Canadian Global Affairs Upgrades Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia

Following deadly attacks on the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Global Affairs updated its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia. While the country as a whole remains at orange/avoid non-essential travel, there are regional red/avoid all travel advisories. These “no-go” zones now include the Saudi capital’s airport. The travel advice page for the country states Canadians should “avoid all travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh due to ongoing military activity, which is disrupting airport operations.” 

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The airport is currently closed after two attacks this weekend. On Saturday a missile attack killed more than a dozen people and injured hundreds, followed Sunday by a projectile hit on the same passenger terminal. 

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) extended the suspension of operations at King Khalid on Monday as safety inspections continue at the airport. A “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) currently keeps King Khalid International Airport closed until midnight local time on Oct. 17, although that could be extended again if authorities deem it warranted. 

International aviation organizations such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have issued warnings to its members about the safety of flying to the airport, the second busiest in Saudi Arabia, after Jeddah. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement of condolence on social media, condemning the “reckless acts of violence in the strongest possible terms. “

 

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