Travel warning issued for 16 countries - including the UAE and Turkey - as UK Government flags 'high risk' of sudden escalation in Middle East

Published: 06:17 EDT, 30 October 2026 | Updated: 06:17 EDT, 30 October 2026 The UK Government has issued new travel advice for 16 countries, warning of disruption due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Updates were shared by the Foreign Office (FCDO) for countries in the region this week on Tuesday, October 27.The statement says: 'The context in the Middle East remains deeply unpredictable and the risk of sudden escalation is high. 'Since conflict began in early 2026, Iran has stated its intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel, including, but not limited to, organisations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. 'There have been strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran and others across the region against civilian and US military infrastructure.'It advises that British nationals in, or planning to travel through, the Middle East should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Travel advice has been handed out for 16 Middle East countries, including the UAEThe warning was added to advice pages for travel to 16 countries in total.This includes Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Palestine and Saudi Arabia.It comes after increased hostility in the region after strikes in Saudi Arabia from Iran-backed Houthis, a Yemeni military group.There has been a resurgence of fighting between a Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis, with the militant group launching missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia.The Houthi rebels repeatedly attacked Saudi Arabia's main international airport this month.The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Saudi Arabia. It follows a wave of volatility due to action from the Iranian-backed Houthis, pictured this summerA UK Government statement says: 'King Khalid International Airport was struck by a missile on 10 October 2026. The airport continues to be targeted and remains at risk of further attacks.'Since 13 July, the Houthis (a military group in Yemen) have launched missiles and drones targeting several locations in Saudi Arabia. 'There is a heightened threat against airports, Saudi military and defence buildings, military bases, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Abha, Jizan, Najran, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Yanbu, as well as shipping in the Red Sea. 'Further attacks against airports as well as disruption and cancellations are very likely.'