The Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued new advice for travel to several countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, Jordan, Oman, Israel and Qatar.
It is also now warning against all but essential travel to Riyadh and the Eastern Provinces of Saudi Arabia, due to concerns over continued missile and drone attacks across the country.
It warned of a ‘risk of debris from intercepted missiles and drones falling across the region and causing further disruption’.
Virgin Atlantic this week announced it had axed its service between the UK and Saudi Arabia, with no plans to return to the route, having decided to offer seats on partner Saudia’s flights instead.
The FCDO was already advising against leisure travel to much of the Middle East due to the conflict with Iran, but yesterday it warned of an increased risk of regional escalation.
In a new alert that covered several countries, including the UAE (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Israel and Oman, the FCDO warned that Iran was continuing to strike civilian infrastructure across the region, including hotels and airports.
Urging visitors to exercise caution, it added: “If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building and take hard cover.
“An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection. Where available, follow advice from local authorities on how to stay safe in your location.”
