US Mission: Riyadh airport partially reopened; Jeddah and Dammam operating with delays and cancellations

King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh has partially reopened, while airports in Jeddah and Dammam are operating with some delays and cancellations, according to a security alert issued by the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia on 28 October 2026. The alert also states that, effective 23 October 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave the country.

The Mission says RUH announced a partial reopening as of 23 October, with some domestic flights and some international flights by the national carrier running, and that a limited number of RUH-based flights are operating out of Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) in Qassim. King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (JED) and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam (DMM) are described as operational with some delays and cancellations.

The alert advises travellers to check their flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport, and notes that private car, train and bus options may provide alternatives to air travel to or from Saudi Arabia. This matters to anyone with a booking to, from or via the three airports, including passengers connecting from Europe.

The alert does not list which flights are operating or cancelled, and the situation may change at short notice. Which individual flights are affected, and whether any passenger rights or compensation apply, is not established by this notice; travellers should confirm their flight with the airline before going to the airport.