US orders non-emergency staff to leave Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks on airports
The United States has ordered non-emergency government employees and their family members to leave Saudi Arabia following attacks by Iranian-supported Houthi forces on civilian airports and critical infrastructure. The departure order took effect on October 23, 2026, according to a security alert issued by the US Mission in Saudi Arabia, which warned that the hostilities […]
On October 23, 2026, the United States ordered non-emergency government personnel and their families to depart Saudi Arabia due to Houthi attacks on civilian airports and critical infrastructure. The US Mission in Saudi Arabia warned that hostilities could escalate and disrupt air travel. The State Department highlighted rising safety risks, including civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.
The directive applies solely to non-emergency US government employees and their families, not all American citizens in or visiting Saudi Arabia. American citizens were advised about possible further missile and UAV attacks targeting airports, airspace closures, flight cancellations, and other travel disruptions. Travellers were urged to verify departure status with airlines and airport authorities.
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh partially reopened for domestic flights and some international services, while King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Jeddah remained operational, albeit with delays and cancellations. The US Mission recommended considering alternative transportation options like private vehicles, trains, and buses.
Saudi Arabia Railways, SAT Transportation, and SAPTCO were suggested as transport providers. Land border crossings, including the King Fahd Causeway connecting Saudi Arabia with Bahrain, and highways and roads around major cities were operational. Neighboring countries' international airports were also reported to be functioning.
The US Embassy cautioned American citizens about restrictions on recording and sharing information about missile and drone interceptions, which can result in legal liability. American government personnel required special authorization to use airports and avoid traveling within 20 miles of the Yemen border and specific cities. The US State Department classified Saudi Arabia at Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider travel due to security risks, including armed conflict and potential missile and drone attacks.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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