State Department Orders Non-Emergency Personnel to Exit Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Department of State issued a security alert on Wednesday ordering non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families to depart Saudi Arabia. The directive became effective on October 23, 2026, citing safety risks associated with ongoing hostilities involving Yemen’s Houthi movement. The embassy in Riyadh confirmed the order through a public statement on X, detailing the specific threats facing personnel in the region.

The statement attributed the security concerns to Iranian-supported Houthis who have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia. These actions include attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure. The embassy noted that these strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. Officials indicated that the current hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond the immediate area of initial conflict.

U.S. government employees currently working in Saudi Arabia must obtain special authorization from the Chief of Mission to use any airport in the country. This requirement follows recent missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports. The embassy urged U.S. citizens flying in or out of the country to exercise extreme caution due to the volatile environment. Travelers were advised to monitor flight status directly with airlines and airports.

Airline operations across the Kingdom have been affected by the recent strikes. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh announced a partial reopening on October 23 for domestic flights and some international flights operated by national carriers. A limited number of flights normally based in Riyadh are now operating out of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Qassim. These changes reflect the ongoing adjustments to airspace and ground operations.

Operations at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam remain active. However, both locations are experiencing some delays and cancellations. The embassy warned that U.S. citizens should be aware of potential attacks on airports, airspace closures, and flight cancellations. These disruptions could impact travel plans for both government staff and private citizens.

The security alert specifically highlighted the risk of missile and UAV attacks on aviation infrastructure. The embassy recommended that travelers check their flight departure status directly with the airline and the airport before traveling. This guidance aims to provide up-to-date information in a rapidly changing situation. The order for non-emergency staff to leave remains in effect until further notice from the State Department.