Australia and New Zealand warn against travel through Riyadh airport

Australia and New Zealand updated their Saudi Arabia travel advice on October 12, 2026, urging citizens not to travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh after security incidents disrupted its operations.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also advises travellers to reconsider visits to other Saudi airports. It says anyone travelling despite the warning should confirm their flight with the airline or travel provider before leaving for the airport.

The Australian advisory retains a broader recommendation to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia. Its stronger warning against travel also applies to Asir, Jazan and Najran provinces and areas within 30 kilometres of the Yemeni border.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia overall. It warns that flight disruptions and airspace closures may occur at short notice and asks affected travellers to contact their airline and insurer.

Al Jazeera reported the updated warnings after attacks on Saudi airports. The official advisories stress that conditions and travel recommendations may change quickly.

Al Jazeera, citing Flightradar24, reported more than 150 cancellations and 374 delays at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport on October 11. Those figures describe Sunday’s disruption, rather than the airport’s current flight schedule.