Foreign Office warns over travel to Middle East as airlines cancel flights

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to warn against all travel to Israel and Palestine, and has urged British nationals in other Middle Eastern countries to “immediately shelter in place”.

The announcements follow US-Israeli strikes on Iran in the early hours of Saturday morning and the subsequent retaliatory attacks on American bases in surrounding countries.

It comes as major airlines have cancelled flights to the region over the coming days.

In a statement on its website, the FCDO said: “Due to the threat posed by escalation in the region, we recommend against all travel to Israel and Palestine.

“On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel commenced joint military action in Iran, Israeli airspace has now closed.”

British nationals in the region are urged to take “sensible precautions”, including following advice from regional authorities, staying away from military facilities and ensuring travel documents are up to date.

The updated advice on the FCDO website also warned British nationals in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait to immediately find shelter in place.

“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,” the update read.

Meanwhile, major airlines are suspending flights to the region pending further developments, and UK airports are advising passengers to keep in touch with their airlines for updates.

A London Heathrow statement 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 have shown several flights that took off from British airports on Saturday have returned to their point of origin while a British Airways flight from Heathrow to Doha returned to London overnight just three hours after departure.

The airline said flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain will be suspended until next week, and flights to Amman will be 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,” a spokesperson for the airline said.

“Safety is always our top priority, and we’re contacting our customers to advise them of their travel options.”

Qatar Airways confirmed the temporary suspension of its flights to and from its capital Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

“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 airline said in a statement published on X.

“Once usual operations resume, we anticipate delays to our flight schedule.”

Virgin Atlantic is also suspending its service from London Heathrow to Dubai on Saturday.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “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 warned passengers disruption is expected to Qatar and Emirates services on Saturday.

A spokesperson for the airport said 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 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 said.

“Operational decisions will continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted as the situation evolves.”