Australia issues do-not-travel warning for Riyadh airport after Houthi strikes

Australia’s Smartraveller service now rates King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at Level 4, do not travel, after a run of Houthi missile and drone strikes that began on 8 October, Insurance Business reported on 13 October. The warning covers the airport, not the whole country. Saudi Arabia’s overall rating remains Level 3, and separate Level 4 warnings stay in place for the southern provinces of Asir, Jazan and Najran near the Yemen border.

Citing Saudi authorities and Reuters, the publication said a strike on 10 October killed 13 people and injured more than 300. The airport’s closure has been extended to 17 October, and Flightradar24 data quoted in the article put the traffic affected at close to 700 flights a day. The US Federal Aviation Administration has warned US carriers about Saudi airspace until 10 December, and the Houthis have threatened more attacks on Saudi airports and oil facilities.

Whether a Riyadh journey is covered depends on the wording. One product disclosure statement administered by Allianz Partners may decline a claim that arises from not following government advice, while other wordings apply only to an area rated do not travel. The Insurance Council of Australia says standard policies exclude losses caused directly by war and conflict. Shaun McGowan, chief executive of TravelInsurance.com.au, expects few customers to be affected, mainly those connecting on Saudia or Riyadh Air or visiting the city, and noted that Smartraveller treats “do not travel” as “do not transit”.

The airport warning comes after an easing elsewhere in the Gulf. On 8 October the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade lowered the UAE and Qatar from Level 3 to Level 2, and McGowan said cover for Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi has been available since June. The Insurance Council declared a Significant Event on 3 March, after the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran began in late February.