Urgent Travel Update: How the Iran War is Affecting Global Travel and Middle East Plans

Middle East Conflict Escalates: Critical Travel Information for Global Travelers

As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East rapidly intensify, a new conflict is reshaping travel considerations for millions worldwide. What began with "Operation Epic Fury" – a coordinated US-Israeli military offensive on February 28 that tragically resulted in the death of Iran's ruler, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – has rapidly spiraled. The repercussions are now felt across a dozen nations, directly impacting international travel and prompting urgent advisories globally. This report detailshow the Iran war is affecting global travel, offering essential insights for those planning or currently undertaking journeys in the region.

Widespread Disruption: Airports and Tourist Hubs Under Threat

The conflict's expansion has seen unprecedented attacks on key civilian infrastructure, including airports and bustling tourist centers. Major economic and tourism hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, alongside Doha in Qatar, have experienced direct hits. Notably, Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel, sustained damage from drone debris during counter-strikes, leading to a three-day closure that left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded. Adding to the alarm, a luxury hotel in Dubai, the Fairmont The Palm, was struck by a projectile, triggering a fire that gained significant traction across social media platforms.

Dr. John Rose, Chief Risk Advisor at the corporate travel management firm ALTOUR, expressed surprise at the scope of retaliation. "The retaliation, especially against areas like the UAE, surprised me and a lot of others," he commented. While retaliatory strikes against nations like Israel were anticipated, the UAE has historically been considered a secure travel destination, with Dubai alone attracting nearly 20 million visitors in 2025. Dr. Rose emphasizes that traveler safety remains paramount, assuring that no airport would resume operations under a genuine threat.

Evolving Travel Advisories and Evacuation Efforts

US President Trump has indicated that military actions are expected to persist for several weeks, creating a climate of uncertainty for travelers. Consequently, nations worldwide have issued increasingly stern travel advisories. The US State Department, via social media platform X, issued a sweeping directive urging American nationals to "depart now" from 14 Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, which has not been directly involved in the strikes or offensive.

The situation on the ground is highly fluid, changing by the hour, necessitating that travelers meticulously evaluate their individual risk tolerance and reasons for travel. As of the latest updates:

Regional Impact: Country-by-Country Breakdown

Iran

All civilian travel to and from Iran is currently suspended, with airspace closed immediately following the initial strikes. The US, UK, Canada, and Australia have all issued their highest-level advisories, with Canada explicitly stating its limited capacity to assist citizens. Overland routes into Turkey and Armenia remain open for those seeking to leave.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Despite earlier strikes on Dubai International and Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airports, operations are gradually restarting. Etihad Airways has resumed initial flights from Abu Dhabi, while Emirates has done the same from Dubai. Airlines are offering free rebooking, and the UAE government has pledged to cover food and accommodation for the estimated 20,200 travelers currently stranded. While the US, UK, Canada, and Australia advise against all but essential travel, Dr. Rose anticipates a potential shift "as soon as this weekend" given the UAE's crucial economic standing.

Qatar

Qatar's foreign ministry reported intercepting numerous Iranian attacks targeting civilians, including near Doha Hamad International Airport, which remains closed due to airspace restrictions. The US and UK have issued "shelter-in-place" advisories, while Australia and Canada have escalated to "do-not-travel" warnings.

Oman

Many travelers are opting to drive from the UAE to Oman, where flight operations continue, and the immediate risk of attacks is perceived as slightly lower. However, Oman's Duqm commercial port was unexpectedly hit by Iranian drones, a surprise given the country's role in facilitating peace talks. Travel advisories vary: the UK advises sheltering in Duqm and commercial departure from Salalah or within 100km, Canada suggests avoiding non-essential travel, Australia recommends "reconsidering your need to travel," and the US State Department urges immediate departure.

Israel

Israel remains embroiled in ongoing exchanges of strikes with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with air raid sirens frequently sounding, including in Tel Aviv. Ben Gurion Airport, the primary international gateway, is shut due to airspace closures but is expected to resume limited flights by Israeli carriers soon. The US, UK, Canada, and Australia maintain their highest-level warnings for Israel.

Lebanon

Already at the US's highest advisory level, Lebanon saw the departure of non-emergency embassy personnel days before the current escalation, citing threats from Hezbollah. The US Embassy is urging all Americans to depart "while commercial flight options remain available." Australia and Canada advise "do not travel," while the UK has regional "advise against all travel" or "advise against all but essential travel" warnings. Dr. Rose foresees these advisories persisting "for a considerable period of time." The US State Department urges immediate departure for its citizens.

Syria and Jordan

Airspace in both Syria and Jordan remains closed due to Iranian strikes. The UK recommends a "shelter-in-place" advisory for both, advising against all non-essential travel, while Canada and Australia advise avoiding all travel. The US State Department has urged immediate departure for its citizens from both nations.

Specifically for Jordan, the US Embassy in Amman was evacuated due to an "unspecified" security threat. Jordan has partially closed its airspace from 18:00 to 09:00. Australia advises "reconsidering your need to travel," while Canada and the UK advise against "non-essential travel." The US State Department has urged its citizens and visitors to depart immediately.

Iraq

Iraq's airspace is closed. The US has a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, having already ordered the departure of non-emergency embassy personnel. The UK, Canada, and Australia all advise against any travel, and the US is urging its citizens to depart immediately.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has faced retaliatory strikes, including two drone attacks at the US Embassy in Riyadh. This prompted a "shelter-in-place" advisory for US citizens and an urgent call for all visitors to leave. Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport is one of the few regional airports still operating, serving as a transit point for some stranded travelers. Australia advises "reconsidering your need to travel," Canada "avoid non-essential travel," and the UK recommends "staying inside" due to missile and drone threats.

Cyprus

The conflict reached Europe with a drone strike on the UK's RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus on March 2nd, causing minor damage but no casualties. Paphos International Airport was evacuated after a suspicious object on radar, leading to approximately 60 flight cancellations. EasyJet has suspended its UK-Cyprus services until March 5th. While the UK has no general travel warning for Cyprus, it instructs British nationals near the base to follow local directives.

Egypt

Egypt has not been directly targeted by retaliatory strikes. However, the US State Department included it on its X list, advising citizens to "depart now via commercial means." Australia and Canada recommend exercising a high degree of caution, and the UK offers regional-specific advice. Dr. John Rose, who plans a family trip to Egypt this summer, sees no reason to postpone, stating, "I'm not going to take my daughters somewhere I feel is high risk. At the moment, he believes, 'It's not.'"

The situation remains dynamic and travelers are strongly advised to consult their respective government's latest travel advisories and their airline or travel provider for the most current information before making or adjusting any travel plans.