UK Issues New Travel Warning for UAE, Qatar, Oman and Other GCC Nations Amid US-Iran Conflict

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for several popular holiday destinations in the Middle East, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. This latest warning comes as the region’s security situation continues to deteriorate amid ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel, which have the potential to escalate into broader regional conflict. The conflict’s intensification, particularly after the US-led airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, has created a wave of disruptions affecting travel to and from the region.

Key Points of the Travel Advisory

The UK government has emphasized the need for travelers to remain vigilant when traveling to these Middle Eastern countries, warning of the potential for short-notice airspace closures, flight delays, cancellations, and other unanticipated travel disruptions. While there is no official ban on visiting these countries, travelers are urged to closely monitor local and international media for the latest updates on security developments and follow the guidance of local authorities.

The UAE, which remains one of the most popular destinations for British tourists, has already felt the impact, with over one million British tourists visiting in 2024. However, the ongoing tensions have triggered significant disruptions across air travel routes in the region.

Airlines Rerouting Flights to Avoid Conflict Zones

In response to the escalating tensions, airlines have begun rerouting flights away from the Middle Eastern airspace affected by the US-Iran strikes. According to FlightRadar24, airlines are avoiding airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, opting instead for alternative routes that travel north via the Caspian Sea or south through Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These detours are necessary for safety but come at a cost, as they lead to longer flight durations and higher fuel costs, placing a strain on airline operations.

For example, El Al Airlines, Arkia, and Israir have already suspended their flights to and from the Gulf region, focusing on evacuation efforts for passengers stranded in the area. Additionally, major global carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Air France-KLM, and Lufthansa have also either paused their routes to Gulf hubs or rerouted flights to avoid conflict zones. These disruptions are causing significant inconvenience to travelers who had planned to visit popular Middle Eastern destinations like Dubai and Doha.

US-Iran Strikes Escalate Tensions

The situation in the Middle East escalated significantly on June 22, 2025, when the United States carried out airstrikes targeting key Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The strikes, which are part of a broader strategy to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions, have resulted in heightened tensions in the region, increasing the risks to civil aviation and other infrastructure.

The conflict’s impact on the aviation sector is profound, as airlines face mounting pressure to balance safety concerns with operational needs. Safe Airspace, a global aviation safety watchdog, has issued warnings about the increased risks to US operators in the region, while confirming that no specific threats to civil aviation have been identified at this time. However, given the volatile nature of the situation, the potential for further disruptions remains high.

Impact on Inbound and Outbound Travel

The consequences of this conflict are particularly felt by inbound travelers to countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, which have long been seen as safe havens for international tourists. In 2024, the UAE alone saw over one million visitors from the UK, a substantial portion of which were likely set to visit in 2025. Now, with flight routes disrupted and security concerns high, there are fears that the number of international tourists will drop significantly.

UAE’s Role as a Key Destination

The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is an important destination for travelers from Europe and Asia, offering world-class attractions, luxury shopping, and iconic landmarks. Dubai alone attracts millions of international tourists every year, and many of these tourists transit through the UAE en route to other destinations in the Gulf. The ongoing travel disruptions are expected to have a significant financial impact on both the tourism and aviation sectors in the UAE, as foreign visitors may rethink their travel plans amid growing uncertainty.

As of now, the UAE’s key airports, such as Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), remain operational, but there is no guarantee that this will continue in the coming weeks. Airspace closures or further escalations could force airlines to cancel or reroute more flights, affecting travel plans for tourists and business travelers alike.

Travel Disruptions Across the Gulf: Implications for Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman

In addition to the UAE, other Gulf nations such as Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman are also feeling the impacts of the regional instability. Qatar, a major hub for international flights, particularly with its airline Qatar Airways, is facing flight delays and cancellations. Doha, one of the busiest airports in the Middle East, has seen reduced operations as airlines adjust flight paths and reroute services.

Oman, which has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists seeking a more relaxed Gulf experience, has also been affected by the disruptions. With many travelers looking to visit the country’s historic sites, beaches, and desert landscapes, the travel warning from the UK government could dissuade potential visitors.

Security & Military Escalation: Risks of Broader Conflict

The potential closure of airspace over key Middle Eastern nations, such as Iran, Iraq, and Israel, is not only a concern for airlines but also for global security. As tensions continue to rise, military confrontations between the US, Iran, and their respective allies could spill over into broader regional conflicts, creating further instability. For countries in the Gulf, this poses a particular risk, as they are directly tied to global trade and air traffic flows.

Given the close ties between the US, UK, and Gulf states, there is a growing concern that these tensions could escalate into a full-scale conflict involving military strikes or naval blockades. European nations, particularly those with military and trade interests in the region, may also be drawn into any conflict through NATO obligations or bilateral defense agreements. Should military escalations continue, there is a high likelihood that more airlines will suspend flights to and from the region, and diplomatic negotiations will intensify.

How Travelers Can Respond to the Situation

For UK travelers planning trips to the Middle East, especially to the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, it is crucial to check for flight disruptions before traveling. With the ongoing security situation, airspace closures are likely to continue, and flights could be delayed or canceled on short notice. Travelers should confirm travel plans with airlines and be prepared for last-minute changes in their itinerary. It is also advisable to monitor local news and follow any instructions from local authorities to stay updated on the situation.

Additionally, travelers may be eligible for compensation if their flights are delayed or canceled due to the disruptions. It is important for passengers to check the individual policies of airlines regarding cancellations, refunds, and compensation in case of significant delays or flight cancellations.

Conclusion: A Growing Challenge for Middle Eastern Tourism

The UK government’s updated travel warning reflects the growing challenges facing the Middle East tourism industry as a result of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran. As tensions escalate, the travel disruption, including flight cancellations, airspace closures, and delays, is causing significant inconvenience for travelers, particularly in the UAE, Qatar, and Oman.

With airlines rerouting flights and the global aviation industry grappling with the implications of military tensions in the region, it remains to be seen how long these disruptions will last. Travelers heading to or through the Gulf region in the coming months should be prepared for unexpected changes to their plans and should stay informed about the latest developments to ensure a safe and smooth journey.