Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran at the weekend, and an Iranian counter-offensive targeting western allies in the region, there is widespread disruption and dangers for travellers in the Middle East.
The UK government is considering evacuation plans with more than 300,000 Britons registered as being in the region. The Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. Airspace closures throughout the region have triggered widespread flight disruption, with several major airports currently shut, including Dubai International.
Carriers, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, have temporarily halted operations, while several European airlines have cancelled or rerouted services.
Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, Syria and Qatar was virtually empty on Monday (2 March), with limited activity throughout much of the region. Several carriers have also warned of effects for routes over-flying the region.
The cruise sector has also been affected, with MSC Cruises and Celestyal making alterations to its sailings. Here's everything agents need to know at a glance if they have clients in the region or who are booked to travel imminently.
The situation in the Middle East is developing quickly. This article was last updated at 4.47pm on Monday (2 March) and is based on the latest available information
Is Middle East airspace still closed?
A wide corridor of airspace over the Middle East remains closed as of Monday (2 Monday) as countries neighbouring Iran restrict flights in and out of the region.
This includes the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain and Iraq.
Which airlines have suspended UAE services?
British Airways
British Airways has cancelled a number of services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday (4 March).
The airline said flights between Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv could be affected for several days. Customers travelling up to and including 8 March may request a full refund.
Those due to fly between Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv up to 15 March can rebook to travel on or before 29 March.
Travel to Cyprus has also been affected, with three flights from Heathrow to Larnaca cancelled from 2-3 March.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic suspended services between London Heathrow and Riyadh and Dubai over the weekend (28 February-2 March).
It has warned that flights to India, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives may take longer due to rerouting around the affected region.
Emirates
Emirates has suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 11am on 3 March (3pm UAE time). All city check-in points across Dubai are also temporarily closed until further notice.
Etihad Airways Etihad Airways has suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 10am on 3 March (2pm UAE time).
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways flights to, and from, Doha have been temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided by 6am (gam Doha time) on 3 March.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Saudi Arabia up to and including 7 March.
Air India
Air India has suspended all flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 2 March.
Select flights to Europe on 2 March have also been cancelled, along with the scheduled return legs of the Al117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, the Al151/Al152 from Delhi to Zurich, the Al157/Al15 from Delhi to Copenhagen and the Al114 from Birmingham to Delhi.
Thai Airways
Thai Airways International said all flights are operating as scheduled on routes avoiding affected airspace, although journey times to and from Europe may be extended as a result.
Which airports have been affected?
All flights in and out of Dubai International and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum have been suspended until further notice.
Zayed International Airport has suspended all operations, urging travellers to check with airlines before heading to the airport, with Sharjah Airport Authority also suspending flights for the time being.
In Doha, Hamad International Airport has suspended all flight operations, with other affected airports including Ben Gurion International in Tel Aviv and King Abdulaziz International airport in Jeddah.
What action has the Foreign Office taken?
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, and urges British citizens to register their presence if they are currently in those regions.
Those in Bahrain and Kuwait are urged to "immediately shelter" following reported missile attacks. "Remains indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities," read the official update.
Britons are advised not to travel to Iran at all, with the FCDO asking British nationals already in Iran to "carefully consider" their presence and the risks involved. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at "significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention", according to the FCDO.
Regarding Cyprus, the FCDO reported a suspected drone impact at an RAF base in the region, noting a "heightened risk of regional tension" and the possibility of travel disruption and "other unanticipated impacts" if the situation escalates.
What about the authorities in Ireland?
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised Irish citizens to avoid travelling to Iran or to Israel at this time. Tom Randles, president of the Irish Travel Agents Association, added citizens that have already booked a holiday should "immediately check" with their travel agent and insurance.
"Our advice to anyone in any of the Gulf States is to maintain contact with the airline you travelled on, maintain contact with your travel agent or tour operator, keep your mobile phone charged, and follow closely local media reports and advice," he added.
"It is also strongly recommended that you register with the Department of Foreign Affairs online."
How is cruise affected?
MSC Cruises and Celestyal have suspended sailings on MSC Euribia and Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery in the coming days following discussions with national embassies and foreign offices to understand any reparation plans being developed.
Celestyal confirmed it was unable to disembark guests on Celestyal Discovery in Dubai, "in line with instructions from local authorities", while Azamara's cruises continue to operate as scheduled as the brand "closely monitors" the situation.
A full breakdown on the cruise sector's response can be found here.
Abta provides Middle East crisis support to members
Abta has initiated a crisis response team to support members in responding to the conflict in the Middle East.
As of 2 March, Abta has circulated 10 operational bulletins to members advising on the latest situation and sharing FCDO travel advice updates and changes.
It has also been liaising with members who have operations in the regions affected and the Foreign Office, with the latest customer information available on Abta's website as well as its social media channels.
"It's times like these when the importance of booking with a travel agent or tour operator really shines through," said chief executive Mark Tanzer.
"This is a fast-moving situation, and we know our members are working extremely hard to help their customers."
