KLM: Dutch carrier KLM has said all flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam are likely to be disrupted until at least Friday, March 6.
SalamAir: On Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5, Oman’s SalamAir is putting on flights from Fujairah International Airport to Muscat, with connecting journey’s to Lucknow, Calicut, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Karachi, and Cairo. Tickets should be purchased directly from the airline’s website or an authorized travel agency.
Kuwait Airways: Commercial arrivals and departures at Kuwait International Airport (KWI) are currently on hold. Kuwaiti citizens with existing bookings with the airline are being flown to Jeddah as part of an emergency repatriation plan. From Saudi Arabia, passengers are required to complete the final leg of their journey to Kuwait by land. Travelers have until Friday, March 6 to register their travel preferences.
Air Canada: Air Canada has announced it will cease operating flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until Sunday, March 22.
What are governments advising?
United Kingdom: The UK Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to the UAE. The website advises British citizens in the UAE to follow the instructions of local authorities when it comes to taking shelter and staying indoors. They recommend staying “away from areas around security or military facilities.”
United States: On March 4, the US State Department updated its regional travel advice, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Level four (do not travel countries) are now Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, while those traveling to Egypt should “exercise increased caution”.
Australia: Australia has raised its level of advice for the United Arab Emirates to “do not travel” following military strikes and heightened regional instability. Earlier in the week, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised Australians to consider leaving Israel and Lebanon, and offered voluntary departure arrangements for families of diplomatic staff in Israel, Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan amid what they deem to be a “deteriorating security situation.”
Canada: Canada has escalated its guidance for the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, advising travelers to exercise a “high degree of caution.” It previously advised against non-essential travel to Lebanon, and urged Canadians in Iran to “leave now if you can do so safely.” Officials have also advised citizens to ensure travel documents are up to date and to maintain sufficient supplies in case they are required to shelter in place if commercial flights are suspended.
India: India’s Embassy in the UAE issued an update to citizens advising all Indian nationals to “avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, and follow safety guidelines and advisories.”
How does this affect travel insurance?
Most standard travel insurance policies rely on government-issued “do not travel” advisories to trigger cancellations or claims. Current warnings and advisories from governments may affect travel insurance if they are not adhered to. Travelers are urged to keep up to date with their government’s latest advice before traveling.
