The Australian government has upgraded its travel advice for Saudi Arabia from “exercise a high degree of caution” to “reconsider your need to travel”, citing a wave of missile and drone strikes linked to the wider Middle East conflict. The Smartraveller update, published 20 July 2026, warns that attacks have been directed at civilian infrastructure including Abha International Airport and that airspace closures or flight cancellations could occur with little notice. Travellers are urged to monitor airlines closely and avoid energy installations and military facilities. The change follows European Union Aviation Safety Agency guidance for carriers to steer clear of parts of Gulf airspace until at least 29 July. Australian companies with staff in Saudi Arabia are advised to review evacuation plans and confirm that travel insurers will still provide cover under an elevated advisory level. The advisory also highlights continuing terrorism threats and reminds Australians that demonstrations are illegal in the kingdom. Health and climate risks – including temperatures above 50 °C and dust storms – remain unchanged. For mobility and security managers the warning may trigger the need to update corporate travel policies, adjust routing of fly-in-fly-out personnel and communicate contingency measures to expatriates and business travellers already on the ground.
