US Warns Citizens as Flight Cancellations and Airspace Closures Disrupt Middle East Travel
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The United States has issued a renewed global security alert urging its citizens to exercise heightened caution, particularly those currently in the Middle East or planning to travel to or transit through the region, amid escalating military tensions and widespread disruption to international air travel.
In an alert issued on July 22, 2026, the US Department of State said the security situation across the Middle East remained complex and could deteriorate with little warning.
American citizens were advised to prepare for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, airport delays and sudden changes to travel routes.
The department said several airlines had postponed the restoration of their regular schedules, while others had suspended certain routes entirely. It also urged travellers outside the region to reconsider non-essential travel to or through the Middle East during the current period of instability.
Passengers were advised to contact their airlines directly before heading to the airport, monitor alerts issued by US embassies and consulates, and follow instructions from local authorities, as flight schedules and routes may change within hours.
The warning comes as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency expanded its aviation risk alerts in the region, recommending that airlines avoid Jordanian airspace.
Previous warnings had covered Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf of Oman.
The European agency extended its recommendations until August 31, 2026, citing increased military activity, the operation of air defence systems and the launch of missiles and drones, all of which could raise the risk of civilian aircraft being struck or mistakenly identified.
Separate warnings involving the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Lebanon are also expected to remain in effect until the end of August.
The disruption has already affected several international carriers. Air Canada cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai until October 24, while a number of European and Asian airlines continued to suspend services to destinations including Beirut, Amman, Doha, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Baghdad, Erbil and Tehran.
Other carriers have been forced to use longer routes to avoid conflict zones and high-risk airspace, increasing flight times, fuel consumption, operating costs and, in some cases, ticket prices.
The US State Department said the risks were not limited to aviation disruption, noting that diplomatic facilities and sites linked to the United States had previously been targeted.
It warned that Iran or groups supporting it could attempt to target additional US interests, citizens, businesses or institutions around the world.
American citizens were encouraged to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP, to receive security alerts and make it easier for US officials to contact them during an emergency.
Travellers were also advised to maintain alternative plans for transportation and accommodation and not to rely on a single flight or departure route if the security situation worsens.
