FAA warns US airlines to exercise caution in Saudi Arabia flights

As Houthis target Saudi Arabia's airports, foreign aviation services and embassies warn airlines and travelers to exercise caution in Saudi Arabia.

The Federal Aviation Administration told US airlines on Sunday to exercise caution when flying to or over Saudi Arabia, citing safety threats tied to ongoing military activity and interference with navigation systems.

The FAA Notice to Airmen, which lasts until December 10, follows Saturday and Sunday strikes at Riyadh's international airport by the Houthis. The attack on Saturday killed 13 people and wounded more than 300.

Another attack on Sunday killed one and injured 11 more people.

"Threats could pose a potential risk to aircraft at all altitudes, including overflight, the arrival, and departure phases of flight," the FAA said, warning of the "potentially hazardous situation."

The notice also applies to operators of airplanes that are registered in the US. Riyadh airport remains closed to flights through at least 5 p.m. EDT Monday.

Embassies in Middle East advise against travel to Saudi airports

US carrier Delta Air Lines is set to begin direct flights from Atlanta to Riyadh on October 23.

Delta did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday, but CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC last week that "safety is going to make the call" about whether the airline will move forward.

In September 2025, FedEx launched its first dedicated flight into Saudi Arabia. The FedEx Boeing 777 freighter operates six times per week, connecting the Americas and Europe to Riyadh, with connections to Guangzhou and Shanghai.

On Monday, the United Kingdom Embassy in Saudi Arabia also advised "against all but essential travel to the cities of Jeddah and Dammam and to all Saudi airports," according to a statement posted on social media.

The US Embassy in Jordan issued a travel advisory on Friday to Americans in the Middle East in light of current hostilities in the region, specifically pointing to the recent Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia's Riyadh airport.

"Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties," the embassy wrote, adding that "the hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly" and that Americans should monitor the situation closely, particularly if they are planning travel to or from the region.

Also on Friday, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency EASA recommended that airlines not operate within additional portions of Saudi airspace after the Houthis attacked Riyadh's airport.