Sunday, June 15, 2025
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has issued a pressing travel advisory to ensure the safety and well-being of UAE nationals, residents, and visitors amid ongoing flight disruptions across the Middle East. As tensions continue to rise in the region, particularly between Israel and Iran, the travel advisory urges all travelers to stay informed and regularly check for updates from airlines.
This advisory specifically targets UAE nationals currently traveling to or residing in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Israel. These countries are experiencing airspace disruptions that are causing significant flight cancellations and delays. The Ministry’s guidance highlights the importance of staying updated and in contact with airlines to avoid further travel issues.
Urging Registration with Twajudi Service
In light of the ongoing situation, the Ministry has strongly encouraged UAE nationals to register with the “Twajudi” service, an official consular registration system. This service ensures that the UAE authorities can track and assist citizens who may be affected by the situation abroad, providing a safety net during emergencies.
- Twajudi registration is vital for those in the affected countries to receive quick assistance if needed.
- The Ministry has provided a dedicated emergency number for urgent situations: +971 800 24.
This system is a critical tool for ensuring that travelers are not left without support, as the UAE government can better assist them during these heightened tensions.
Widespread Flight Cancellations and Changes
The disruption of air travel due to the ongoing conflict has led to flight cancellations and re-routing by major airlines in the region. Both Emirates and Etihad Airways, two of the UAE’s most prominent carriers, have had to suspend flights to and from key cities such as Baghdad, Basra, Amman, Beirut, Tehran, and Tel Aviv.
- Emirates has suspended flights to several cities, including Basra, Baghdad, Amman, and Tehran, from June 13 to June 15.
- Etihad Airways has also grounded flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, as well as Abu Dhabi and Amman, until June 16.
- Flight cancellations have impacted travelers transiting through Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with some being denied boarding.
Despite the inconvenience, both airlines have emphasized that passenger safety is their primary concern and that travelers should remain alert for further updates regarding flight schedules. Passengers are urged to regularly check the airline’s official channels for real-time information and be flexible with their travel plans.
Airspace Reopenings and Current Status
As of Saturday, some countries have begun to reopen their airspace after temporary closures. These include Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, which had previously shut down their airspace due to security concerns related to the regional tensions.
- Jordan resumed civilian air traffic at 7:30 am (0430 GMT).
- Lebanon confirmed that its airspace would reopen at 10:00 am (0700 GMT).
- Syria followed suit, allowing flights to resume under official oversight.
Even though these countries have reopened their airspace, the situation remains volatile, and further disruptions cannot be ruled out. Travelers are advised to stay vigilant and monitor all official airline updates to avoid complications with their flights.
Travelers Urged to Stay Updated
Given the ongoing fluidity of the situation, it is essential for all travelers in the region to stay proactive about their travel plans. The travel advisory stresses the importance of contacting airlines directly to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on flight cancellations and changes to flight schedules. Travelers should also remain in close contact with consular services and check any government updates for any new developments.
- Check flight statuses via official airline websites or customer service.
- Monitor changes in airspace closures and regional tensions that may impact travel.
Both Emirates and Etihad continue to prioritize passenger safety while advising flexibility in travel plans as the region remains in a state of heightened uncertainty.
Conclusion
As tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt travel, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acted swiftly to issue a travel advisory urging all nationals, residents, and visitors to stay informed about the rapidly changing situation. The guidance stresses the importance of checking flight cancellations and airline updates, registering for the Twajudi service, and staying connected to official channels for real-time updates.
Travelers must remain vigilant and flexible, as ongoing regional tensions could continue to affect flight schedules in the coming days. By staying informed, travelers can ensure their safety and avoid potential disruptions while navigating through these challenging times.
