Houthi Airport Attacks Force Riyadh Closures and US Evacuations
Houthi forces launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports, forcing the partial closure of Riyadh's main hub and prompting US government evacuations.
Iran-backed Houthi forces launched a series of missile and UAV attacks against Saudi civilian airports and critical infrastructure, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant travel disruptions. An October 10 strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people, while a subsequent attack at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed two others. These hostilities forced the Government of Saudi Arabia to shutter the main airport in Riyadh, though it has since partially reopened for domestic and select international flights.
The security crisis disrupted international business models in the capital. While many companies transitioned to remote work, some Saudi entities continued to demand in-person attendance from foreign consultants. This led some professionals to cancel trips while others utilized alternative routes through Oman or Doha to maintain a competitive advantage.
In response to the escalating violence, the United States Department of State ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia on October 23. On November 3, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued a security alert warning American citizens of potential airspace closures and flight disruptions. Current restrictions require US government employees to obtain special authorization from the Chief of Mission to use any airport, although facilities in Jeddah and Dammam remain operational.
