Australia bans travel to Saudi Arabia after Houthi airport strikes
The government raised travel advice to "do not travel" after Houthi attacks killed at least 13 people at Riyadh airport.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade upgraded its warning for Saudi Arabia to the highest level on Friday, telling Australians to postpone all travel after weekend strikes on King Khalid International Airport.
A Houthi attack on Saturday killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300; another strike on Monday killed one person and injured 11 others. The Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed responsibility for both attacks, saying worse was yet to come.
The government warned that "do not travel" also means "do not transit" through Saudi airports, and told Australians already in the country to leave while commercial flights operate. Those who stay must be ready to shelter in place at short notice with food and water supplies.
Qatar and the UAE remain at Level 2 (exercise caution) due to ongoing regional tension, though their airports still function as major transit hubs.
- At least 13 killed, more than 300 wounded
- Saturday death toll
- King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh
- Airport targeted
- Iran-aligned Houthi movement
- Attacker group
- Monday: 1 killed, 11 injured
- Second strike
Why it mattersAustralians planning travel to Saudi Arabia or transiting through its airports face flight cancellations and safety risks as military strikes continue across the region.
AustraliaAustralians heading to the Middle East for work, religion, or leisure must now find alternative routes, likely adding cost and delays. Those already there face evacuation pressure as commercial options narrow.
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