The UK government has updated its travel advice for parts of Saudi Arabia, including the capital, Riyadh, as tensions escalate in the Middle East with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claiming to be targeting the capital’s airport.
The Houthis said they attacked Riyadh airport with a ballistic missile on Thursday, 8 October. Reuters also reported a parked Saudia Airlines plane caught fire and was badly damaged.
Saudi Arabia has not commented on the latest claim, but said earlier this week that one person had been killed in a strike on Riyadh airport and two others in an attack on Abha airport in the southwest.
Travellers have been advised to exercise caution at transport infrastructure, including ports and airports, while over a hundred flights have been cancelled at Riyadh airport following the attack.
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?
Following an update on Thursday, 8 October, the UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) now 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 includes advising against all-but-essential travel for Aseer province, Najran province, Jizan province, Taif city, and Taif International airport.
The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to within 10km of the Yemen border.
Other areas of the country currently do not have a travel advisory, including the holy pilgrimage city of Mecca, Jeddah and Medina.
What is the government’s advice?
The FCDO has updated its travel advice due to the resumption of direct military conflict between the Houthi rebel military group and the governments of Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
It says that the authorities can temporarily close airports near the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border, so passengers should check with their airline before travelling.
The Saudi Tourism Authority has also banned tourist trips to military zones and border posts.
Since 13 July 2026, the Houthis have launched missiles and drones targeting several areas of Saudi Arabia, the FCDO says.
“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. Some civilians have been injured. There is a risk of more attacks and escalation. Saudi Civil Defence may issue early warning alerts to people in affected areas,” its advice states.
During a missile or drone attack, it is advisable to stay indoors and under hard shelter, to monitor local media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities.
British nationals should read the government’s crisis abroad page and sign up to FCDO travel advice email alerts.
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.
Travellers should keep their departure plans under review and ensure their travel documents are up to date.
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.
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 a new update on 8 October, stating that Americans in the Middle East should “exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment. Be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions”.
The statement added that Americans travelling to or from the Middle East should monitor airport and airline information.
It said that Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world.
Are flights running to and from Riyadh?
According to aviation analytics company Cirium, almost half of departures from Riyadh airport were cancelled by 3pm GMT on 8 October.
While some flights are still operating to and from Riyadh airport, 111 departures and arrivals were cancelled on Friday, 9 October, with many more delayed.
The FCDO says that British nationals currently in the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruption.
It also says that people should exercise caution at transport infrastructure, including ports and airports.
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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