US and UK governments warn citizens to reconsider Middle East travel after Houthi missiles hit near Riyadh airport

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026.

The US State Department has renewed its warning to Americans to "seriously reconsider" all travel to and through the Middle East after a ballistic missile was fired at Riyadh by Iran-backed Houthi rebels over the weekend. Saudi air defences intercepted the strike, but residents reported an explosion and a plume of smoke near King Khalid International Airport, temporarily disrupting flights. Security alerts have now been issued by 11 US embassies across the region, covering popular destinations including the UAE, Qatar and Jordan.

The UK's FCDO warns of a risk of further attacks and escalation in Saudi Arabia, though it has not issued a "do not travel" advisory for Riyadh or most of the country — only the Yemen border zone.

The State Department warned that Iran and Iran-backed groups may also target US interests and facilities outside the Middle East, widening the threat picture for American travellers globally.

The Houthis also claimed responsibility for downing a Saudi F-15 fighter jet in Yemen's Marib province, raising fears of rapid escalation beyond missile strikes on civilian infrastructure.