UK Updates Saudi Arabia Travel Advice as Airlines Extend Gulf Flight Suspensions

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 29 July 2026

FCDO updates travel guidance as regional tensions continue, while major airlines extend Middle East flight suspensions, prompting British travellers heading to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf to check their travel plans carefully

FCDO Updates Saudi Arabia Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its Saudi Arabia travel advice on 25 July, citing renewed security concerns across the region. The FCDO warns that the situation remains unpredictable, with further attacks, airspace restrictions or travel disruption possible at short notice. The update follows heightened regional tensions and Houthi activity affecting Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping routes, with the government noting that infrastructure including airports has previously been targeted, and that Riyadh, Jeddah and Abha could potentially be affected by future incidents.

Most of Saudi Arabia Remains Open to Visitors

Despite the update, the FCDO is not advising against travel to Saudi Arabia as a whole. Guidance advises against all travel within 10km of the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border, and against all but essential travel between 10km and 80km of the border. Travellers should check their exact route and destination against the latest FCDO guidance before departure, as travelling against official advice can also affect the validity of travel insurance.

Airspace Warnings Extended Across the Gulf

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended its advisory recommending airlines avoid airspace over Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and the Gulf of Oman until 31 August 2026, with Jordan recently added following increased military activity. While most airports and regional carriers continue operating, passengers may still face cancellations, schedule changes, longer routing or altered connections.

British Airways Pushes Back Middle East Return

British Airways has delayed the resumption of several Middle East services, with flights between London and Dubai, Bahrain and Amman, along with its Tel Aviv route, currently suspended until 25 October 2026. The airline has permanently ended its London-Jeddah service. Doha flights are set to operate once daily from 1 August, while Riyadh services will reduce from two daily flights to one from 8 August. British Airways has introduced added booking flexibility for customers travelling to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv and Riyadh.

Other Airlines Extend Gulf Flight Suspensions

<h2><span style="font-size:11pt; font-variant:normal; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-family:Lexend,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000"><span style="font-weight:700"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="text-decoration:none">Other Carriers Delay Gulf Services</span></span></span></span></span></span></h2>

Other Carriers Delay Gulf Services

British Airways is not alone in extending its cautious approach. Singapore Airlines has pushed back its Singapore-Dubai suspension to 24 October, having previously expected an August return, with refunds available for unused ticket portions. KLM's Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai flights remain suspended until 23 August, while Air Astana has paused Dubai services from Almaty and Astana until 31 August. Air Canada's Dubai suspension now runs until 24 October, Cathay Pacific has delayed its Dubai and Riyadh returns to 24 and 25 October respectively, and Finnair has extended its Helsinki-Dubai suspension until 24 October. Some Gulf carriers, including Emirates, have continued rebuilding capacity, having restored close to three-quarters of pre-conflict schedules by late July, though airlines caution that operations remain subject to change.

Advice for Travellers

Anyone travelling to Saudi Arabia or connecting through Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Bahrain or Kuwait is advised to check flight status before heading to the airport, keep airline contact details updated, and allow extra time for connections. Travel insurance should also be reviewed carefully ahead of departure.

Given how quickly the situation continues to evolve, Crystal Travel's agents remain on hand to help travellers stay across the latest airline updates and advisories, offering support with rebooking or amending flights where needed to keep journeys as stress-free as possible.