Regional security conditions remain unpredictable across the GCC. As of 10 September 2026, Australian government advice says to reconsider travel to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, and not to travel to Bahrain or Kuwait.
If authorities issue an alert, follow it immediately. Check official travel advice and confirm your individual flight before leaving for the airport.
Aviation safety (applies across the GCC)
EASA CZIB-2026-07R2, revised on 31 August and valid through 30 September 2026, applies to the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. It advises affected operators not to fly over Persian Gulf waters within the Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and Emirates FIRs except where necessary for arrivals and departures at airports in those FIRs. It also advises them not to use Gulf of Oman waters west of 58°E in the Muscat FIR and to exercise caution over land.
This is not a declaration that every GCC airport is closed. Airport operation also does not mean that every route is available. Flights can be delayed, rerouted or cancelled with little warning.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Shelter-in-place and movement guidance
Australian travel advice says to reconsider travel to the UAE. Avoid government, military and energy infrastructure. If warned of an attack, use a hardened shelter or an interior room away from windows and follow local authorities.
State of air travel
UAE airspace can open or close at short notice. Check Dubai Airports flight status and confirm the exact Emirates, flydubai, Etihad or other airline flight before going to the airport.
- Dubai International Airport status
- Emirates flight status
- Etihad Airways flight status
- flydubai flight status
Emergency contacts
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 998
- Fire: 997
Saudi Arabia (KSA)
Shelter-in-place and movement guidance
Australian travel advice says to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia. Official Saudi reporting says Houthi missile and drone attacks on 8–9 September targeted southern locations including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. If warned of an attack, go inside a secure structure and stay away from windows.
UK advice says not to travel within 10km of the Yemen border and to make only essential journeys between 10km and 80km from the border.
State of air travel
No official nationwide Saudi airspace or airport closure was found in this review. Southern routes may still change at short notice, so confirm the exact flight directly. Published timetables may list a route but do not prove live movement or seat availability.
Emergency contacts
- Ambulance, fire and police: 911
- Emergency calls without a Saudi SIM card: 112
Qatar
Shelter-in-place and movement guidance
Australian travel advice says to reconsider travel to Qatar. Avoid government, military and energy infrastructure. If authorities tell you to shelter, use a hardened shelter or an interior room away from windows.
State of air travel
Qatar airspace may change at short notice and Doha flights can be affected. Check Hamad International and the operating airline immediately before travel.
Emergency contacts
Qatar Ministry of Interior: 999 for ambulance, fire and police emergencies.
Bahrain
Shelter-in-place and movement guidance
Australian travel advice says do not travel to Bahrain because strikes and reprisal attacks may continue. If you are in Bahrain, follow official alerts and use a safe interior room away from windows when told to shelter. Bahrain’s National Civil Protection Platform provides safe-room guidance.
State of air travel
Bahrain International Airport publishes live arrivals and departures. Check the exact flight and Gulf Air status before travelling; a flight listing does not remove the security warning.
Emergency contacts
Kuwait
Shelter-in-place and movement guidance
Australian travel advice says do not travel to Kuwait. Avoid government, military and energy infrastructure, including oil facilities, electricity plants, desalination plants and ports. If told to shelter, use the nearest safe building or a shelter listed by Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior.
State of air travel
Kuwait International Airport is operating at reduced capacity. Current advice states that Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, along with some international airlines, are using Terminals 4 and 5 while Terminal 1 remains closed. Check the official flight-status page and confirm the terminal with the airline.
Emergency contacts
Oman
Shelter-in-place and movement guidance
Australian travel advice says to reconsider travel to Oman. If warned of an attack, use a hardened shelter or an interior room away from windows. Avoid government, military and energy infrastructure.
State of air travel
EASA’s current regional bulletin restricts affected operators from Gulf of Oman waters west of 58°E and advises caution over land. It does not state that Muscat International Airport is closed. Confirm Oman Air, SalamAir and other flights before going to the airport.
Emergency contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do when a shelter-in-place alert sounds?
Move indoors immediately. Use a hardened shelter if available, or an interior room away from windows. Stay there until local authorities say it is safe to leave.
Which GCC airports are currently open?
There is no reliable GCC-wide open-or-closed label. Official airport pages show flights in several countries, while Kuwait is operating at reduced capacity through Terminals 4 and 5. Check the exact flight directly because schedules can change without warning.
My flight was cancelled. What are my options?
Contact the airline or travel provider first. Ask about rebooking, refunds, passenger care and written proof of the disruption. Keep receipts for any insurance claim.
Is it safe to travel to the GCC right now?
There is no single answer. Current Australian advice says to reconsider travel to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, and not to travel to Bahrain or Kuwait. Check the advice issued for your nationality before booking and again before departure.
Sources
- EASA — CZIB-2026-07R2: Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- Australian Government Smartraveller — United Arab Emirates
- Australian Government Smartraveller — Saudi Arabia
- UK FCDO — Saudi Arabia Travel Advice
- Saudi Press Agency — 9 September attacks on southern Saudi locations
- Australian Government Smartraveller — Qatar
- Australian Government Smartraveller — Bahrain
- Bahrain National Civil Protection Platform — Safe Room Guidance
- Australian Government Smartraveller — Kuwait
- Kuwait Ministry of Interior — Civil Defence Shelters
- Australian Government Smartraveller — Oman
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.
