British travellers warned of security risk across Middle East amid Israel-Iran conflict

A government warning of possible travel disruption across the Middle East was issued on Thursday amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.

 

The Foreign Office alert covered six countries including the UAE, home to Dubai.

 

The other nations included were Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

 

The updated travel advice said: “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.” 

 

British travellers were advised to monitor local and international media for the latest information; be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities; and check with relevant airlines for the latest updates before travelling.

 

An earlier advisory issued for Lebanon yesterday also warned of a risk of air travel disruption at Beirut airport.

 

“Separately, the risk of air strikes in areas of Lebanon, including in southern suburbs of Beirut, remains,” the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) noted.

 

Israel’s surprise attack on Iran a week ago and retaliatory missile strikes have led to a string of alerts by the FCDO warning about travel to Middle Eastern and north African destinations and flight diversions and cancellations.

 

The Israel tourism ministry indicated on Wednesday that 38,000 foreign tourists trapped in the country could register for evacuation flights after commercial services were grounded.