Australians planning to visit Saudi Arabia are being urged to reconsider their travel plans following a series of military attacks across the kingdom, including deadly strikes on Riyadh’s main international airport.
The Australian Government’s Smartraveller advisory maintains a “Reconsider your need to travel” warning for Saudi Arabia overall, citing an unpredictable security situation and escalating regional tensions.
The warning comes amid renewed attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, with airports, civilian infrastructure and other strategic locations coming under fire.
Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been hit in a series of attacks, with the latest reports indicating that a passenger terminal was struck again on October 11, following a deadly attack the previous day.
Saudi authorities reported that Saturday’s attack killed 12 people and injured 309 others. A further victim subsequently died from their injuries, according to reports from the Associated Press.
Another Saudi airport in Dammam has also reportedly come under attack, although details remain limited.
The attacks represent a serious escalation in the threat facing travellers and highlight the potential for further disruption to international aviation across the region.
Smartraveller warns that military strikes and retaliatory attacks have occurred across Saudi Arabia, including in Riyadh, Jeddah and the kingdom’s southern provinces.
Australians are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert to rapidly changing conditions.
The Australian Government has issued stronger warnings for specific areas, advising Australians not to travel to the southern provinces of Asir, Jazan and Najran, as well as areas within 30 kilometres of the border with Yemen.
The advisory warns that further attacks are possible and that regional conflict could trigger airspace closures, flight cancellations, diversions and restrictions on movement with little notice.
Travellers should check directly with their airline and travel provider before departure, monitor official announcements and confirm that airports and transport routes are operating as planned.
Smartraveller also urges Australians already in Saudi Arabia to follow instructions from local authorities, avoid military bases and energy infrastructure, and seek shelter inside a building if strikes occur.
The government also warns that travel insurance may not cover disruptions or incidents arising from armed conflict, while Australia’s ability to provide consular assistance could be limited.
Australians travelling despite the advisory are urged to keep their plans flexible, maintain contact with family and friends, and regularly check Smartraveller for updates.
