Is it safe to travel to Saudi Arabia? Latest advice after airport attacks

Saudi Arabia has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists, business travellers and people visiting family, but a series of missile attacks has left travellers asking a straightforward question: is it still safe to travel to Saudi Arabia?

The latest advice suggests anyone with a non-essential trip planned should think carefully before travelling.

🇸🇦🇾🇪 ⚡️New footage from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport reportedly shows an aircraft destroyed following a Houthi missile attack.

The damage appears significant. https://t.co/a5OS4f92Pe

— War Flash (@WarFlash_2630) October 8, 2026

What is happening in Saudi Arabia?

Yemen’s Houthi movement has launched a series of missile and drone attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia, with airports among the sites facing an increased threat. On Thursday, October 8, a fresh attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. A Saudia Airlines aircraft was badly damaged and caught fire while parked at the airport, while flights were disrupted and passengers were evacuated. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack.

More than 100 flights from Riyadh were cancelled, with several international airlines suspending services or changing their schedules. Saudi authorities have said missiles aimed at Riyadh were intercepted, with debris causing damage elsewhere in the capital.

What does the UK say?

Update to FCDO Travel Advice for Saudi Arabia 👇

Travel advice: https://t.co/xoI1EuIq2t https://t.co/KTSqrMNYRy

— UK in Saudi Arabia 🇬🇧🇸🇦 (@UKinSaudiArabia) October 8, 2026

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated its Saudi Arabia travel advice on October 8. It now advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh province, as well as Aseer, Najran and Jizan provinces and Taif city and Taif International Airport.

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel within 10 kilometres of the border with Yemen.
The British government says there is a heightened threat to airports, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and warns that further attacks are possible.

Travellers are also warned to expect possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other disruption at short notice.

What does Spain say?

Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also advising caution. Its current travel advice says the Middle East is affected by a regional conflict and advises postponing travel to Saudi Arabia unless it is necessary.

Spanish authorities say Saudi airspace remains open and commercial flights are still operating, but warn that services can change without notice because of the unstable situation.

Should you cancel your trip?

For anyone planning a holiday or other non-essential visit, the current official advice is clear enough to warrant reconsidering the timing. Anyone who must travel should check their airline before leaving for the airport and continue monitoring official travel advice.

Saudi Arabia: The U.S. Mission is aware of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as of October 8 and reminds all U.S. citizens to exercise heightened vigilance. The Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including against civilian airports, and the military conflict has the potential to escalate. U.S. 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. U.S. citizens are advised to not travel near the Yemen border. Follow the guidance of national alerts released by Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense.
U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia now require special authorization to use the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border due to safety risks and need special authorization for travel to the provinces of Jizan, Asir, Najran, and the cities of Qatif, Yanbu, and Taif.
More at https://t.co/MfbGz5Fc2D

— TravelGov (@TravelGov) October 8, 2026

Travellers already in Saudi Arabia should follow instructions from the local authorities, keep their departure plans under review and avoid military facilities, oil infrastructure and areas affected by attacks.

The FCDO also warns that travel insurance could be invalidated if someone travels against its advice. Saudi Arabia’s airspace is still open, so this is not a blanket warning that the entire country is closed to visitors. However, with Riyadh now included in the UK’s heightened travel warning and attacks affecting major airports, the situation can change quickly.

Anyone with a trip booked for the coming days should therefore check the latest government and airline advice before travelling.