'Shelter in place' warning as Australians told not to travel to Middle East hub
News Source
β’Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:07:35 +0000
π° What Happened
The Australian government has told people not to travel to Saudi Arabia and to avoid Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. Smartraveller raised the warning after Houthi strikes on the airport. The advice can change at short notice.
A strike on Saturday killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, said they were responsible. It was the deadliest attack in the kingdom in more than a decade. Another strike on Monday killed one person and hurt 11.
π The Backstory
The Houthis control northwestern Yemen and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition for years. The conflict has largely been a stalemate, but the group's long-range attacks have improved.
Saudi Arabia has tried to look like a safe place for business and tourism. Attacks on its main airport work against that image. Australians there have been told to leave while commercial flights still run, and to shelter in place if they cannot.
π― Why It Matters
Australians with plans to visit, work or transit through Saudi Arabia should check the advice and change their travel plans before they fly.
The Australian government has told people not to travel to Saudi Arabia and to avoid Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. Smartraveller raised the warning after Houthi strikes on the airport. The advice can change at short notice.
A strike on Saturday killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, said they were responsible. It was the deadliest attack in the kingdom in more than a decade. Another strike on Monday killed one person and hurt 11.
The Houthis control northwestern Yemen and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition for years. The conflict has largely been a stalemate, but the group's long-range attacks have improved.
Saudi Arabia has tried to look like a safe place for business and tourism. Attacks on its main airport work against that image. Australians there have been told to leave while commercial flights still run, and to shelter in place if they cannot.
Australians with plans to visit, work or transit through Saudi Arabia should check the advice and change their travel plans before they fly.