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Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Saudi airports issue travel alert after airspace closures amid Israel-Iran tension
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday issued a travel alert for citizens and residents after airspace closures following the Israeli attacks on Iran ramping up tensions between the regional rivals. Increased tensions in the region could pose security risks and several countries in the Middle East closed their airspace, resulting in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations. Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes. In advisories on social media, King Khalid International Airport Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport, Dammam and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, said: 'In the interest of your safety and comfort and due to the current developments in some countries in the region, travelers heading to destinations affected by airspace closures are kindly advised to contact their respective airlines directly before proceeding to the airport. 'This is to confirm the latest updates on their flights and to avoid any unexpected delays or changes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we are always pleased to serve you.' After Israel attacked Iran early on Friday, airlines diverted flights affected by airspace closures. Airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran and Iraq, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers scrambling to divert and cancel flights to keep passengers and crew safe. Joanne Serrieh, a journalist working with Alarabiya, on Friday afternoon posted on X: 'Currently on Emirates flight EK216 from LAX to DXB. We're being diverted to avoid closed Iranian airspace. We'll be landing in Jeddah to refuel then will hopefully be able to continue to Dubai.' Shamim Akhter, an Indian expat who worked in Riyadh for decades and is flying back home tonight on final exit, told Arab News: 'After learning about airspace closure and flight diversion from Arab News, I contacted my airline, so far, the flight is expected to depart as scheduled. There is no change in timing, so I will proceed on time. 'If there is a change, I will be informed by the airline,' he said, adding: 'The heightened tension following the Israeli attack on Iran has created unnecessary chaos. I hope and pray things return to normal soon.' Due to the heightened tension Iranian airspace has been closed until further notice, state media reported. Jordan also closed its airspace to all flights. Israel has suspended flights to and from Israel, its flag carrier El Al Airlines said. Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice. Conflict zones around the world are becoming an increasing burden on airline operations. Six commercial aircraft have been shot down unintentionally and three endured near misses since 2001, according to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions.
Reuters
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
US, Venezuela each warn citizens against travel to other country
WASHINGTON/CARACAS, May 27 (Reuters) - The United States and Venezuela on Tuesday each warned their respective citizens against traveling to the other country, with the U.S. citing the risk of wrongful detention in the South American nation and Venezuela saying its citizens are victims of systematic rights abuses in the U.S. "U.S. citizens in Venezuela face a significant and growing risk of wrongful detention," the State Department said in a statement. The department has assigned Venezuela, where there is no U.S. Embassy or consulate, its highest travel alert - Level 4: Do Not Travel. It cited risks including torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, unfair law enforcement practices, violent crime, civil unrest and inadequate healthcare. The U.S. has said there are Americans being unfairly held in Venezuela. One man was freed this month, while others were released in January. Venezuela, meanwhile, issued a travel alert for the U.S. and urged its citizens living there to leave. "Venezuelans in the United States are victims of a systematic pattern of abuses of their human rights, being arbitrarily detained, separated from their families and transported to concentration camps in third countries," Venezuela's foreign minister Yvan Gil said on Telegram. Venezuela has decried President Donald Trump's use of a 1798 law to deport hundreds of migrants from the U.S. to El Salvador's most notorious prison. The U.S. Supreme Court this month kept in place its block on Trump's use of the law, faulting his administration for seeking to remove migrants without adequate legal process.
