Australians have been warned to not travel to Saudi Arabia after three deadly missile attacks at their international airport that killed 12 people and injured hundreds of others.
Missile attacks were launched at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in an offensive against the Houthi rebels in nearby Yemen.
At least 12 people have been killed in the blasts, with more than 300 others injured.
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and a shelter-in-place order was enforced for those in Saudi Arabia that has since been lifted.
Smartraveller has since told Australians to “do not travel” to the King Khalid International Airport, while a “reconsider your travel” warning is in place for the Middle Eastern country.
Those already in Saudi Arabia have to been told to “consider leaving if it’s safe to do so”.
“Military conflict in the region, including in Saudi Arabia, may result in widespread movement restrictions, airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions,” the travel update read.
“Check information about airport and airline operations before you travel. Before travelling by air, land or sea, check the status of border crossings and transport routes, as they can change or close without warning.”
Smartraveller warned that those who do travel should not depart for King Khalid International Airport “until you have reconfirmed your flight with your airline or travel provider”.
“Minimise your time at the airport and follow the advice of local authorities,” it said.
Earlier, the travel authority said those heading to the region despite advice should “ensure you understand the risks”.
“Travel insurance may not cover you. Our ability to provide consular assistance may be limited,” it said.
Smartraveller has advised travellers to void flying to the Asir, Jazan and Najran provinces in southern Saudi Arabia “due to the deteriorating security situation and the risk of military strikes”.
It encouraged Australians in the region to “remain vigilant, prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice. Avoid military bases and energy infrastructure”.
“If strikes occur, move to an enclosed shelter. If these are not available, seek an inner room without windows,” it said.
Following the missile attacks, Australian ambassador for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Miles Armitage, said the past few days had been “very challenging”.
“The attacks on Riyahd’s King Khalid International Airport mark a significant escalation in the current situation and underscore the need for continued vigilance,” he said on Sunday.
“The Australian government now advises do not travel to King Khalid Internatioal Airport in Riyahd, while the overall travel advice for Saudi Arabia remains reconsider your need to travel.”
He encouraged Australians in the region to “prioritise your safety” and “remain alert” as the conflicts continue.
“If you need to travel through another airport, please check your flight status directly with your airline or travel provider and minimise the time you spend at the airport,” he said.
“Please also be aware that falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles are a risk, and that can take place anywhere in the city.”
Those in the region have also been warned against taking images or footage of the military occupation or movements.
“The situation is changing very quickly,” Mr Armitage said.