The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Canada updates travel advisory for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing attacks
Canadians are being warned against travelling to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing attacks on the country’s capital airport.
Canada updates travel advisory for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing attacks
Global Affairs Canada has advised Canadians to avoid all travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam due to continuing military activity and disruptions caused by missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabian airports. The advisory notes that King Khalid International Airport is currently closed and that further attacks could impact Saudi airspace.
The notice highlights that multiple airports have experienced operational disruptions as a result of attacks, with ongoing hostilities raising the risk of expanded impacts. Canadians are urged to prepare contingency plans that do not rely on government assistance for departure.
In addition to specific airports, the advisory recommends avoiding travel to the provinces of Asir, Jazan and Najran, and avoiding all areas within 30 kilometres of the border with Yemen. The warning aligns with heightened security measures amid the Houthis’ offensives.
The advisory also states that office staff in Riyadh have been advised to work from home as a precaution while the conflict continues. The Houthis, also known as Ansarallah, were designated a terrorist entity by Canada in 2024.
Travelers are asked to follow local authorities’ instructions, be prepared to shelter in place, and monitor both local and international situation updates. The advisory notes that filming or sharing images of military installations or damage could lead to penalties under local laws.