Riyadh Airport Partially Reopens as U.S. Orders Some Departures From Saudi Arabia
Following Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, including one that killed a resident in Dammam, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has partially reopened for limited domestic flights, while the U.S. has ordered some diplomats and families to depart Saudi Arabia due…
Philadelphia, PA, October 21, 2026 —
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has partially reopened for limited domestic flights following Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, including an attack in Dammam that killed a resident. At the same time, the United States has ordered some diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia amid escalating fears.
The developments point to continuing disruption and security concerns, but the information provided does not specify when the airport’s limited domestic service resumed, how many flights are operating, or which routes are available. It also does not identify the airports targeted in the attacks beyond referring to attacks on Saudi airports and the fatal incident in Dammam.
The U.S. order applies to some diplomats and family members. The number of people affected, the locations from which they were directed to depart, and the timing of the departures were not provided. The stated reason was escalating fears; further details about the specific concerns were not included.
The available information does not describe the extent of damage at the airports, whether international flights are operating at King Khalid International Airport, or whether additional security or travel measures have been announced. It also does not provide statements from Saudi or U.S. officials.
For now, the reported changes are limited to the airport’s partial reopening for domestic flights and the U.S. departure order for some personnel and families. Further details about the attacks, flight operations and the scope of the U.S. order were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by The Associated Press on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
