The Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued urgent updates for British nationals stranded across the Middle East following the escalation of conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. More than 37,000 British nationals have returned to the UK since 1 March, with three charter flights from Oman landing in the UK since the weekend, the most recent arriving on 9 March. A charter flight from Dubai is scheduled to depart on Monday evening.
On Sunday 8 March, 30 flights carrying over 7,000 passengers departed from affected countries, marking the highest number of Brits returning since the crisis began on 28 February. The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran, Israel, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
British nationals in affected countries are urged to register their presence with the UK government via the official portal to receive security updates and evacuation information. While some limited commercial flights have resumed from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the situation remains unstable, with carriers like Virgin Atlantic and British Airways rerouting flights to avoid Iraqi and Iranian airspace.
An estimated 300,000 British nationals have been affected by flight cancellations across the Gulf. The UK government is securing charter flights, primarily from Oman, to prioritise vulnerable citizens. In some areas, including Qatar and the UAE, the FCDO has advised nationals to be prepared to stay indoors or shelter in place if local authorities issue alerts.
The FCDO warns that most standard travel insurance policies will be invalid for those travelling to these regions against official advice. Those already there and unable to leave may have their existing cover automatically extended, but the FCDO recommends checking with providers immediately.
