The US, UK and Canada have all updated their travel advisories for the Gulf and Jordan. This comes after renewed military activity from Iran forces toward the Middle East. Several flights between the UAE and Kuwait have already been cancelled, so if you’re flying anywhere in this part of the world soon, checking your airline’s website before heading to the airport just became a non-negotiable step. Here is everything you need to know.
If You Have Upcoming Travel Plans, Here Are All The Recent UAE Flight Disruptions – New Airline Changes & Cancellations Explained
1. UAE, Oman & Qatar
The US is advising Americans to reconsider travel to the UAE at this time. Pointing to the possibility of unexpected escalation. Non-emergency US government staff remain outside the country for now, and non-emergency visa services have been paused. If you’re travelling, you’re being asked to contact your airline directly for any flight changes, avoid demonstrations, keep away from any fallen debris, and follow instructions from UAE authorities. Canada is also advising against non-essential travel to the UAE. Similar guidance applies to Oman and Qatar. In Oman, commercial flights were still operating when the advisory was issued, though US government employees are facing travel restrictions to Musandam and Duqm. Over in Qatar, the US Embassy is advising travellers to identify their nearest shelter in advance. As well as think about alternative departure plans if needed.
2. Saudi Arabia
The US is now advising Americans to reconsider travel not just to Saudi Arabia, but across the wider Middle East. Given the risk of things escalating further. Travellers are being asked to keep up with local media, steer clear of demonstrations, and reach out to airlines directly if their flights are impacted. The UK’s guidance is even more specific. It’s advising against all travel within 10 kilometres of the Saudi-Yemen border. And against all but essential travel between 10 and 80 kilometres from that same border. British authorities have also flagged that the Houthis have made threats against Saudi infrastructure before. This includes airports and other key facilities. Canada updated its own advice on July 17, and is now asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.
3. Kuwait
The US Embassy in Kuwait has described the regional security situation as complex and is advising Americans to reconsider travelling to the country altogether. If you’re flying, the embassy wants you to check directly with airline websites or contact carriers for the latest updates. And it’s worth noting emergency services for US citizens are currently limited. On the airport side, the UK says Kuwait International Airport is still running through Terminals 4 and 5, used by Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, while Terminal 1 remains shut. Flight schedules have been cut back, so double-checking with your airline before you travel is a must. Canada, meanwhile, is telling its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Kuwait entirely because of the ongoing regional tensions.
4. Bahrain
On July 20, the US Embassy shared information suggesting Iran could be looking to target unspecified locations in central Manama. Americans in the country are being told to stay alert and follow guidance from local authorities closely. If you hear an explosion or an emergency siren, the embassy’s advises to take cover immediately, move away from windows, and steer well clear of any missile or drone debris. This warning came right after emergency sirens were activated across Bahrain. With the Ministry of Interior asking residents to stay calm and head to the nearest safe location. The UK also says the situation remains unpredictable and that attacks could happen again with little to no warning. British nationals have been told to keep an eye on official updates, make sure their travel documents are current, and stay indoors if instructed to shelter. Canada continues to advise against any non-essential travel to Bahrain.
5. Jordan
The UK refreshed its Jordan travel guidance on July 19, and is now advising against all but essential travel to Aqaba International Airport and the city’s seaport. It’s also advising against any travel within three kilometres of Jordan’s border with Syria. British travellers have been told to avoid security and military facilities, keep track of local and international media. And be ready to follow shelter instructions if hostilities pick back up. This update followed reports from Jordan of further missile interceptions. And the country summoning Iran’s chargé d’affaires in Amman over recent attacks.
What To Do Before You Travel
If there’s one thing to take away from all of this, it’s definitely to confirm your flight status directly with your airline before you leave for the airport. This matters especially if you’re flying to or through Kuwait, or any airport where schedules have already been reduced.
