British nationals have been warned to stay away from almost all of Saudi Arabia’s airports following deadly Houthi strikes on Riyadh’s aviation hub that killed at least 14 and injured over 300 on the weekend.
One person was killed in a new attack on Riyadh's international airport on Sunday, Saudi authorities reported, a day after a strike claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis left 13 people dead.
Except for Medina airport, the UK government now advises against all but essential travel to the country’s airports, encouraging British nationals to leave Saudi Arabia by land if they judge it safe to travel.
The resumption of direct military conflict in July between the Houthi rebel military group and the governments of Yemen and Saudi Arabia has escalated to missile attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport over the past week.
Here’s the latest travel advice for Saudi Arabia, plus all the key questions and answers.
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Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice on Sunday, 11 October, after the serious incident at King Khalid airport the day before.
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Riyadh province, which includes the capital city of Riyadh, a destination that attracts many business travellers and some leisure tourists.
The updated information also advises against all but essential travel to Aseer province, Najran province, Jizan province, and the cities of Taif, Jeddah, and Dammam.
The FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to all airports in Saudi Arabia, except Medina International airport.
The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to within 10km of the Yemen border.
What is the government’s advice?
“We advise British nationals to avoid King Khalid International Airport until the airport is secure and to monitor the advice of the Saudi authorities,” the FCDO says.
Since 13 July 2026, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones targeting several areas of Saudi Arabia, the FCDO adds.
“There is a heightened threat against airports, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Taif, Jeddah and Yanbu, as well as Saudi shipping vessels in the Red Sea.”
“Further attacks against airports are very likely. Follow Saudi Civil Defence alerts.”
British nationals should read the government’s crisis abroad page, sign up to FCDO travel advice email alerts and monitor local and international media for the latest information.
The FCDO also suggests refraining from capturing or sharing images of conflict-related incidents.
The advice also adds to exercise caution at transport infrastructure, including ports and airports. British nationals should stay away from oil infrastructure and military facilities.
If advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts.
The FCDO also warns of a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation in the Middle East in relation to the conflict between Iran and the US, despite a memorandum of understanding announcement in June.
How can I leave Saudi Arabia?
As an alternative to airports within Saudi Arabia, the FCDO says British nationals wishing to leave Saudi Arabia should consider travelling by land to one of the following countries and flying from there: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE and Jordan.
Plan your journey carefully, including reading the travel advice and any necessary entry/exit requirements.
The FCDO says: “If you judge it is safe to do so and you plan to travel by road to a neighbouring country, read our Travel Advice for entry requirements and ensure you have the correct paperwork, or you may be denied entry.
“If travelling by car, the vehicle must be wholly owned and registered in your name. If using commercial options to depart check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel.
“Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Saudi Arabia is at your own risk.”
It adds that travellers should keep their departure plans under review and ensure their travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.
British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruption.
If a British national chooses to travel by air, they need to check their reservation and flight status before travelling to the airport. Remain alert at airports and follow instructions from local authorities.
What does the US government say?
The US State Department currently advises an orange level three “reconsider travel” warning for Saudi Arabia. It also advises a red level 4 “do not travel” warning for the Saudi-Yemen border.
The US embassy in Saudi Arabia also issued an update on 11 October, stating that Americans should avoid King Khalid International Airport and the surrounding areas.
“Please take extreme caution when using all major airports in Saudi Arabia,” the embassy says. “Citizens should be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. We recommend checking your flight departure status directly with the airline and with the airport.”
Can I cancel my trip to Riyadh?
Should you decide to cancel a flight ticket, holiday, tour or excursion to Saudi Arabia, speak to your travel provider.
As the FCDO advises against all but essential travel – urgent family or business commitments – in parts of the country, you may be able to cancel a package holiday without penalty for a full refund.
Package holidays must follow the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, with refunds issued if there has been a “significant change at your destination” before you travel.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the FCDO.
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