The UK government now advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, after a week of attacks on Saudi airports. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which sets the UK's official travel advice, updated its guidance for Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
The new warning covers Riyadh province, along with Aseer, Najran and Jizan provinces in the south and the city of Taif and its airport. The UK also continues to advise against all travel within 10 kilometers of Saudi Arabia's border with Yemen.
UK travel advice · Updated Oct 8
Where the UK Says Not to Go in Saudi Arabia
Within 10 km of the border with Yemen
Riyadh province, Aseer, Najran and Jizan provinces, plus Taif city and Taif airport
The rest of Saudi Arabia
Traveling against government advice can void travel insurance. Check your policy and flight status before you go.
Contrail
Why the Advice Changed
Yemen's Houthi rebels have attacked four Saudi airports since Monday. Saudi aviation authorities say three people have been killed and dozens injured, including at Abha in the south and at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
BREAKING: A passenger plane was reportedly hit in a new Houthi strike on Riyadh's main airport today, with heavy smoke seen over the airfield. Saudi authorities haven't confirmed it yet. Attacks on Saudi airports this week have already killed three people. pic.twitter.com/Fm1UVTVKuT
— Zach Benitez | Aviation Journalist (@contrailzach) October 8, 2026
On Thursday, the Houthis claimed a new strike on the Riyadh airport, and a passenger plane was reportedly hit on the ground there. Reports say a Saudia jet was badly damaged by fire and that dozens of flights out of Riyadh were canceled, though Saudi authorities hadn't confirmed the details at the time of writing. The UK says further attacks on airports and other infrastructure are possible.
What "All but Essential Travel" Means
The UK isn't banning travel to Riyadh. The warning means the government thinks the risk is high enough that people should only go if they really have to.
The bigger issue for most travelers is insurance. Many travel insurance policies won't cover you if you travel somewhere against your government's advice. If you're from the UK and still planning a trip to Riyadh, check with your insurer before you go.
What the US Is Saying
On Thursday, the US State Department urged Americans in Saudi Arabia to stay alert, avoid the area near the Yemen border and check their flight status directly with airlines. US government employees now need special permission to use King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
What to Do if You're Flying
If you're booked to Riyadh in the coming days:
- Check your flight often. Airlines are deciding route by route whether to keep flying, and plans can change fast.
- Ask about refunds or changes. Some airlines offer free changes when government advice shifts, though it's not guaranteed.
- Check your insurance. Especially if you're from the UK, confirm whether your policy still covers the trip.
Riyadh has become one of the busiest new destinations in aviation, with Riyadh Air expanding fast and Delta's first flight between Atlanta and Riyadh scheduled for October 23. How long this advice stays in place could shape whether those plans go ahead on time. Contrail will update this story as more airlines respond.
