Urgent travel alert issued for 6 countries as Foreign Office warns 'airspace could be closed'

WATCH: Karoline Leavitt delivers an update on Iran

GB News
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 19/06/2025

- 20:49

Updated: 19/06/2025

- 22:53

It comes as tensions rise between Israel and Iran

An urgent travel alert has been issued for six countries across the Middle East as tensions rise in the region.

The alert warns Britons of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.


The six countries impacted are Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. It does not currently include Jordan, located between Israel and Iran.

In an update just after 8pm BST, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned Britons over regional risks in the area.

The latest warning reads: "Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region.

"There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.

"You should: monitor local and international media for the latest information; be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities; check with relevant airlines for the latest updates before travelling."

Israel and Iran's tit-for-tat barrage has entered its sixth day with missiles exchanged between Tel Aviv and Tehran.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST

\u200bForeign Secretary David Lammy

Foreign Secretary David Lammy

REUTERS

\u200b: Fire of Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot

Fire of Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot

REUTERS

It comes after Downing Street announced Sir Keir Starmer and the crown prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, agreed on the need for closer relationships to support stability in the Middle East.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: "The leaders called for de-escalation and both agreed on the need for enduring and closer relationships across the region to support stability."

Yesterday, Starmer and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani reiterated the need for de-escalation in the Middle East amid the Israel-Iran conflict.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "Underscoring the deep defence and security relationship between the two countries, the prime minister reiterated the UK's support for Qatar and leaders discussed how both countries could further support regional stability."

Starmer meets with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa\u200b

Starmer meets with the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

REUTERS

\u200b Foreign Secretary David Lammy walks into an emergency Cobra meeting

Foreign Secretary David Lammy walks into an emergency Cobra meeting

REUTERS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the change or fall of Iran's leadership was not a goal of Israel's attacks, but could be a result.

He told local media: "The matter of changing the regime or the fall of this regime is first and foremost a matter for the Iranian people. There is no substitute for this.

"And that's why I didn't present it as a goal. It could be a result, but it's not a stated or formal goal that we have."

Meanwhile, Australia has joined Bulgaria by suspending operations at its embassy in Tehran due to the deteriorating security environment in Iran and has directed the departure of all Australian officials.

Australia's ambassador to Iran will remain in the region to support the Government's response to the crisis, Wong said.

"We are continuing planning to support Australians seeking to depart Iran, and we remain in close contact with other partner countries," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement.