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UK advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes - as missiles hit Yemen airport

The UK has advised against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia after attacks by Yemen's Houthis in the region.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel guidance on Friday, citing the Iran-backed Houthi militant group's missile and drone strikes in Saudi Arabia since July.

In particular, the government said it comes after strikes on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, where 13 people were killed on 10 October.

The FCDO also advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen, and to Yemen itself.

As of Friday, no specific travel guidance has been issued for Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

It comes as the Aden Security Department said two missiles landed ‌on the Yemeni international airport's grounds, blaming the Houthis for the attack.

The department added no casualties were reported, but a Yemenia Airways flight bound for Cairo was preparing for takeoff when the missiles landed.

This comes after a Saudi-led military coalition said it had intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Yanbu, a critical Red Sea oil hub that allows Saudi exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthis said the strikes were retaliation for "treacherous Saudi aggression" against the rebel-held Yemeni capital of Sanaa and other areas.

Recent attacks have highlighted Saudi Arabia's struggle to intercept Houthi missiles and drones - as well as the kingdom's efforts to press allies like the US for more support.

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Experts say trying to shoot down all the missiles and drones is impossible - especially now the country is reportedly running low on interceptors.

The Houthis have a large arsenal capable of striking targets well over 1,000 miles away, with some warheads able to change direction mid-flight.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: UK advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes

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