Numerous flights have been cancelled in the wake of the strikes (Image: Getty)
The Foreign Office has revised its travel guidance, advising against all trips to Israel and Palestine and urging British citizens in neighbouring Middle Eastern nations to « immediately shelter in place ». The announcements come after US-Israeli military strikes on Iran during the early hours of Saturday morning, followed by subsequent retaliatory attacks on American bases in the surrounding region.
This development follows major airlines cancelling flights to the area over the coming days. In a statement published on its website, the FCDO stated: « Due to the threat posed by escalation in the region, we recommend against all travel to Israel and Palestine.
« On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel commenced joint military action in Iran, Israeli airspace has now closed. »
British citizens currently in the region are being advised to exercise « sensible precautions », which includes heeding guidance from local authorities, keeping away from military installations and ensuring their travel documentation is current. The revised guidance on the FCDO website has also cautioned British nationals in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait to seek shelter immediately.
« Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities, » the update stated. Meanwhile, leading airlines are grounding flights to the region whilst monitoring the situation, with UK airports advising travellers to maintain contact with their carriers for the latest information.
Read more: US base rocked by explosion as footage shows moments Iranian missile strikes
Read more: Fuel price hell predicted after Donald Trump and US strikes Iran
A spokesperson for London Heathrow said: « Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East and resulting airspace closures in the region, a small number of flights at Heathrow have been cancelled or delayed. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on their flight. »
Flight-tracking websites revealed that multiple flights departing from British airports on Saturday turned back to their original departure points, while a British Airways service from Heathrow to Doha returned to London overnight just three hours after take-off. The carrier confirmed that services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain would be suspended until next week, with flights to Amman cancelled on Saturday.
« We are closely monitoring the situation and have taken the operational decision to cancel our flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain up to and including 03 March and have cancelled today’s service to Amman, » an airline spokesperson stated. Safety is always our top priority, and we’re contacting our customers to advise them of their travel options. »
Qatar Airways announced the temporary suspension of its services to and from its capital Doha owing to Qatari airspace closure.
« The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace re-opens, » the carrier stated in a post on X. « Once usual operations resume, we anticipate delays to our flight schedule. »
Virgin Atlantic is also putting its service from London Heathrow to Dubai on hold this Saturday. A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic stated: « Due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, we have made the decision to temporarily avoid the airspace of Iraq, resulting in some pre-planned rerouting of our flights.
« As a precautionary measure, we have also taken the decision to cancel our VS400 service from London Heathrow to Dubai on Saturday, 28th February.
« The safety and security of our customers and people is always our top priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are contacting affected customers regarding their travel arrangements. »
Gatwick Airport has alerted passengers to anticipate disruption to Qatar and Emirates services this Saturday. A representative for the airport announced on Saturday: « Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, airspace restrictions have been introduced in parts of the region.
« As a result, some flights to and from London Gatwick may experience delays or cancellations. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest information on flights.
« This is a fast-moving situation, and we are expecting disruption to our Qatar and Emirates flights, but I understand at this moment they have not been formally cancelled. »
Wizz Air has also confirmed that flights from London Luton to Tel Aviv, and from Tel Aviv to London Luton, are being suspended until and including March 7.
« The airline is closely monitoring developments and remains in ongoing contact with local and international authorities, aviation safety agencies, security authorities, and relevant governmental bodies, » a spokesperson for the airline stated.
« Operational decisions will continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted as the situation evolves. »
Source link
