Saudi Arabia travel warning: Australians urged to postpone trips as military tensions boil over, airport targeted

Australians have been warned not to travel to Saudi Arabia as civilian infrastructure is targeted in a sharp escalation in Middle East tensions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website on Friday raised the threat level for the Middle Eastern kingdom to “do not travel” due to the country’s volatile security situation.

“You should postpone any planned travel to Saudi Arabia, including travel for religious purposes,” it said.

Conflict between Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis and Saudi-backed forces has amplified during October with a major offensive on the kingdom’s airports and energy infrastructure, significantly disrupting air travel.

The Houthi militia has warned it views Saudi Arabia’s airports and airspace as “legitimate targets” - with the exception of Mecca and Medina, which are sites sacred to Muslims.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has been the target of more than 20 Houthi rebel strikes during October, killing 19 and injuring 364, according to a spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition.

The airport has been shut since the deadliest attack in the kingdom in more than a decade occurred on October 10, killing 13 people and wounding more than 300, Reuters reported.

A Notice to Airmen issued on Monday showed King Khalid International Airport will stay closed until Sunday morning Australian time.

DFAT has advised against travelling to the capital’s airport and to take extreme caution journeying to any other airports.

Travellers are advised to minimise time in Saudi airports and not to leave for the airport until flights have been reconfirmed with the airline or travel provider.

“If it is safe to do so, you should consider using private car, train and bus options as alternatives to air travel, including to aviation hubs in the UAE and Qatar,” the Smartraveller notice said.

The Australian government urged citizens staying in Saudi Arabia to stockpile essential supplies such as food and water and prepare to shelter in place at short notice.

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

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