London: British nationals have been warned to stay away from almost all of Saudi Arabia’s airports following Houthi strikes on Riyadh’s aviation hub.
Britain's Foreign Office said on Friday, October 16, that it advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia following attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all travel within 10 km of the country's border with Yemen.
The advisory urges British nationals to stay away from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh following a serious incident on October 10, 2026, until the facility is declared secure.
The FCDO warned of further Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting airports, military facilities, ports, energy infrastructure and shipping in the Red Sea. It said additional attacks on airports, along with flight disruptions and cancellations, were highly likely. The notice also flagged the possibility of renewed Iranian attacks amid wider regional tensions.
British nationals seeking to leave Saudi Arabia have been advised to consider travelling by land to a neighbouring country and flying from there, while checking entry and exit requirements before travelling.
Those in Saudi Arabia have been urged to follow local authorities' instructions, monitor local and international media, keep travel plans under review and ensure their travel documents are up to date. They should also confirm flight bookings before heading to airports and seek shelter indoors during attacks.
The FCDO warned that travel insurance could be invalidated if people travel against its advice.
The Yemen conflict has become another front in the wider regional war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Yemen's war began in 2014, when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa and forced the internationally recognised government south. A Saudi-led intervention began the following year, leading to years of stalemate before a 2022 truce that held until this year.
The Houthis have repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia since the conflict reignited, targeting airports, oil facilities and other infrastructure. In recent days, the group has also targeted sites in government-held parts of Yemen, including Aden airport and the presidential palace in the interim capital.
(With inputs from agencies)
