Travelers heading to soak up the sun in luxury hotels in three popular destinations in the Middle East are being warned that they could face last-minute flight cancellations and major travel disruption as the war between Israel and Iran intensifies.
The latest warning comes just days after the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) urged British visitors to Dubai to remain vigilant and be aware that the security situation could suddenly deteriorate with little notice.
In its latest travel update for the region on Thursday, the FCDO is now warning visitors to Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates that airspace throughout the Persian Gulf could be unexpectedly closed with little or no notice whatsoever.
Home to international mega airlines like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, travel disruption stemming from the current conflict between Israel and Iran could lead to “unanticipated travel impacts.”
Disruption could potentially end up stranding tens of thousands of international visitors, as well as passengers who are just connecting through the region on flights to Asia, Africa, and Australia.
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What Exactly Is The British Government Saying?
On its regularly updated foreign travel advice website, the FCDO warns:
“Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.
There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.
You should:
- monitor local and international media for the latest information
- be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities
- check with relevant airlines for the latest updates before travelling.”
The warning applies to Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, which include popular destinations and transit points like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
US Airlines Suspend Flights to the Region Over Security Fears
On Thursday, it was revealed that American Airlines and United Airlines had suspended their scheduled flights to the region despite both being very popular with passengers because of security fears in the region.
- American Airlines has suspended flights between Philadelphia (PHL) and Doha (DOH), which is primarily used to feed into connecting flights with Qatar Airways.
- United Airlines has grounded flights between Newark (EWR) and Dubai (DXB), which is also used as a ‘feeder’ flight, but for Emirates flights.
In a statement, a spokesperson for United confirmed the suspension was due to security fears, saying that the airline would only resume service “when it’s safe.”
The precise advice that these two carriers have undoubtedly received from US government officials has not been made public.
European And British Airlines Are Also Grounding Flights
While British Airways is continuing to fly to Qatar and up to three times per day to Dubai, the airline has suspended flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and Bahrain (BAH) until June 29 at the earliest.
The airline has already suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Israel, and the Jordanian capital, Amman.
Finnair has also canceled flights to Dubai, while Air France says some services to the emirate have been suspended.
Airlines Reroute Flights to Avoid Airspace of Concern
At present, the airspace most affected by the current conflict covers:
- Israel
- Jordan
- Iraq
- Iran
European airlines have been avoiding overflights of Iraq and Iran for some time, and alternative routes are well established. Further airspace restrictions across the wider region would cause significant travel disruption.
What’s Next?
On Thursday, President Trump gave the Iranian leadership a two-week reprieve to negotiate a deal to end its nuclear weapons program. For now, the US has declined to join Israel in its attacks on Iran.
If President Trump does, however, authorize American military intervention in the conflict, it could quickly lead to a major escalation in the crisis and potential attacks on US assets and interests in the region, either by Iran or its proxies.
