Ottawa cautions Canadians against travel to Saudi Arabia after airports targeted

Ottawa cautions against travel to Saudi Arabia
Ottawa cautions against travel to Saudi Arabia
This image from CCTV video released by Saudi Arabia's Media Ministry shows passengers taking cover as flames and smoke fill part of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during what authorities described as a strike at the airport on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. (Saudi Media Ministry via AP)
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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 Houthi missile strike.

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.

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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2026.

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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