How safe is the Middle East for Americans? Latest travel advice amid Iran-US conflict

‘Operation Epic Fury’ has created a vast no-go zone over the Middle East for commercial flights, with east-west services rerouted and thousands of cancelations in major Gulf hubs TravelNews & AdviceHow safe is the Middle East for Americans? Latest travel advice amid Iran-US conflict‘Operation Epic Fury’ has created a vast no-go zone over the Middle East for commercial flights, with east-west services rerouted and thousands of cancelations in major Gulf hubsTed Thornhill US Travel Editor Wednesday 04 March 2026 17:28 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverFire breaks out as US consulate in Dubai hit by drone strikeYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. 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We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreFlights remain severely disrupted in the Middle East, with more than 12,000 canceled across the region since the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28.The air strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on Gulf nations have created a vast no-go zone for commercial aviation — including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria and parts of the Gulf — stranding thousands of travelers and disrupting a vital air corridor between Europe, Asia and Australia.Hubs in the region that have been affected include Dubai International Airport — the world’s busiest international airport — Zayed International Airport in the UAE and Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.America’s big-three carriers — United, American and Delta — have all canceled services to the region, along with other major airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa.Forty-nine flights are scheduled to depart from the U.S. to the Middle East Wednesday, equating to 16,254 seats, according to aviation data firm Cirium.open image in galleryMore than 12,000 flights have been canceled since U.S. air strikes were launched against Iran Saturday. An Emirates plane is seen at Dubai Airport on March 1, with a plume of smoke from an Iranian missile strike seen in the background (AP)RecommendedHate hanging around in airports? The US hubs with the quickest security lines (so you can arrive later)Security expert reveals how to make your luggage less attractive to thievesWhat American visitors to the UK need to know about new ETA visa rulesHowever, the only scheduled flight to Bahrain is canceled, along with all 11 flights to Israel, 10 of the 15 services to Qatar, and 14 of the 19 scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates.These are the key questions and answers for American travelers.How widespread is the disruption?The conflict has triggered the largest aviation crisis in the Middle East since the pandemic. Airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar remains virtually empty, according to a March 4 map from flight-tracking service Flightradar24.American Airlines has temporarily suspended its direct flights between Doha and Philadelphia. It said: “We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and make any additional adjustments as needed.“To provide additional flexibility for customers, we have issued travel alerts allowing those with affected travel to change their plans without a fee.”open image in galleryA limited number of flights have resumed from Dubai Airport, pictured, but disruption remains severe and Americans are being told to ‘depart now’ from the Middle East (AP)United Airlines has canceled flights departing the U.S. to Tel Aviv and Dubai through March 11, as well as their corresponding returns. The airline said: “United has issued a travel waiver so customers with travel in the affected region can change their plans without cost. Customers can find continuous updates about travel to the Middle East at United.com/MiddleEastAirspace.”Delta Air Lines has canceled flights from New York-JFK to Tel Aviv through March 22 and from Tel Aviv to JFK through March 23.Are flights starting to resume?There has been a limited recovery, with a few dozen flights departing Dubai.As of Wednesday, Emirates has suspended all scheduled flights to and from Dubai, but is operating some repatriation and freighter services.Etihad has suspended operations in and out of its Abu Dhabi hub until at least Thursday.open image in galleryThis Flig