Warning for Aussies travelling via major Middle Eastern airport
Australians are being told not to travel via a major Middle East transport hub.
Despite the UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Doha in Qatar having warnings lowered, a major escalation over the weekend has seen the government step up advice.
Aussies are warned not to go to Khalid International Airport Riyadh Airport in Saudi Arabia. iStock
There have now been two attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The first killed 12 people and injured hundreds more, and the second caused more injuries and major damage.
Smartraveller has shared a warning telling Aussies “do not travel” to the airport.
“We now advise do not travel to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh due to recent security incidents that have disrupted airport operations,” the update on Monday read.
“If you choose to travel despite our advice, do not leave for the airport until you have confirmed your flight with your airline or travel provider,” the warning continued.
“Reconsider your need to travel to other airports in Saudi Arabia.
“Monitor updates from your airline, follow the advice of local authorities and airport staff, and minimise your time at airports.
Dubai is now on the level two list for Aussie travellers. iStock
“We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel overall due to the security situation in Saudi Arabia.”
There are no direct flights to Saudi Arabia from Australia.
However, the holy site of Mecca in the nation attracts millions of pilgrims from around the globe every year.
Aussie holidaymakers saw some relief last week as the levels for major Middle Eastern hubs was lowered.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Smartraveller website lowered the advice level for Qatar and the UAE on Thursday to “level two: Exercise a high degree of caution”.
Smartraveller warned that travel advice levels may change at short notice. It stressed the “situation in the Middle East is still unpredictable”.
The holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, attracts visitors from around the world. AP Photo/Altaf Qadri
Amid the peak of the Middle East conflict, both countries had been listed as level four warnings, which discourage passengers from even transiting through the airport.
That level was downgraded to Level three in June.
However, some Aussies were still flying through the area once flights restarted, despite the red warnings.
Level three “reconsider your need to travel” warnings remain in place for:
- Bahrain
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia (King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at level four)
Level four “do not travel” warnings apply to:
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Palestine
- Syria
- Yemen
