Following a recent deadly attack on Riyadh’s international airport, authorities and travel companies worldwide have issued warnings and suspended services related to travel in Saudi Arabia. On October 10, an assault targeting the airport in the Saudi capital resulted in at least 12 fatalities and over 300 injuries, prompting the closure of the facility until the evening of October 17.
The attack and ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen have led to significant disruptions in air travel. International carriers halted flights to Riyadh during the closure, and hundreds of scheduled flights to other Saudi cities were cancelled, according to regional reports. In response, numerous tour operators have suspended or cancelled trips to the kingdom.
Adventure travel company Intrepid highlighted the increasingly unstable security environment, citing the intensified conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces as a primary concern. Several European tour groups, including Germany’s Dertour and Gebeco, have ceased departures to Saudi Arabia, with Gebeco cancelling trips for the remainder of 2026. The U.S.-based operator Colette has suspended tours to the wider West Asian region until 2027. Some operators had already paused departures following earlier escalations in March.
Western governments have updated travel guidance for their citizens. The U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to Saudi Arabia due to threats of drone and missile attacks, though it notes commercial flights continue to operate with intermittent disruptions. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office recommends against all but essential travel to Saudi airports other than Medina, citing heightened security risks.
Saudi Arabia expanded its tourism sector in 2019 by introducing tourist visas beyond business, family, or religious purposes, resulting in increased international travel and interest in the kingdom. Despite recent instability, some travel groups anticipate that demand will recover once the current tensions subside.
The next Muslim pilgrimage, or haj, is scheduled for May 2027. Pilgrims generally arrive via Jeddah’s airport before proceeding by ground transportation to Mecca, which lacks a major airport. Pilgrimage travel is tightly regulated through Saudi Arabia’s state platform, Nusuk. Operators advise pilgrims against hastily cancelling trips due to security concerns but recommend close monitoring of official updates and seeking guidance if necessary.
From a legal standpoint, government travel warnings do not constitute formal travel bans. European Union regulations allow travelers to cancel package tours without penalty should a travel warning indicate serious risk close to the departure date—usually within three to four weeks. However, cancellations of flights booked directly with airlines may not be eligible for free refunds unless the airline cancels the service or the airport closure prevents travel. In such cases, passengers may rely on airline policies for rebooking or refunds.
The evolving security situation in Saudi Arabia continues to impact international air traffic and travel industry operations, with authorities and companies urging caution amid the ongoing regional conflict.