Authorities issue urgent travel warning for Aussies heading to Saudi Arabia amid Middle East turmoil

DAILYMAIL.COM • 3h ago

By BURNEY WONG – NEWS REPORTER 07:57 12 Oct 2026, updated 07:57 12 Oct 2026

Aussies travelling through the Middle East have been urged to avoid King Khalid International Airport after two missile attacks rocked the major Saudi Arabian hub in recent days.

Advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website Smartraveller warned travellers against transiting through the airport in Riyadh following the deadly strikes.

‘We now advise do not travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh due to recent security incidents that have disrupted airport operations,’ its advice updated on Monday read.

‘If you choose to travel despite our advice, do not leave for the airport until you have confirmed your flight with your airline or travel provider.

Smartraveller also discouraged travellers from heading to other airports across the country.

‘Reconsider your need to travel to other airports in Saudi Arabia,’ it read.

‘Monitor updates from your airline, follow the advice of local authorities and airport staff, and minimise your time at airports.’

There are no direct flights between Australia and Saudi Arabia, meaning travellers typically transit through other major Middle Eastern hubs.

The first incident involved a ballistic missile strike on Khalid International Airport last Thursday, which killed 13 people and injured more than 300 others.

The airport was targeted again the following day, triggering a massive fire inside the terminal which caused further injuries and major damage.

The attacks followed three earlier strikes last week.

Smartraveller also updated its advice about Saudi Arabia as a whole.

‘We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel overall due to the security situation in Saudi Arabia,’ it read.

‘Military strikes and reprisal attacks are ongoing across Saudi Arabia, including in Riyadh.

‘Since July 13, the Houthis (a military group in Yemen) have renewed attacks against Saudi Arabia, including air strikes targeting Riyadh, regional airports, and energy and civilian infrastructure.

‘The Houthis have also threatened to target Saudi airports and airspace, except for airports in Mecca and Medina.

‘Further security incidents may occur with little or no warning and could disrupt airport operations.’

Australians currently in Saudi Arabia were reminded to remain alert amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

‘Remain vigilant, monitor developments and follow the advice of local authorities,’ Smartraveller added.

‘Avoid military sites and energy infrastructure.

‘If a strike occurs, seek shelter in a substantial building and stay away from windows.

‘Falling debris from intercepted missiles and drones also poses a risk.’

It comes as Smartraveller lowered the warning levels for two other major Middle Eastern hubs.

The advice level for Qatar and the UAE was downgraded to ‘level two: Exercise a high degree of caution’ last week.

Smartraveller warned that travel advice levels may change at short notice and stressed that the situation in the Middle East remains ‘unpredictable’.

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