US and UK travel advisories for UAE: What you need to know
Airlines reroute flights to avoid escalating Middle East conflict zones
DUBAI: Following recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, travel conditions across the Middle East have come under increased scrutiny. The strikes, which targeted key facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, have heightened regional tensions and prompted several governments to reassess travel guidance for the Gulf region.
While the United Arab Emirates remains one of the safest and most visited destinations in the Middle East, both the United States and the United Kingdom have issued updated advisories urging travellers to exercise increased caution. As a leading global transit hub with millions of visitors each year, the UAE continues to operate normally, though airspace closures and airline rerouting across neighbouring countries are affecting travel across the region.
With security dynamics evolving rapidly, travellers are being encouraged to monitor official advisories, check airline updates, and stay informed when planning journeys to or through the Gulf.
US advisory for UAE
The United States has maintained a Level 2 travel advisory for the UAE since January 6, 2025, encouraging citizens to “exercise increased caution.” Although this level does not prohibit travel, it reflects rising concerns over potential attacks against US interests in the region due to the conflict.
American travellers are urged to:
- Enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Monitor the US State Department’s travel website
- Stay updated via local media and follow UAE authority directives
- Be vigilant in areas associated with the United States
- Develop a personal emergency plan
In aviation, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), advising commercial carriers to exercise caution over Middle Eastern airspace. With Iran-Israel tensions peaking and the US’s involvement intensifying, air travel risks have significantly escalated.
Despite the warnings, the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai remain open with no operational changes.
UK’s updated advisory
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a refreshed travel advisory for several Gulf states, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. The advisory highlights the risk of travel disruptions due to sudden airspace closures and the potential for conflict escalation without warning.
Key elements of the UK advisory include:
- Encouragement to monitor local and global news
- Urging travellers to check flight status and airline advisories
- Advice for British-Israeli dual nationals to seek clarification before travelling
- A reminder that expired or valid Israeli passport stamps may trigger extra scrutiny at UAE borders
Although the FCDO has not formally advised against travel to the UAE, it has issued a strong warning about possible delays, cancellations, and regional instability. The advisory is particularly relevant to the over one million UK citizens who visited the UAE in 2024.
British nationals are also advised to be cautious if travelling with Israeli passport stamps or dual nationality, although entry to the UAE is typically permitted for tourists.
Airline operations and route changes
All major UAE-based carriers have adjusted services in response to the regional situation:
- Etihad Airways has suspended Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flights until 15 July. Transit passengers on affected routes will not be accepted at departure points. A separate flight from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi was cancelled on 22 June due to a technical issue unrelated to regional conflict.
- Emirates has paused services to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra until 30 June and is actively rerouting flights to avoid restricted airspace.
- Flydubai has suspended all operations to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and St. Petersburg through 30 June, advising passengers to update contact details and rebook online.
- Air Arabia has halted services to Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan through the end of June, while flights to Jordan remain suspended until 25 June.
- Wizz Air has extended flight suspensions to Tel Aviv and Amman until 15 September, avoiding conflict zones entirely.
Despite ongoing challenges, key airports including Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International (AUH) remain fully operational for unaffected routes.
International airlines are also reacting. British Airways has paused services to Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain. United Airlines and American Airlines have suspended flights to Dubai and Doha, respectively. Other carriers such as Air France-KLM, Air Canada, Finnair, Lufthansa, and El Al have either cancelled or rerouted flights to avoid Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, and Israeli airspace.
According to FlightRadar24, more airlines are using detours over the Caspian Sea or southern routes via Egypt and Saudi Arabia—measures that increase fuel costs and travel time.
Neighbouring hubs like Doha’s Hamad International and Muscat International are also reporting reduced activity and altered schedules amid security concerns.
What travellers need to know
Travellers heading to or through the UAE and surrounding Gulf countries should:
- Check with airlines for real-time updates on delays or cancellations
- Maintain flexibility in travel plans
- Monitor official advisories from the US State Department and UK FCDO
- Be aware that travel insurance may not cover trip cancellations if advisories are not at Level 3 or 4
- Avoid high-profile or crowded US-associated locations while abroad
Dubai, which welcomed over 18.7 million tourists in 2024—including over one million from the UK—is less than 100 miles from Iran across the Persian Gulf. The close proximity adds to the sense of unease for some holidaymakers.
Despite this, the UAE continues to be a top destination. Dubai is globally ranked third in international visitor numbers, and British residents living in the city are estimated at over 240,000.
With no outright bans in place, travel to the UAE remains possible, albeit with increased scrutiny and risk management. Travellers are encouraged to stay alert, review guidance frequently, and remain adaptable as the situation evolves across the Middle East.