Houthi threat: U.S. tightens travel advisories for 14 nations, airlines cancel flights
The U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisories for 14 countries in the Middle East. Several airlines are suspending flights to Saudi Arabia into November.
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Following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisories for 14 countries in the Middle East. The reason is the Houthi threat, according to CBS News. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said its emergency services for U.S. citizens are limited; Iraq remains at the highest advisory level. Washington had previously withdrawn non-essential embassy staff from Saudi Arabia.
Air travel is also affected. Etihad canceled flights from Abu Dhabi to Dammam and Riyadh as well as certain Jeddah services until Nov. 5, while Flydubai is suspending flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Abha until Oct. 29. Air India and Air India Express will not serve Riyadh and Dammam until Nov. 7, and Jeddah until Oct. 31; Akasa Air is even pausing Riyadh until the end of November. Emirates has canceled some services to Saudi Arabia.
According to Gulf News, about 3,000 Indian Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia returned home last week, and more than 10,000 others traveled home on available flights. A Saudi airport worker died, according to his father, after helping to put out a fire following a strike at Dammam airport on Oct. 21.