14 Apr 2024 | 01:07 AM UTC
Middle East: Multiple nations update travel warnings as of mid-April to advise against all travel to some locations amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions /update 1
Multiple nations update advice as of mid-April to warn against all travel to some parts of Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, PT.
Reduced demand for international flights to Iran, Israel, and Lebanon is likely over the coming days after multiple nations had advised their citizens to avoid traveling to some of these countries and the Palestinian Territories as of mid-April. The communications come amid a spike in tensions between Iran and Israel as the latter continues its war against Hamas. Iran launched a major drone and missile attack on Israel overnight April 13-14, prompting several countries in the region to temporarily close their respective airspace, after a suspected Israeli airstrike targeted the Iranian Consulate in Damascus on April 1. The Israeli airstrike reportedly killed several people, most notably including Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Quds Force who led units in Lebanon and Syria.
The following countries are among those that had updated their travel advisories as of April 14 to warn against all travel to some locations in the region due to the risk of military escalation:
Canada: Advised individuals to "avoid all travel" to Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip and encouraged their nationals in those locations to consider leaving by commercial means.
France: Advised French nationals to "refrain from traveling" to Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Territories and encouraged their nationals in those locations to remain extremely vigilant.
Additional countries' diplomatic services will likely issue similar advisories over the short term, especially if Hizballah or other Iran-backed proxy groups launch major attacks on Israel following Iran's April 13-14 drone and missile attack or Israel launches significant retaliatory strikes against such groups or Iran itself. Additionally, there will probably be an increased demand for outbound international flights from these countries when their airspace is open; flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are likely in the event of heightened demand for outbound flights.
Reconsider nonessential travel to the abovementioned locations until the situation stabilizes. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Reconfirm flight reservations; do not check out of accommodations or travel to the airport until onward travel is confirmed. Once flight reservations are confirmed, make arrangements to arrive early at the airport to allow additional time for processing.
Closely monitor developments related to the Iranian attack on Israel and the Israel-Hamas war, including the responses of diplomatic services and airlines operating in Israel, Iran, and Lebanon. Keep a low public profile and avoid sensitive topics of conversation, especially with unfamiliar persons. If an attack alert is issued in the general vicinity, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor, basement, or bunker.
