The escalating Iran war has sent shockwaves across the globe, impacting travel plans and raising concerns for those in the Middle East and beyond. This is a critical time for travelers, and we must navigate these uncertain waters with caution and awareness.
The Rapid Escalation
On February 28th, a joint US-Israeli military operation, codenamed "Operation Epic Fury," struck Iran, resulting in the death of its leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, the conflict has spread like wildfire, affecting over a dozen countries. Drone attacks have targeted the Royal Air Force (RAF) Base in Cyprus, an EU member, and all nations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Travel Hubs Under Threat
The economic and tourist hotspots of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have not been spared. Dubai Airport, the world's busiest for international travel, suffered damage from drone debris during counter-strikes, forcing it to close for three consecutive days and stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers. A projectile also hit the luxurious Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai, causing a fire that went viral on social media.
Surprising Retaliation
Dr. John Rose, Chief Risk Advisor at ALTOUR, a corporate travel management firm, expressed surprise at the retaliation against the UAE. "While we expected nations like Israel to be targeted, the UAE was considered a safe haven in the region. Dubai alone attracted nearly 20 million travelers in 2025," he noted. Rose emphasized the paramount importance of traveler safety, stating that no airport would reopen if it faced a realistic threat.
Oman: A Safer Alternative?
Many travelers are opting to drive from the UAE to Oman, where flights are still operational, and the risk of attacks is slightly lower. However, Oman's Duqm commercial port was unexpectedly hit by Iranian drones, a move that shocked many as the country was facilitating peace talks between the US and Iran. Oman has slightly lighter travel advisories compared to other regional countries, with the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US issuing varying levels of warnings.
Israel and Lebanon: At the Epicenter
Israel continues to exchange strikes with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon as part of the initial offensive. Air raid sirens have sounded across the country, including in Tel Aviv. Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main international airport, has been shut down due to airspace closures, but limited flights are expected to resume soon. All major countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, have issued their highest-level warnings for Israel and Lebanon.
Jordan and Iraq: Evacuations and Closures
The US Embassy in Amman, Jordan, has been evacuated due to an unspecified security threat. The country has partially closed its airspace, and Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US have all issued warnings urging citizens to depart immediately. Iraq's airspace is closed, and the US, UK, Canada, and Australia advise against any travel, with the US urging its citizens to leave immediately.
Europe's First Impact: Cyprus
A drone strike on the UK's RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus caused minor damage and no casualties but marked the conflict's first impact in Europe. Paphos International Airport was evacuated, and around 60 flights were canceled across the island. EasyJet suspended its UK-Cyprus services until March 5th. While the UK doesn't have a travel warning for Cyprus, it advises British nationals near the base to follow local instructions.
Egypt: A Safe Haven?
Egypt has not been directly targeted by retaliatory strikes, but the US State Department advised citizens to depart via commercial means. Australia and Canada advise travelers to exercise caution, while the UK provides region-specific advice. Dr. Rose, who is planning a family trip to Egypt this summer, sees no reason to postpone. "I wouldn't take my daughters somewhere I feel is high risk, and at the moment, it's not," he said.
This situation is evolving rapidly, and travelers must stay informed and cautious. The impact of this war extends far beyond the battlefield, affecting the lives and plans of people worldwide. As we navigate these uncertain times, let's remember the importance of safety and preparedness.
What are your thoughts on this evolving situation? Feel free to share your insights and experiences in the comments below!
