Germany has expanded its existing security guidance into a nationwide travel warning for Saudi Arabia following repeated attacks on airports, including Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. At least 12 people were killed and more than 300 injured in one strike. Berlin is advising against all travel to the kingdom and warning travellers not to use Riyadh airport, where operations have been suspended. Lufthansa has halted flights to the capital through 16 October.
The Foreign Office cited escalating fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-aligned Houthi forces, with airports in Riyadh and Dammam among the sites targeted. It warned that further attacks and disruption to air traffic remained possible, while Saudi authorities urged travellers to avoid airport areas and check conditions before departure.
The closure prompted cancellations and suspensions by several carriers, including Kuwait Airways, which cancelled flights to and from Riyadh. Other airlines had already suspended services following earlier attacks. The airport was expected to remain closed at least until Saturday night, although the reopening timetable remained uncertain.
Tour operator Dertour cancelled Saudi Arabia holidays through the end of October, offering affected customers the option to rebook or seek refunds. A travel warning does not constitute a legal travel ban, but it can support cost-free cancellation of package holidays in cases of exceptional circumstances. It does not automatically give passengers with individually booked tickets the right to cancel without charge; where an airline cancels a flight because of an airport closure, a refund is generally due.