Canadians cautioned against travel to Saudi Arabia after attacks on airports

The Canadian Press

· Posted: Oct 15, 2026 1:00 PM EDT | Last Updated: 40 minutes ago

Global Affairs Canada has issued an advisory cautioning against travel to Saudi Arabia and specific airports that have been targeted during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The advisory, issued by Canada's embassy in the kingdom, notes the airports in Riyadh and Dammam have been targeted in recent days and the Riyadh airport remains closed.

Saudi authorities have attributed the Oct. 10 attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport to a missile strike by the Houthis, the Iran-backed militant group that controls many of Yemen's population centres and most of its Red Sea coast.

The advisory encourages Canadians in the region to book travel through neighbouring countries like Bahrain and Qatar and offers information on ground transport options to those locations.

• Saudis say Riyadh airport struck for 2nd day in a row

• Saudi-led coalition vows retaliation after deadly Houthi attack

• 3 people killed in Houthi attack on main airport in Riyadh, Saudi officials say

The advisory says Canadians with expiring visitor visas should arrange to leave Saudi Arabia as soon as possible and warns the embassy will not be able to help with visa extensions or fines for overstaying.

It says travellers should keep a close eye on their flight status because flights can be disrupted by attacks with little or no warning.