Portugal is advising against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia following repeated attacks on airports which have killed civilians, injured hundreds and caused widespread disruption to flights.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) has updated its travel advice for the kingdom, urging Portuguese nationals to avoid unnecessary journeys and closely follow instructions from local authorities.
The warning comes after repeated attacks originating from Yemen targeted Saudi airport infrastructure, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.
At least 18 people have been killed and more than 300 injured in a series of attacks on Riyadh airport in recent days, according to Reuters, amid a sharp escalation in fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
The violence has severely disrupted air travel, with flights cancelled or postponed and security concerns affecting airports across the country.
In its advice published through the Portal das Comunidades Portuguesas, the Portuguese Foreign Ministry says overland travel could be considered as an alternative way of entering or leaving Saudi Arabia, depending on individual circumstances and provided security conditions allow.
Portuguese nationals already in the country are being urged to remain vigilant and monitor information issued by Saudi authorities.
Portugal’s Embassy in Riyadh can be contacted in an emergency on +966 54 756 6139, while the Foreign Ministry’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Office is available on +351 217 929 714 and +351 961 706 472.
The embassy also operates a WhatsApp group providing real-time updates to Portuguese citizens, with access available on request.
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.