The U.S. Department of State has updates.
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ast week, airlines had to divert or cancel flights in the Middle East in response to Iran’s missile attack against Israel. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region has led to a rise in casualties, making it essential for travelers to stay informed about travel advisories.
The escalating tensions in the region, which come a year into the Israel-Gaza war, have caused disruptions to travel in several ways. The airspace is restricted for airlines, leading to flights taking longer routes to avoid conflict-affected regions. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) currently has advisories for airlines to avoid airspaces within Israel, Lebanon, and Iran until October 31. Similarly, the U.S. has extended its ban over Iranian airspace until October 31, 2027. This means that flights from the U.S. or Europe to destinations like India or Southeast Asia may take longer as airlines circumvent not just Middle Eastern countries but also Russia. Consequently, travelers may experience increased flying time, higher fuel costs, and potentially increased fares.
Although travelers may not know the exact route their flight will take, they can check to identify restricted airspaces for airlines. Airlines are also exercising caution by reducing flights to certain countries. However, there are still numerous destinations in the region where it’s business as usual. Before making any travel plans, travelers should ensure to stay updated on recent advisories, news reports, and travel warnings.
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Egypt
The U.S. government recommends that travelers reconsider their plans to travel to Egypt. It’s been at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning since July 13, 2023. The advisory states that the country continues to be targeted by terrorist groups, and there is limited ability to offer assistance to U.S. citizens.
The Sinai Peninsula has a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning. Government employees are not authorized to travel to this region, so no emergency services are available.
The U.K. Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to North Sinai, the Western Desert, the northern part of South Sinai, and the Egypt-Libya border. It also warns, “International borders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt.”
Iran
The State Department makes it explicit that U.S. citizens shouldn’t travel to Iran for any reason. There is a red Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for the country due to “terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens and wrongful detentions.”
Israel may retaliate against the country after the recent attacks, but even before the escalation of the conflict, U.S.-Iran relations were hostile. You will be hard-pressed to find flight connections.
Israel
The U.S. State Department has a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Israel and Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for the West Bank and Gaza. You should also avoid Northern Israel, close to the Lebanese and Syrian borders. If you do plan to travel, you should know that flights from the U.S. aren’t operating as they were before the war. American Airlines has suspended all flights to Israel until April 2025, while Delta’s pause is at least until December 31, 2024.
Jordan
There are various parts of Jordan that are no-go zones according to the U.S. State Department (including borders with Syria and Iraq, refugee camps, and Ma’an city), but overall, the country is on Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution level.
However, the embassy in Jordan states, “Due to high tensions in the region, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly. We remind U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments.”
Lebanon
Israel launched a ground offensive against Lebanon and the two countries are also engaged in air strikes. With the situation rapidly deteriorating, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut raised a security alert on October 3 for Americans in Lebanon.
The U.S. is offering assistance to people to evacuate. Commercial flights are still available and people are urged to leave the country as soon as possible. The department is also offering assistance for loans. Meanwhile, other countries are also arranging for commercial or military flights to bring citizens home.
For travelers, it’s a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory.
Qatar
The U.S. State Department lists Qatar as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. But the U.S. embassy in the country has a caution warning for travelers. It highlights that people should review conditions before traveling. “Please review the travel and security information at the links below. You may also wish to confirm with your airline that your flight has not been cancelled or rescheduled.”
The U.A.E.
If you’re visiting Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you may face disruptions but there is no security threat yet. The U.S. State Department warns against the threats of missile or drone attacks as well as terrorism, but the emirate is on Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution status. The U.K. Foreign Office highlights that the hostilities may escalate quickly and affect the whole region.
