Over 52,000 flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled since US-Israel strikes on Iran began on 28 February. Jet fuel surged from $2.11 per gallon to $3.40 by mid-March, pushing airfares to record levels. This is the biggest aviation disruption since 9/11 in terms of geographic reach.

The five-day pause in US strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, announced on 23 March, has not led to de-escalation. Iran formally rejected the US 15-point ceasefire proposal on 25 March and issued its own five-point counterproposal including reparations and continued Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz. Both conditions are non-starters for Washington. On 26 March, Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes on Isfahan targeting military infrastructure, and announced it had killed the head of Iran’s IRGC Navy, a key figure behind the near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continued firing missiles at Israel and Gulf states. The war is escalating, not winding down.

Roughly 2,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers are now stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is charging fees for safe passage through the waterway, which the Gulf Cooperation Council has called a violation of international law. The UAE has intercepted more than 300 ballistic missiles and 1,600 drones since the conflict began. Dubai’s airport has taken four drone-related hits. The UAE briefly shut its entire airspace overnight on 16-17 March. A drone struck a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport on 25 March, sparking a fire. Nothing is stable right now.

Israel, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen: Against all travel.

Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan: Against all but essential travel. Register your presence at gov.uk for direct FCDO updates.

Egypt: Against all travel to North Sinai/Israel border areas. Tourist areas like Sharm el-Sheikh not covered.

Cyprus: No general warning. RAF Akrotiri experienced suspected drone impact.

Travelling against FCDO advice invalidates most standard travel insurance. UK tour operators have cancelled package holidays to affected destinations through at least 31 March, with automatic refunds being processed.

Airlines are routing traffic through two corridors: north via Turkey and the Caucasus, or south via Egypt and Oman. Both add significant time and fuel cost. Lufthansa Group is adding extra Munich-Singapore, Frankfurt-Cape Town and Vienna-Bangkok frequencies. Air France has boosted services to Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Mumbai and Nairobi.

Oil prices remain elevated with about 30% gains since the start of 2026. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked, with Iran charging passage fees. Japan is releasing 30 days of oil reserves. The Philippines has declared a national emergency over energy supply. Industry forecasts project Middle East tourism arrivals falling 27% this year, with $56 billion in lost visitor spending.

MSC Cruises cancelled all remaining March sailings from Dubai. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked and Iran threatening full closure, maritime operations remain high-risk. Cruise passengers should contact their operator directly for refund options.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. The conflict is ongoing and conditions can shift within hours. Always verify with your airline before making decisions. Information accurate as of 26 March 2026.