The Saudi Arabia airport attacks have made Middle East travel more unpredictable. Here's what to know.
The Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia have disrupted flights and travel. Riyadh's airport remains closed, and Delta Air Lines postponed a route launch.
Riyadh International Airport, one of the busiest in the Middle East, has been shut down for over a week following missile strikes. The United States has advised its citizens to reconsider traveling to Saudi Arabia, while Delta Air Lines has suspended its new Atlanta-to-Riyadh service. Flights to and from Riyadh have been halted, though the airport is scheduled to reopen by Sunday, though confirmation is pending.
The Houthi group, an Iran-backed Yemeni militant force, is responsible for these attacks, as they are currently in control of territories near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial sea lane between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Saudi Arabia has been supporting Yemen's recognized government in their ongoing civil war, which began in 2014.
Despite ongoing flights over eastern Saudi Arabia, including to hubs in Qatar and Dubai, the US State Department has warned of the heightened risks of missile and drone attacks, armed conflict, and terrorism. The UK Foreign Office has also issued a similar warning regarding heightened threats to airports and infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha.
Delta Air Lines has postponed the launch of its new Atlanta-to-Riyadh route, initially set to commence on October 23, until March 2027. The FAA has also cautioned US airlines about potential risks during overflights, takeoffs, and landings in Saudi Arabia, warning of latent hazards from unannounced missile launches. Aviation-risk company Osprey Flight Solutions predicts further attacks on Saudi aviation and energy infrastructure are likely in the near future.
If your flight is canceled, first check your airline's app or website before arriving at the airport, as cancellations may be automatically rebooked. Delta has waived change fees for affected passengers traveling to, from, or through Riyadh between October 23 and March 26, allowing them to modify their itinerary without penalty until May 31, 2027.
Other airlines may offer similar waivers, but terms may vary. It is advisable to pack essential items for an unexpected overnight stay, such as medication, phone charger and power bank, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Additionally, avoid tight self-booked connections to minimize disruption.
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