[Lebanon, NH – March 3, 2026] — As US and Israeli combat operations against Iran continue and Tehran intensifies its retaliatory actions across the region, Global Rescue is advising international travelers to postpone travel to the Middle East and urging those currently in affected countries to follow US Department of State guidance and shelter in place.
The rapidly evolving conflict has resulted in missile and drone strikes, air defense interceptions, infrastructure damage, and civilian casualties across Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Maritime security has also deteriorated, with major global shipping firms suspending operations in the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened risk.

“Travel to or through the Middle East right now carries elevated and unpredictable risk,” said Kent Webber, senior manager of Intelligence Services at Global Rescue and former Senior Intelligence Operations Officer in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence at the United States Pentagon. “We are advising travelers to postpone non-essential travel to the region and to carefully evaluate whether their presence is mission-critical. The operating environment is fluid, and conditions can deteriorate with little or no warning.”

International Traveler Guidance

Global Rescue recommends that members and clients planning travel to the Middle East — including those transiting regional hubs en route to other destinations — consider postponing their trips until the security situation stabilizes and commercial aviation operations normalize.

“Travelers must weigh the essential nature of their trip against the real possibility of being stranded due to airspace closures, airport shutdowns, or cascading flight cancellations,” Webber said. “Even where airports remain technically open, flight schedules are severely disrupted, and onward connections may not be reliable.”

For travelers already in the region, Global Rescue strongly recommends adhering to embassy and host-nation guidance.

“Members and clients currently in affected countries should heed official instructions to shelter in place, maintain a low profile, and avoid unnecessary movement,” Webber said. “While belligerents are not expected to deliberately target civilians, the risk of collateral damage from missile, drone, and air defense activity is significant.”

Webber also emphasized the importance of preparedness.

“Travelers should ensure they have access to secure shelter, sufficient food, water, medications, and valid travel documents in the event of a sudden departure window,” he said. “When commercial options become available, those who can safely depart should consider doing so without delay.”

Widespread Airspace Closures and Airport Disruptions

Regional airspace restrictions are severely impacting commercial aviation. Flight operations are currently suspended at major airports including:

  • Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
  • Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
  • Baghdad International Airport (BGW)
  • Erbil International Airport (EIA)
  • Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)
  • Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Other key hubs, including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Zayed International Airport (AUH), Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), Muscat International Airport (MCT), and Amman Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), are operating on a limited or irregular basis. Kuwait International Airport (KWI) is experiencing delays, and operational status remains uncertain.

“These closures and limitations create a cascading disruption across global aviation networks, not just within the Middle East,” Webber said. “Travelers transiting the region for Europe, Asia, or Africa should anticipate rerouting, extended delays, and potential cancellations.”

Regional Volatility and Strategic Risk

The security environment remains highly volatile. Recent developments include confirmed missile and drone interceptions in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE; ballistic missile impacts in multiple locations in Israel; renewed airstrikes in and around Tehran; strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon; damage to Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery; and the suspension of commercial maritime operations through the Strait of Hormuz.

Land border crossings in some areas remain open but are subject to abrupt closure, heightened security screening, and evolving entry restrictions. Several US embassies across the region have suspended routine consular services, and multiple diplomatic missions have directed personnel and US citizens to shelter in place.

“This is a multi-domain conflict environment involving air, missile, drone, and maritime threats,” Webber said. “The breadth of activity increases the probability of unintended escalation and incidental exposure to risk for travelers, even in locations not directly targeted.”

Global Rescue continues to monitor developments in real time and provide intelligence updates, advisory support, and operational planning assistance to members and enterprise clients worldwide.

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For more information:

Bill McIntyre | +1 (202) 560-1195 | bmcintyre@globalrescue.com

About Global Rescue

Global Rescue is the world’s leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services to enterprises, governments and individuals. Founded in 2004, Global Rescue delivers integrated intelligence, advisory, field rescue, and crisis response solutions to clients operating in complex and high-risk environments worldwide.