Security Situation in the Middle East
Given the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East following the military strikes over the weekend, and we understand that the situation in the region will be concerning to members of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø community. Ensuring the safety and well-being of all 51³Ô¹ÏÍø staff currently in, or traveling through, affected regions is our key priority. We are advising that all staff travel should follow 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's travel plan, including checking insurance policies.
Please review the following guidance and take action as required, being sure to speak to your Head of Department and operations team should you be affected in any way:
Airspace and flight disruptions
- Airspace closures across Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria and the UAE to date.
- Major airline carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad) announced flight cancellations, rerouting and temporary route suspensions. The situation remains dynamic with changes possible at short notice.
- Delays and diversions are expected on Europe-Asia and transatlantic routes that typically transit regional airspace.
Travel advisories and government actions
The United Kingdom (along with several other governments including Australia, Canada, France, and the Netherlands) updated their advisories to advise against all travel to the region, with advice for those in Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and UAE to remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities. Advice will change as the situation evolves.
Recommended actions
- Travellers in or transiting the Middle East should check directly with airlines for real-time updates prior to departure.
- Any employees currently across the Middle East should monitor official government travel advisories relevant to their jurisdiction.
- Residents across GCC countries including the UAE and Qatar, and neighbouring countries, have been advised to shelter in place until further notice.
The below provides frequently asked questions (FAQs) covering key issues which may be of help to those staff currently in the Middle East.
FAQs on key issues for staff currently in the Middle East
- Should employees (and their family members) try to leave affected countries at this time?
- What should business travellers or those working overseas do if stranded at an airport with a cancelled flight and their visa is close to expiring?
- What can individuals do if their passport is held by an embassy that has closed temporarily during renewal or visa processing?
- Are there any interim options or steps individuals should consider while waiting for a local embassy to reopen?
It is important that individuals follow official government and local authority advice in relation to safety, shelter, and travel. Whether an employee or family members should leave an affected country depends on the specific circumstances:
- official travel and embassy guidance;
- airport/airspace operational status and security; and
- the individual’s immigration/travel documentation status.
We recommend that employees do not make travel decisions based on unverified information and continue to monitor official updates closely.
If a traveller is unable to depart due to flight cancellations or disruption, they should contact the border/immigration authorities at the airport as soon as possible to explain that they are unable to leave because of circumstances outside their control and to request a temporary extension (or other appropriate immigration concession), where available. If an extension cannot be granted, it may still be possible to request written confirmation or evidence that the traveller has notified the authorities and sought guidance. This may be helpful to retain and present when departing the country, if needed.
We also recommend that travellers:
- keep records of cancelled flights, rebooking attempts, and airline communications; and
- avoid leaving the airport/immigration area (where applicable) without understanding the potential immigration implications.
Options may differ depending on the individual’s nationality, the embassy involved, and the reason the passport was submitted (for example, visa processing or renewal). We recommend that individuals:
- confirm their current visa status and which embassy/consulate holds the passport;
- assess if there is an essential travel requirement; and if so,
- contact us so we can help review the available options and possible escalation routes based on the specific circumstances.
The most prudent approach is to remain in-country until the valid passport is physically returned, and to follow local authority and embassy guidance.
- Do not attempt border travel until the valid passport has been returned.
- Monitor official embassy communications closely for reopening and passport collection updates.
- If closures become prolonged, your home country consulate may be able to advise on emergency travel documentation or other support options.
- Contact us so we can help review the circumstances and support with enquiries/escalation where appropriate.
Key Resources
We recognise that this is a distressing time for those with family or colleagues in the affected areas and have listed below some key resources should they be required:
| Egencia Customer Services | If you are currently in the region or due to depart within the next 72 hours, contact Customer Services for assistance in the first instance (Egencia are facing high contact volumes and are actively prioritising urgent travel needs to support affected travellers) |
| Gallagher Crisis Resilience Support | Contact the 24/7 helpline +44 (0) 800 998 7851 |
| 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Insurance |
for insurance and/or travel security advice while abroad, contact the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Insurer AIG on +44 (0) 1273 456 463 quoting 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Policy Number is 0010016145. If you cannot get through, please email LUPCclaims@aig.com. View detailed guidance |
| Managing an emergency incident | View guidance |
| Mental Health | View information on available health and wellbeing resources, including our Employee Assistance Program (available 24/7) |
| Travel advice | The latest travel advice can be found on |