EU terror listing of Houthis may hit flights and travel to and from Yemen

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 22 October 2026 urging the Council of the EU to add the Houthi movement to the EU list of terrorist organisations. MEPs cited missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a strike on Abha International Airport on 7 October 2026, as well as a Houthi military offensive inside Yemen.

The resolution describes the attacks as flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and says large numbers of Yemeni civilians have been killed and displaced while the humanitarian crisis in the country has deepened.

Key facts

• Resolution adopted by MEPs on 22 October 2026
• Parliament wants the Houthi movement — including its military and political wings, leadership and security apparatus — on the EU terrorist list
• MEPs call for all Houthi financing channels to be dismantled and funds frozen
• Attacks cited: Saudi Arabia, including Abha International Airport on 7 October 2026, plus Israel and the UAE in recent years
• Ships targeted in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait

What did MEPs demand?

Following a proposal by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Parliament urged the Council to designate the Houthi movement as a terrorist organisation. MEPs also called for every channel of Houthi financing to be dismantled and for the EU to freeze all funds and economic resources belonging to the Houthis and their facilitators.

Parliament demanded that the Houthis immediately cease all hostilities, inside and outside Yemen, and abandon any territorial ambitions. It expressed solidarity with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and support for Yemen's legitimate government, reaffirming commitment to the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries.

What are the wider security concerns?

MEPs strongly condemned what they called the destabilising role of the Iranian regime, which they said supplies the Houthis with weapons, missile and drone technology, training and financing. They also condemned coordination between the Houthis, Hezbollah and other Iran-backed armed groups.

The resolution denounces the Houthi naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and attacks on energy infrastructure and commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. MEPs said they are gravely concerned about the simultaneous disruption of maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, which they say is driving up energy prices.

Parliament stressed the role of the EU's defensive maritime security operation ASPIDES, welcomed its expanded mandate and asked member states to provide additional naval and air assets. MEPs also called for closer EU–Gulf security and defence cooperation, and noted air defence support provided by member states and the United Kingdom.

Why does this matter for travellers?

The resolution highlights attacks on an international airport — Abha, in Saudi Arabia, on 7 October 2026 — and sustained disruption to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, both of which affect journeys through the region. It also voices concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen, aggravated by renewed fighting.

The text sets out no changes to visa, passport or entry requirements for Yemen or neighbouring states. Anyone planning travel in the region should check current advisories and transport schedules before booking, given the attacks and shipping disruption MEPs describe.

MEPs also asked the EU to increase humanitarian aid to Yemen, including through the forthcoming Global Europe instrument, with strict oversight of EU-funded assistance.

What happens next is for the Council to decide; the resolution sets out no timetable for a designation decision.