With fighting between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces escalating and spilling over into the Saudi capital, is it still safe for Australians to fly through the Middle East?
What happened
The attacks on Saudi airports, which wounded more than 300 people, were the latest exchanges in the 12-year-long Yemeni civil war between the Houthis and the government of Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has stepped up its military involvement in Yemen in recent weeks, launching strikes against the Houthis and backing a counteroffensive after the group seized strategic territory along the Red Sea coast last month.
The Houthi-run foreign ministry said on Sunday that further Saudi military action in Yemen would trigger a stronger response, adding that its actions would be guided by the principle of reciprocity.
CCTV vision from King Khalid Airport showed hundreds of travellers caught in the blasts that tore through the travel hub.
What flights were cancelled?
All flights to and from Riyadh have been suspended or diverted and the Australian government, through the Smartraveller website, advised Australians "not travel to King Khalid International airport in Riyadh".
Flights to Riyadh have been cancelled or diverted in the wake of attacks. (Supplied: Flightradar24)
"Military conflict in the region, including in Saudi Arabia, may result in widespread movement restrictions, airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions," it said.
The government also warned against travel to the country's southern provinces and any area "within 30km of the border with Yemen".
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said on X: "DFAT is monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely.
"We continue to advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Saudi Arabia," Ms Wong said.
"Australia condemns the Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, including those on Riyadh airport which have stolen the lives of so many innocent people.
"Houthi attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must cease."
Marek Bekier, lecturer of air traffic management at the University of New South Wales School of Aviation, said Riyadh wasn't a travel hub for Australian's to the same extent, but was still an important regional airport.
"Disruption there therefore has a more limited direct effect on Australian transit passengers," Dr Bekier said.
Is it safe to fly through the Middle East?
Dr Bekier said the answer wasn't a simple "yes or no".
"Safe operations remain possible on appropriately assessed routes, although current aviation advisories recommend avoiding some areas," Dr Bekier said.
"These assessments need to change as the situation develops — an open airspace alone is not a guarantee of safety."
The Middle East is a vital travel hub for Australians flying to Europe and since the beginning of the US–Iran war in February, airlines have had to adjust to the closing of Iran's airspace.
Many flights now go around the region through Central Asia and the Caucus countries, or over the Gulf States and Northern Saudi Arabia, accord to tracking by Flight Radar.
Qantas's direct flight between Perth and London now includes a refuelling stop in Singapore, allowing the airline to avoid flying near the conflict zone.
Flight routes either go around Iran through Central Asia and the Caucuses or over Saudi Arabia's far north. (Supplied: Flightradar24)
Will this affect the Australia–Europe route?
The hubs for Emirates (Dubai), Etihad (Abu Dhabi) and Qatar (Doha) airlines have so far not been affected by the recent fighting, but the Australian government advises travellers "exercise a high degree of caution" in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
"Military strikes and reprisal attacks have occurred across parts of the Middle East region in recent days," it said.
"UAE airspace may open or close at short notice, impacting flights at Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Airports."
Dr Bekier said the strikes in Saudi Arabia could still affect Australians travelling to Europe in the region, even if they connect through the UAE or Qatar.
"Flights avoiding affected airspace may take longer, and schedule changes can lead to delays or missed connections," he said.
Smartraveller warns to avoid non-essential travel, including transit to countries rated at level 3 (reconsider your need to travel).
These countries are:
- Bahrain
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
Smart Traveller says to avoid all travel to countries at level 4 (do not travel).
These are:
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Palestine
- Syria
- Yemen