone attacks were reported across Saudi Arabia on the same day as Houthi forces reiterated threats against the facility.

Update — October 27, 2026 7:12 AM CST: Flights through Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport face severe disruptions following claimed strikes and operational limits. Major UAE carriers including Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have cancelled or suspended services to the Saudi capital. Local carriers Saudia and Riyadh Air have diverted several routes to Al Qassim and Dammam airports with dedicated bus transfers.

Update — October 27, 2026 5:53 AM CST: Saudi carrier Riyadh Air has shifted operations for six scheduled routes to Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al Qassim starting October 25, 2026. The move follows missile and drone strikes at King Khalid International Airport, requiring passengers to take a 4.5-hour road coach transfer. Impacted destinations include London Heathrow, Cairo, Jeddah, Dhaka, Lahore, and Islamabad.

Update — October 26, 2026 10:13 PM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh reopened Terminals 1 and 2 on October 25, 2026, following a two-week closure caused by an October 10 missile attack. Despite the reopening, most commercial flights remained cancelled as Saudi air defences intercepted fresh ballistic missiles targeting the capital and southern regions.

Update — October 26, 2026 4:14 PM CST: Saudi Arabia has reopened Terminals 1 and 2 at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport following suspensions caused by Houthi attacks. Terminal 1 is servicing domestic routes while Terminal 2 handles international flights for Saudi national carriers. Most international airlines have maintained service suspensions, and passengers are advised to verify flight status before traveling to the airport.

Update — October 26, 2026 9:11 AM CST: The US diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent security alert following missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthis. While King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has partially reopened, authorities warn of potential airspace closures and ongoing risks to civilian infrastructure.

Update — October 26, 2026 3:53 AM CST: Saudi carrier Riyadh Air has moved core flight operations 400 kilometres north to Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Al Qassim following severe disruptions at Riyadh King Khalid International Airport. Limited commercial flights to six international destinations will resume from Al Qassim on October 25 using Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The relocation follows missile strikes on Riyadh's primary airport and related security warnings issued by the US Embassy.

Update — October 26, 2026 1:14 AM CST: Saudi air defenses intercepted 10 Houthi missiles targeting Riyadh and Khamis Mushait as Riyadh's airport prepared to resume flights. The strikes caused widespread regional flight cancellations and diversions before partial operations resumed. Falling debris was reported across the Mecca and Medina regions.

Update — October 25, 2026 5:13 PM CST: UAE carriers including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia cancelled multiple scheduled flights to Saudi Arabia on October 25, 2026. The move followed reports of hostile aerial threats and explosions near Riyadh, where King Khalid International Airport prepared to reopen Terminals 1 and 2. Airlines warned that cancellations and schedule adjustments could extend through December 2026.

Update — October 25, 2026 2:12 PM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has designated Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights by national carriers starting October 25, 2026. The airport authority advised travelers with confirmed bookings to check flight statuses directly with their airlines prior to arrival.

Update — October 24, 2026 4:12 PM CST: Indian carrier IndiGo has extended the suspension of flights to four cities in Saudi Arabia due to regional security concerns. Operations to Riyadh are cancelled through October 31, 2026, while services to Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah remain halted through October 27, 2026. The airline is contacting affected passengers directly.

Update — October 24, 2026 4:12 PM CST: Indian carrier IndiGo has extended flight suspensions connecting India with four cities in Saudi Arabia due to security concerns. Flights to and from Riyadh are cancelled through October 31, 2026, while services to Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah are halted through October 27, 2026. The airline confirmed it is contacting affected passengers directly.

Update — October 24, 2026 4:11 PM CST: Commercial air travel across Saudi Arabia faces widespread disruptions following recent missile strikes. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh requires prior civil aviation permission for all flights, while multiple foreign airlines have suspended routes. Several international governments, including the US, UK, Australia, and Germany, have upgraded travel advisories urging citizens to avoid or reconsider travel.

Update — October 24, 2026 12:11 PM CST: Saudi Arabian Airlines announced updated travel waivers and schedule policies on October 22, 2026, amid regional airspace uncertainties. Rebooking fees are waived for the first itinerary change across domestic and international flights through November 30, 2026. Free ticket changes and cancellations were also authorized for flights to and from Riyadh through October 31, 2026.

Update — October 24, 2026 12:10 PM CST: Saudi Arabian Airlines announced updated travel waivers and schedule policies on October 22, 2026, citing regional airspace uncertainties. Rebooking fees are waived for the first itinerary change across domestic and international routes through November 30, 2026. Free cancellations and rebookings under an ATC Dynamic Waiver are also authorized for Riyadh flights through October 31, 2026.

Update — October 24, 2026 12:10 PM CST: Saudia has introduced updated travel waivers and schedule policies amid regional airspace uncertainties. Rebooking fees are waived for the first change on all flights through November 30, 2026, with additional cancellation and rerouting options available for Riyadh flights.

Update — October 24, 2026 12:10 PM CST: Saudi Arabian Airlines has issued updated travel waivers and schedule policies amid regional airspace uncertainties. Rebooking fees are waived for the first itinerary change across domestic and international routes through November 30, 2026. Flights to and from Riyadh qualify for free cancellations and rebookings through October 31, 2026.

Update — October 24, 2026 12:10 PM CST: Saudi Arabian Airlines announced updated travel waivers on October 22, 2026, amid regional airspace uncertainties. Rebooking fees are waived for the first itinerary change across domestic and international flights through November 30, 2026. Free cancellations and rebookings are also authorized for flights to and from Riyadh through October 31, 2026.

Update — October 24, 2026 10:12 AM CST: UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways has announced an extension of its flight suspensions to Riyadh and Dammam until November 5, 2026. The airline also limited its Jeddah operations to daytime flights only, cancelling all night services through the same period. Etihad cited ongoing operational disruptions following an October 10 passenger terminal strike.

Update — October 24, 2026 8:12 AM CST: IndiGo has extended flight cancellations to Saudi Arabia, keeping Riyadh flights suspended through October 31, 2026. Services to Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah remain suspended through October 27, 2026. Commercial operations at Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport remain restricted following previous attacks.

Update — October 24, 2026 6:14 AM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has partially reopened for limited domestic flights requiring prior authorization for each flight. The airport had been shut since October 10 following strikes, with domestic carriers operating a reduced schedule. Major international airlines have extended cancellations through mid-November, and no date has been set for full international resumption.

Update — October 24, 2026 6:13 AM CST: King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh partially resumed operations for limited domestic flights on October 21, 2026, following closures since October 10. Major international airlines have extended cancellations through mid-November, and civil aviation directives require prior authorization for each flight.

Update — October 24, 2026 6:12 AM CST: The US Department of State has ordered non-emergency personnel and eligible family members to leave diplomatic posts in Saudi Arabia due to regional security threats. Official advisories warned travelers of increased flight cancellations and airspace closures following attacks affecting civilian airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Security assessments for other diplomatic missions in the Gulf remain ongoing.

Update — October 24, 2026 5:11 AM CST: flydubai has suspended flight operations from Dubai to Riyadh, Dammam, and Abha through October 29, 2026. The cancellations follow ongoing airport disruptions caused by military and drone activities in Saudi Arabia.

Update — October 24, 2026 12:17 AM CST: International and regional airlines have extended cancellations and route suspensions to Saudi Arabia following security and airport disruptions. Multiple carriers from the UAE, Europe, and Asia have altered services to Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah into November and beyond.

Update — October 23, 2026 8:13 PM CST: The United States has ordered non-emergency personnel and families to leave Saudi Arabia after Houthi strikes hit civilian infrastructure. An attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed two people and temporarily suspended flights, while global oil prices rose above $110 per barrel.

Update — October 23, 2026 9:12 AM CST: Global Affairs Canada has issued an advisory warning citizens to avoid travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Authorities cited recurring drone and missile strikes targeting civilian aviation infrastructure, which have disrupted flight operations.