Canada, UK and US issue travel warnings as Abha flight disruptions continue.
Dubai: Passengers faced a second consecutive day of flight cancellations at Abha International Airport on Wednesday, as Canada, the UK and US issued travel advisories for parts of Saudi Arabia.
At least 11 flights departing from Abha were cancelled on Wednesday, including services to Dubai and Sharjah, after a Houthi missile and drone attack targeted the airport earlier this week.
The latest cancellations impacted four flights to Riyadh, four to Jeddah, two to Dubai and one to Sharjah. Saudia accounted for six of the affected services, while flyadeal cancelled two flights to Jeddah.
Flydubai flights FZ815 and FZ811 from Abha to Dubai, scheduled to depart at 12.15pm and 5.55pm respectively, were among the cancelled services. Air Arabia’s G9195 flight to Sharjah, scheduled for 2.25pm, was also cancelled.
The disruption came a day after at least 10 departures from Abha were cancelled on Tuesday, affecting routes to Dubai, Sharjah, Riyadh and Jeddah.
Canada issues Abha airport travel warning
Canada updated its Saudi Arabia travel advisory on July 14, advising travellers to exercise a high level of caution across the kingdom due to heightened regional security concerns.
The revised advisory also recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Abha International Airport in Asir Province, citing the risk of potential missile and drone attacks.
Canadian authorities have also advised against all travel to areas within 30 kilometres of the Yemen border, while recommending avoiding non-essential travel to locations between 30 and 80 kilometres from the border.
The advisory further urges travellers to avoid non-essential trips to Al Qatif Governorate in the Eastern Province and areas near government-designated restricted zones close to the Iraqi border, including Hafr Al Batin and Khafji.
Canada said missiles, drones and other projectiles have targeted locations in Saudi Arabia, warning that any renewed military activity could lead to further disruptions, including flight cancellations at short notice.
The government has advised Canadians to ensure their travel documents are up to date, follow guidance from local authorities and maintain evacuation plans that do not rely on government assistance.
Travellers were also cautioned that taking photographs or sharing images of military operations, security facilities or damage caused by attacks could lead to serious penalties under Saudi laws.
UK travel warning remains active
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office continues to advise against all travel to areas within 10 kilometres of Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen.
British citizens have also been advised to undertake only essential travel to areas located between 10 and 80 kilometres from the border.
The advisory remained in effect on July 15 after being updated on July 13 amid renewed regional security concerns.
British authorities said the security situation remained unpredictable despite a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, warning that further attacks could occur with little notice.
The advisory noted that the Houthis had publicly threatened Saudi infrastructure and had previously carried out attacks targeting airports and other facilities across the kingdom.
British citizens were advised to monitor local and international news updates, avoid military and security sites, and regularly review their travel and departure arrangements.
Travellers were also cautioned that their insurance coverage could be affected if they choose to travel against official government advisories.
US keeps Saudi Arabia under Level 3 travel advisory
The US continues to place Saudi Arabia under a Level 3 travel advisory, urging citizens to reconsider travel, while some areas remain classified under the stricter Level 4 warning, which advises against all travel.
The advisory, issued on March 13, highlights risks from missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, threats from the Houthis and the possibility of falling debris from intercepted projectiles.
US authorities said previous attacks had targeted cities, airports, military installations, energy sites, critical infrastructure and diplomatic facilities across Saudi Arabia.
The FAA has issued additional warnings over potential risks to civilian aviation operating in and around the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia.
American travellers have been advised to keep emergency departure plans in place, stay informed about local developments and ensure their travel documents are valid, updated and readily accessible.
The US advisory also warns of the possibility of exit bans and notes that social media posts viewed by Saudi authorities as critical or disruptive could result in arrest, imprisonment or restrictions on a person’s ability to leave the country.
Second day of flight disruptions
Tuesday’s cancellations followed a Houthi missile and drone attack on Abha International Airport, marking the first significant escalation between the group and Saudi Arabia after several years of relative calm.
No casualties were reported following the attack.
The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting after the strike, during which UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Khaled Khiari urged restraint and warned against further escalation.
“Yemen and the wider region cannot afford another cycle of escalation,” he told the council.
