US employees 'need' special authorisation to use Saudi airports

US government employees operating in Saudi Arabia are obligated to obtain special authorization from the Chief of Mission before utilizing any airport within the country, following recent Houthi missile and drone assaults. The United States embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued a security alert, advising US citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to alerts released by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence through cellular broadcast.

The embassy warns of possible attacks on airports, airspace restrictions, flight cancellations, and other travel complications. It strongly advises US citizens to proceed with "extreme caution" when utilizing Saudi airports and to monitor flight statuses directly with airlines. Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation has extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh until October 17.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam are currently operational, albeit with occasional delays and cancellations. US citizens are urged to be aware of potential security threats at airports, airspace shutdowns, flight disruptions, and other travel disturbances. It is recommended that they exercise extreme caution when using airports in Saudi Arabia, and to verify their flight departure status directly with the airline and the airport in question. Additional information is available at https://t.co/40vTFgJuRu.