Security Alerts issued in Saudi Arabia

I came across this today and thought it was worth sharing straight away, especially if you’ve got a flight booked through Saudi Arabia anytime soon, or family travelling that way for Umrah or business.

Both the US Mission and the UK Embassy in Saudi Arabia have put out fresh security alerts this week, warning their citizens about Houthi attacks on airports and the risk of sudden flight disruptions. If you’ve been following the news coming out of the region lately, including the recent attacks on Saudi airports, this isn’t coming out of nowhere.

It matters here in Kuwait too. We share borders, airspace, and plenty of flight routes with Saudi Arabia, so anything that disrupts travel there tends to ripple into our own travel plans.

What exactly did the alerts say?

The US Mission’s statement said the Houthis have carried out hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks that targeted civilian airports, and warned that the military conflict could escalate further. It’s a blunt warning, not a vague one.

Americans were told to check directly with airlines and airports for the latest flight information rather than assume schedules will run as normal. They were also told to stay away from areas near the Yemeni border and to follow any alerts issued by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence.

On the restrictions side, the alert said US government employees cannot travel within 20 miles, about 32 kilometres, of the Yemeni border without authorisation. Travel to Jizan, Asir and Najran provinces, and to the cities of Qatif, Yanbu and Taif, also needs special approval.

The UK Embassy’s advisory, issued the day before, said Saudi Arabia continues to face missile and drone attacks aimed at cities, airports, military installations and energy infrastructure. British nationals were told to follow instructions from Saudi authorities and to sign up for official UK government travel alerts.

So who does this actually affect?

If you’re a US or UK citizen living in or travelling to Saudi Arabia, this is directly aimed at you. But the bigger picture matters for anyone in Kuwait who flies through Saudi airspace, has relatives there, or is planning Umrah or Hajj-season travel in the months ahead.

This comes on the back of a string of incidents. The Houthis have already claimed attacks on airports and military facilities in Saudi Arabia in recent days, and there was a drone strike reported near a power station close to Madinah’s Grand Mosque not long ago, covered in our report on the Madinah power station attack. Saudi Arabia has also been building up regional defence support, including the Turkey and Pakistan troop deployment agreement announced earlier this month.

For Kuwait residents, none of this means panic. It does mean paying attention if you’ve got travel plans through Saudi airports, or family there, especially near the southern provinces mentioned in the alerts.

What you should actually do

1. If you have a flight booked through Saudi Arabia, check directly with your airline closer to the date rather than relying on the booking confirmation.
2. Avoid non-essential travel near the Yemeni border and the provinces named in the alerts if you can help it.
3. Keep an eye on official Saudi Civil Defence updates if you’re already in the Kingdom.
4. If you’re a US or UK citizen, register for your government’s travel alerts so you get updates directly.

It is recommended to avoid unnecessary travel towards KSA.

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