The governments of Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have issued travel warnings to their citizens over security concerns in Saudi Arabia, citing threats to airports and disruptions to air travel.
In a travel advisory on Friday, the Australian Embassy in Saudi Arabia urged its citizens to postpone planned trips to the kingdom, including religious visits.
It also advised Australians already in the country who wished to leave to do so while commercial travel options remained available.
“If you remain in Saudi Arabia, be prepared to shelter in place at short notice and have sufficient food, water and essential supplies.
“Consider private car, train or bus options, including to aviation hubs in the UAE and Qatar,” the statement read.
The embassy advised citizens to consider travelling by private car, train or bus to aviation hubs in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
It also warned Australians against travelling to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following recent security incidents that disrupted operations, urging them to exercise extreme caution when travelling to other airports.
It stated, “The Houthis have threatened to target Saudi airports and airspace. Air travel is significantly disrupted at all major airports, with regular airspace closures, flight cancellations and delays. Australians who choose to fly were advised to reconfirm their flights before leaving for the airport and minimise the time spent there.”
It urged Australians intending to fly to reconfirm their bookings before leaving for the airport and minimise the time spent there, warning that further disruptions could occur with little or no notice.
Similarly, the United States mission in Saudi Arabia urged its citizens to exercise caution when travelling through the kingdom’s airports.
“Operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain suspended through October 17, while airports in Jeddah and Dammam are operating with some delays and cancellations,” it said.
It advised travellers to check their flight status directly with airlines and airports and follow official security alerts.
The mission also warned against filming or sharing images of missile interceptions, drones or impact sites.
In addition, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised British citizens against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia.
“FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia. FCDO continues to advise against all travel within 10km of the border with Yemen,” it said.
It advised British nationals wishing to leave Saudi Arabia to consult its travel guidance for possible alternative routes by land.
Meanwhile, Air India Express suspended flights to and from Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh until Tuesday amid the security situation.
In a statement, the airline said it was monitoring developments and would adjust its operations as necessary.
It added that affected passengers were being offered complimentary rescheduling or full refunds for cancellations.
The airline advised passengers to check their flight status on its official website and ensure their contact details were up to date.
This came days after reports noted that at least 12 persons were killed and more than 300 injured in an attack by Yemen’s Houthi militants on the kingdom’s airport.
The Nigeria government and the Africa Union Commission had earlier condemned the attack carried on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
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