This page covers the Middle East beyond the Gulf: Jordan, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Türkiye. For the six GCC states, see our GCC travel advisory. Airports across the wider region are operating, but airlines can still cancel or reroute individual flights at short notice.
Saudi airspace and the main Saudi hubs remain open. Saudi authorities said a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh was intercepted on 19 September. A fire occurred at a fuel depot near King Khalid International Airport and temporary flight disruption was reported, but public evidence does not establish that the airport’s terminals or runways were directly struck, or that the fire was caused by the intercepted missile. Riyadh airport operations have resumed; any remaining delay or cancellation is flight-specific.
Strikes between the US and Iran are continuing. Iran launched 20 ballistic missiles towards targets in Jordan on 9 September; Jordan said it intercepted 18 and the other two fell in unpopulated areas, with no casualties reported.
For the operational status of any single airport, our Middle East airport status tracker refreshes hourly from NOTAMs and civil aviation announcements. It is a better answer than any static list because it updates between article reviews.
Country Status Beyond the Gulf
| Country | Status | What it means for your flight |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan | Open, heightened risk | Queen Alia is operating and its 10 September board shows scheduled departures. Jordan intercepted 18 of 20 Iranian missiles on 9 September; EASA tells covered operators to maintain an up-to-date risk assessment and prepare for short-notice instructions |
| Israel | Open, not yet normal | Ben Gurion has live flight movements, but airline participation remains uneven and security restrictions can change at short notice |
| Türkiye | Open | Istanbul is operating. Individual routes to higher-risk regional destinations remain airline-specific |
| Iraq | Open, high risk | Commercial flights operate, but EASA recommends that operators within its scope avoid Baghdad FIR at all altitudes through 30 September unless reviewed earlier |
| Lebanon | Open, high risk | Beirut airport’s live 10 September board lists Middle East Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and other services. Individual cancellations remain possible |
| Iran | Severely limited | EASA recommends no operations in Tehran FIR at any altitude for operators within its scope through 30 September unless reviewed earlier. Several governments advise against all travel |
Countries to Avoid
Government advice is country- and area-specific. The UK advises against all travel to Iran and to parts of Iraq and Lebanon, and against all but essential travel to other parts of Iraq and Lebanon. Syria, Gaza and Yemen also carry severe travel warnings; check the advice issued for your nationality before making a booking.
What the Airspace Rules Mean for Your Route
EASA has five active conflict-zone bulletins for this region, all valid to 30 September unless reviewed earlier: the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, Jordan, Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. They are risk guidance for operators within EASA’s scope, not declarations that every airport or national airspace is closed.
Kuwait FIR is restricted to approved arriving and departing flights and remains closed to through-overflights until 2 October under the current NOTAM. Europe–Asia traffic may therefore use southern routings through Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman or northern routings through the Caucasus, depending on the operator and current permissions.
If your itinerary crosses this region, check every leg rather than the destination alone. Wego’s flight tracker shows live movements, but only the operating airline’s app confirms your own flight.
Government Travel Advisories
Advice differs by country and passport and can move quickly. The UK publishes area-specific warnings and shelter guidance; Australia’s advice for Jordan warns about intercepted missiles and falling debris, and Canada advises avoiding non-essential travel to the UAE. Check the current page issued by your own government before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation in the Middle East?
The regional security situation remains volatile. Major airports are operating, but airlines can delay, cancel or reroute individual flights at short notice. Saudi airspace and the main Saudi hubs are open. The 19 September interception over Riyadh caused temporary disruption at King Khalid International Airport, but operations resumed and no public evidence establishes that its terminals or runways were directly struck.
Is it safe to fly through Middle East airspace?
Your airline makes that operational decision. EASA maintains active advisories for Gulf, Jordanian, Iranian, Iraqi and Lebanese airspace through 30 September unless reviewed earlier, and airlines may reroute or cancel even when an airport remains open.
Should I rebook or wait?
If your flight is operating, confirm every segment close to departure. If it is cancelled or materially changed, contact the operating airline about rebooking, a refund or any route-specific waiver; our refund and rebooking guide explains the next steps.
Sources
- Associated Press (the 9 September escalation and Jordan’s interception figures)
- Queen Alia International Airport (live 10 September departures)
- EASA conflict zone advisories (active regional bulletins and validity dates)
- EASA CZIB-2026-08-R1 (Jordan risk and recommendations)
- EASA CZIB-2026-05-R1 (Iraq risk and recommendation)
- Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (live 10 September flight board)
- Kuwait FIR NOTAM A0338/26 (arrival/departure approvals and overflight restriction)
- UK FCDO (current country and area-specific travel advice)
- Smartraveller — Jordan (missile, debris and airport-operation guidance)
- Government of Canada — UAE (current risk level)
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
