Singapore Warns Citizens Against Travel to Saudi Arabia After Airport Attacks
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised citizens to defer all travel to Saudi Arabia amid heightened security risks following increased missile and drone attacks on airports and energy infrastructure.
Travel Advisory Issued
Singapore has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to postpone all trips to Saudi Arabia due to escalating security concerns, as missile and drone strikes targeting civilian aviation facilities and energy installations have intensified across the kingdom.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on October 13 that such attacks have surged since July, affecting airports in Riyadh, Abha, Dammam, Khamis Mushait, Najran and Jizan. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has faced particularly severe disruptions, experiencing repeated strikes that have forced temporary operational shutdowns and flight diversions. Airspace closures have become increasingly common.
Two separate attacks on the Riyadh airport over the weekend resulted in at least 18 fatalities and injured more than 300 people, with many victims in critical condition.
Safety Measures for Singaporeans in Saudi Arabia
The ministry has instructed Singaporeans currently in Saudi Arabia to refrain from travelling to King Khalid International Airport and other high-risk locations until conditions improve. Non-essential travel within the country should also be avoided.
Citizens are advised to stay informed through local news sources and comply with all directives issued by Saudi authorities. Those with existing flight bookings to Saudi Arabia or plans to transit through the kingdom should verify their flight status directly with airlines on the day of departure. The ministry emphasised the importance of securing travel insurance prior to any journey.
Singaporeans who must travel to Saudi Arabia or who are currently in the Middle East must be prepared for travel disruptions at short notice.
The government strongly encourages all Singaporeans travelling to or already present in the region to register through the MFA's eRegister service at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg. This registration enables the ministry to reach them when necessary.
Consular Support Channels
Citizens requiring consular assistance can reach out to the Singapore Embassy in Riyadh, the Singapore Consulate-General in Jeddah or the MFA Duty Office in Singapore.
- The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Riyadh is located in the Diplomatic Quarter and can be contacted at +966 (11) 480-3855 or +966 50 019-1220, with email at singemb_ruh@mfa.sg.
- The Consulate-General in Jeddah, situated at Villa No. 5 on Mohammed Tawfiq Al Abbasi Street, is reachable at +966-(12) 607-3980 / 3981 or +966 50 559-6481 via WhatsApp, with email at singcg_jed@mfa.sg.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office operates around the clock and can be contacted at +65 6379 8800/8855 or via email at mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg.
Official Condemnation of Violence
In response to the attacks on King Khalid International Airport, Singapore's Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Zaqy Mohamad, condemned the violence on October 11, stating that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Zaqy expressed profound sadness over the incidents and extended his sympathies to those affected by the strikes.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We hope for an end to the violence and for peace and stability to prevail in the region.