The UK Government has issued an urgent warning for tourists travelling to Dubai, Qatar and other major Middle Eastern destinations following the US military strikes against Iran on June 22.
In a update on the Foreign Office pages for several destinations, the government warns that ‘ongoing hostilities’ have the ‘potential to deteriorate quickly’.
The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia are all under the latest warning following the strikes.
The Government warns: ‘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 June 22.
‘There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.’
It adds that British tourists are encouraged to ‘read the FCDO’s advice on “if you’re affected by a crisis abroad”‘ and ‘monitor local and international media for the latest information’.
Travellers are also urged to be ‘vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities, avoiding all but essential travel to military bases’.
Tourists should also ‘check with relevant airlines for the latest updates before travelling’.
The warning comes as British Airways cancelled all its flights to Dubai and Doha on Sunday June 22.
In a statement, British Airways said: ‘As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority.
‘We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation.’
BA is offering a flexible booking policy for customers already booked onto flights to Dubai and Doha between Sunday and Tuesday who wish to change their dates of travel.
According to Gatwick’s website, flights to and from the airport to Doha and Dubai are continuing as scheduled.
The Foreign Office has also updated its travel advice for Jordan.
It says: ‘Jordanian airspace is open but airports and airspace may close at short notice.
‘Before you travel if you are in Jordan, contact your airline and follow the advice of the local authorities.’
The Government advises against all travel to Israel and Iran.
The UK is now preparing a flight to transport British nationals out of Israel and the OPTs (Occupied Palestinian Territories).
Iran has warned that the United States should expect ‘heavy consequences’ for striking its nuclear sites.
Trump has declared that ‘monumental damage’ has been done to ‘all nuclear sites in Iran’.
