Smartraveller warning for Aussies travelling to Middle East after King Khalid International Airport attacks
The Australian Government has issued an urgent warning to travellers after deadly missile strikes rocked a major international airport.
Australians are being warned not to travel through a major Middle Eastern transport hub following consecutive missile strike attacks on Saturday and Sunday.
Despite Smartraveller lowering their travel warning levels for the Qatar and the UAE on Friday, an escalation in conflict tensions has now seen the government reconsider their advice for other regions in the Middle East.
Two missile attacks on King Khalid International Airport Riyadh in Saudi Arabia were undertaken by Houthi rebels over the weekend, killing 13 people and injuring hundreds more.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The destruction has caused Smartraveller to issue a stern warning, telling Australians “do not travel” to the airport.
“We now advise do not travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh due to recent security incidents that have disrupted airport operations,” Monday’s statement read.
“If you choose to travel despite our advice, do not leave for the airport until you have confirmed your flight with your airline or travel provider,” the warning from Smartraveller continued.
“Reconsider your need to travel to other airports in Saudi Arabia.
“Monitor updates from your airline, follow the advice of local authorities and airport staff, and minimise your time at airports.
“We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel overall due to the security situation in Saudi Arabia.”
While there are no direct flights from Australia to Saudi Arabia, the Islamic holy site of Mecca attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world to the country every year.
Yemen’s Houthis have warned airlines and passengers of their plans to continue using airport attacks to send a message to the Saudi Arabian government.
“We renew our warning to all airlines, experts, employees, workers and travellers against using Saudi airports and airspace, as they are vulnerable to attack and have become a theatre of operations for our forces, with the exception of the airports in (the holy cities of) Mecca and Medina,” the Houthis said in a post on X on Sunday.
“We urge everyone to take our warnings seriously, and Saudi Arabia bears responsibility for any failed interceptions.”
The airport strikes have become the deadliest attacks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
