UK flyers transiting via Saudi airports no longer need to clear security checks again

Dubai: Passengers flying from the UK and connecting through Saudi Arabia will no longer have to clear security again during their layovers. This follows a new One-Stop Security Agreement signed between the UK Government and Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

The change is expected to significantly reduce transit wait times and improve the overall travel experience, particularly for those making onward connections to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East via Saudi airports.

Until now, travelers transiting through Saudi Arabia—even those just passing through—had to undergo a second round of security screening at Saudi airports. That added time, stress, and longer layovers.

Under the new agreement, UK airport security checks will be recognised by Saudi authorities. That means passengers who’ve already cleared security in London, Manchester, or other UK airports won’t need to be screened again during transit through Riyadh, Jeddah, or other Saudi hubs.

“This agreement reflects the high level of trust and alignment between the security frameworks of both countries,” said Mohammed Al-Fawzan, Executive VP for Aviation Security at GACA.

He added The change is expected to significantly reduce transit wait times and improve the overall travel experience, particularly for those making onward connections to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East via Saudi airports.

Many GCC travelers, even those based in the UAE,  use UK airports as a starting point for long-haul flights to India, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and Africa—often transiting through Saudi hubs like King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh) or King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah).

This new arrangement will make those connections faster and more convenient, especially for families and business travelers on tight schedules.

So if you’re flying out of the UK and transiting through Saudi Arabia, you’ll soon enjoy faster connections and fewer checks, thanks to the new UK-Saudi security agreement. It’s a win for travelers and part of Saudi’s ongoing effort to modernize its airports and position itself as a global travel hub.