The escalating conflict in the Middle East, following the US-Israeli offensive 'Operation Epic Fury' on 28 February, has severely impacted travel across the region. The UAE, previously considered a safe destination, has seen attacks on Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, as well as the Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai. The Dubai airport, the world's busiest for international travel, was closed for three days due to drone debris, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers.
Dr John Rose, Chief Risk Advisor at ALTOUR, noted that the retaliation against the UAE surprised many, as the country was seen as a safe haven. Despite the attacks, UAE airports are slowly resuming operations, with Etihad Airways and Emirates restarting flights. The UAE government has pledged to cover food and accommodation for the 20,200 stranded travellers.
The US, UK, Canada, and Australia have issued advisories against all but essential travel to the UAE. The US State Department has urged American nationals to 'depart now' from 14 Middle Eastern nations, including the UAE, and is organising charter flights for evacuations. The UK government has begun flying British nationals out of Oman, with additional flights from the UAE starting 4 March.
Iranian airspace remains closed, and all civilian travel to and from Iran is halted. Overland border crossings into Turkey and Armenia remain open for those leaving Iran. In Qatar, Doha Hamad International Airport is closed due to airspace restrictions, with the US and UK ordering shelter-in-place advisories. Many travellers are driving from the UAE to Oman, where the risk is slightly lower and flights continue to operate.
