Updated travel advisories and Kuwait flight disruptions prompt fresh checks for travellers.
Dubai: Travellers flying across the Gulf region and Jordan are being advised to check flight schedules and review official safety updates after the US, UK and Canada revised their travel advisories following renewed military activity in the Middle East.
The advisories apply to destinations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Jordan, with the level of guidance varying depending on the country and, in some cases, specific regions within each country.
Passengers have also been advised to confirm flight operations before travelling to the airport, as several services between the UAE and Kuwait have been cancelled.
Kuwait
The US Embassy in Kuwait said the regional security situation remained complex and urged American citizens to reconsider travel to the country. Travellers were advised to check airline websites or contact carriers directly for the latest flight updates, while the embassy noted that it was providing limited emergency services to US citizens.
The UK government said Kuwait International Airport was operating through Terminals 4 and 5 for Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, while Terminal 1 remained closed. Flight operations were reduced, and passengers were advised to confirm their flight status with airlines before travelling to the airport.
Canada has advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Kuwait due to heightened regional tensions.
Bahrain travel alert raised
The US Embassy in Bahrain said on July 20 that it had received information indicating that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama, prompting heightened security concerns.
Americans in Bahrain were urged to remain alert and follow guidance from local authorities. The embassy advised anyone hearing an explosion or emergency sirens to take immediate shelter, stay away from windows and avoid approaching any missile or drone debris.
The warning came after emergency sirens were activated in Bahrain, with the Ministry of Interior urging residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location.
The UK said the security situation remained unpredictable, with the possibility of further attacks resuming at short notice. British nationals were advised to follow official updates, ensure travel documents are up to date and remain indoors if authorities issue shelter instructions.
Canada continues to advise its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Bahrain amid ongoing regional security concerns.
Saudi Arabia travellers urged to reassess plans
The US has advised Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East due to the possibility of further escalation in the region.
Non-essential US government personnel and their families had previously been instructed to leave Saudi Arabia, although emergency consular support remains available. Travellers have been advised to monitor local news, avoid demonstrations and contact airlines directly for updates if flights are disrupted.
The UK continues to advise against all travel within 10 kilometres of the Saudi-Yemen border and recommends avoiding all but essential travel to areas located 10 to 80 kilometres from the border.
British authorities also warned that the Houthis have threatened Saudi infrastructure and have previously targeted airports and other facilities in the region.
Canada updated its travel advice on July 17, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia.
New warning issued for Jordan’s Aqaba airport
The UK updated its Jordan travel guidance on July 19, advising travellers to undertake only essential trips to Aqaba International Airport and the city’s seaport amid regional security concerns.
The UK also advises against all travel within three kilometres of Jordan’s border with Syria. British travellers have been urged to avoid security and military sites, monitor local and international news updates, and follow official shelter instructions if hostilities resume.
The update followed Jordan’s report of additional missile interceptions and its decision to summon Iran’s chargé d’affaires in Amman over attacks targeting the country.
UAE, Oman and Qatar also included
The US has advised Americans to reconsider travel to the UAE, citing the risk of further unforeseen escalation in the region. Non-emergency US government personnel remain outside the country, while non-emergency visa services have been suspended.
Travellers have been advised to contact airlines directly for any flight changes, avoid demonstrations, keep away from fallen debris and follow guidance issued by UAE authorities.
Canada has also advised its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the UAE amid ongoing regional tensions.
Similar US travel guidance applies to Oman and Qatar. At the time the advisory was issued, commercial flights were continuing from Oman, although US government employees faced travel restrictions to Musandam and Duqm. The US Embassy in Qatar advised travellers to identify nearby shelters and consider alternative departure options if needed.
What passengers should do before travelling
Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport, especially when travelling to Kuwait or using airports where flight schedules have been reduced due to ongoing disruptions.
Travellers are also advised to review the specific guidance issued for their nationality and destination, as travel warnings may apply to an entire country, certain border areas or specific locations such as Aqaba airport.
Authorities have recommended that passengers keep travel documents readily available, stay in contact with family members, ensure phones remain charged and follow local instructions if emergency sirens or security alerts are activated.
