NEW YORK, October 26, 2026 – The atmosphere became ominous as passengers waited at the departure lounges of the King Khalid International Airport with cancellations and intermittent news being displayed on the travel boards. Thousands of expatriates and diplomatic staff serving in the country have had their fears of impending doom confirmed by the sudden increase in hostility in the region.
The United States Department of State ordered its non-emergency personnel and their families serving in Saudi Arabia to depart from the country immediately as per its latest announcement. This order is effective from October 23 after a series of attacks carried out by Iran-backed Houthis.
The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia stated that hostilities by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels include attacks on airports serving civilians and other important structures, resulting in loss of life and significant disruption to travel. They issued a warning about how quickly the situation could deteriorate beyond that location. Under strict new internal guidelines, U.S. Government personnel need specific clearance from the Chief of Mission to utilize an airport in Saudi Arabia.
For travelers caught in the crossfire, navigating regional transit has become a logistical puzzle.
The King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh announced the resumption of some of its operations, which include internal flights and selected international flag-carrier flights. However, certain internal flights that were supposed to depart from Riyadh airport were diverted to Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim. Meanwhile, other big airports such as the King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Fahd International Airport continued their operations despite flight delays and cancellations.
The embassy’s guidance was direct.
US nationals residing in or transiting through Saudi Arabia were advised to take utmost care while visiting transportation facilities and to confirm departure status through airlines. It was also made clear to US nationals that foreign visitors and residents will still be governed by the laws of Saudi Arabia and that making recordings at missile defense or drone operation impact zones could result in criminal liabilities.
Can commercial aviation hold up under the pressure of ongoing regional hostilities?
It’s hard to say if flight schedules will stabilize anytime soon, especially as regional tensions show little sign of abating. Yet, with non-essential personnel making their exit, the message from diplomats seems clear: carry your travel documents, steer clear from the border regions, and expect difficulties ahead.
