The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Canada advises no travel to major Saudi Arabia airports amid ongoing attacks
Canadians are being warned against travelling to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing attacks on the country’s capital airport.
Canadian travelers are being urged to avoid Saudi Arabia while attacks continue around the capital region. Global Affairs Canada issued a travel advisory advising against all travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam due to ongoing military activity.
The advisory notes that missile and drone attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia have affected operations and caused flight disruptions at several airports. It also states that King Khalid International Airport is currently closed and warns that further attacks could impact Saudi airspace.
The notice suggests preparing contingency plans that do not rely on Canadian government assistance for departure. It also urges travelers to follow local authorities’ instructions, be ready to shelter in place, and monitor local and international developments.
The advisory references Houthi militants, also known as Ansarallah, and notes they were designated a terrorist entity by Canada in 2024. It mentions safety precautions for office staff in Riyadh and emphasizes the potential penalties for filming or sharing images of military installations or activity under local laws and regulations.
Both the Canadian advisory and a U.S. security alert highlight ongoing hostilities involving Iranian-supported factions and warn that the situation could escalate beyond the immediate area, affecting travel and aviation operations.