A missile strike by Iran on a US military base in Qatar prompted a "shelter in place" warning on Monday (23 June), which has now been lifted. It followed US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at the weekend.
However, Qatar has reportedly told the United Nations it “reserves the right to respond directly” to the attack and has summoned Iran’s ambassador, according to the BBC.
In an update to its Qatar travel advice, the Foreign Office said: "The US has now lifted the advice to shelter in place, issued to its citizens on 23 June. Following interceptions of Iranian missiles fired towards Qatar, the FCDO has been in touch with local authorities and international partners and reviewed the security situation.
“British nationals do not need to shelter in place and should continue to follow advice from the local authorities."
Qatar Airways has resumed flights following the airspace closure. However, British Airways has suspended flights to and from Doha until Wednesday (25 June). "We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options and will keep the situation under review," it said.
The FCDO has also updated its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates. “Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning, including since US military strikes against Iran on 22 June," read the advice.
“There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.”
The FCDO advises “avoiding all but essential travel to military bases” in the UAE, and to check with airlines before travelling. It is also continuing to advise against all travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Airline impact
BA said: “We are offering a flexible booking policy for those customers who are booked on services to and from Dubai and Doha and wish to change their dates of travel. Those due to travel between now and 29 June 2025 can rebook onto a later flight up to and including 13 July 2025, free of charge, by contacting us by phone. Flights to and from Dubai continue to operate.”
Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi are otherwise operating normally. Etihad said: ““Etihad flights are operating as scheduled. Guests should check flight status at etihad.com and travel as planned.”
Virgin Atlantic is continuing services to Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh and plans to resume seasonal Dubai flights in October. Its India flights remain rerouted to avoid Iraqi airspace.
A spokesperson said: "We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East extremely carefully with ongoing dynamic assessments and active changes to our flight routings based on the latest intelligence, while always going above and beyond the strict advice set out by the Department for Transport and other global regulators.”
Jordan, which has not been caught up in the conflict, has launched a new digital platform run by its Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities designed to reassure visitors if there is any disruption.
“Visitors can now contact the ministry directly for help rescheduling flights, securing alternative accommodation, modifying itineraries and reporting any issues during their stay," it said, adding: “Jordan’s tourism attractions all remain open as usual.”
UK agents and operators have been reacting to the situation. Lisa Henning, chief executive of agency Inspire Europe, said: "Over the past 24 hours, our homeworking community has been receiving calls from concerned clients who are seeking clarity and reassurance about their travel arrangements during this challenging period.
"Fortunately, in such situations, they can also contact their customers proactively to provide advice and guidance, as they have immediate access to their own specialised airline portal, allowing them to filter departures in minutes.”
In a message to agents, Classic Collection director B2B Si Morris-Green promised agents “24/7 support” and said it was “actively monitoring the situation”.
