Travel Risk Update: Escalations in the Middle East

Background:

The security situation in the Middle East remains fluid, with recent developments indicating continued escalation risk despite periodic lulls in direct strikes on nation states. The risk of regional spillover remains elevated, particularly across maritime domains and contested regional airspace as joint U.S.-Israeli operations continue to conduct air strikes against Iranian air defense and naval assets.

Aviation corridors remain constrained, leading to persistent flight delays, cancellations, and ongoing disruptions to repatriation and commercial travel operations in affected countries. As missile activity decreases in frequency, regional authorities may cautiously reopen select aviation corridors; however, disruption is expected to persist as airlines reposition aircraft and crews following widespread airspace closures.

Near-term risks remain elevated, with proxy-driven escalation across Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. Additionally, civilian-critical infrastructure, including ports, energy facilities and desalination plants, remain at heightened risk across the region.

Standing Advice:

Air Travel: Confirm if airspace closures are in effect before traveling to airport. Airspace closures and reopening may be issued with little or no notice. Expect significant disruption to regional air traffic, including flight cancellations, rerouting, and significant security screenings. Confirm via airline’s official website for flight availability.

Land Travel: Confirm if shelter-in-place orders are lifted before attempting movements. Movement should take place exclusively in daytime hours. Expect significant delays and potential secondary screenings at land border crossings. Carry government ID and travel documents with you.

Communications: Mobile and internet outages may occur. GPS devices/services may be deliberately degraded due to the military conflict. Internet access may be reduced, restricted or temporarily shut down. Travelers should carry analog backup options, including paper maps, written directions, and local contact numbers.

Diplomatic Missions: Remain in contact with relevant embassies; missions have issued warnings or suspended operations. Missions may have reduced staffing or suspended operations. Emergency assistance may be available, but response time can be delayed. Register your presence with your respective embassy and monitor official embassy channels for evacuation advisories.

Monitoring: Maintain situational awareness through trusted sources. Conflict environment is fluid and changes can occur rapidly. Avoid sensitive infrastructure, military areas, and locations of symbolic or strategic value as they may become targets. Conflict environments are high‑risk for false, manipulated, or AI‑generated information. Travelers should assume that not all widely shared content is accurate, even when it appears professional or urgent.

How On Call Can Help:

On Call’s 24/7 Global Response Center is actively monitoring and responding to the crisis in the Middle East and the impacts it is having on other regions of the world. The situation is fluid, and our Global Response Center stands ready to assist our travelers and clients in need.

As during any other global crisis, it’s important to remain vigilant and consume information/advice from credible sources only. On Call’s travelers and clients are encouraged to consult with On Call’s Global Response Center directly for the latest situation updates and related traveler safety recommendations. If you’re not currently an On Call client, and would like to know more about our crisis response capabilities, please feel free to get in touch with us for more information.

The information provided to you within this report has been compiled from a multitude of available sources and is based on current news and analysis at the time of writing. The security team at On Call International, LLC has provided this analysis, supporting advice and recommendations in good faith to assist you in mitigating risks that could arise. However, no implied or express warranty against risk, changes in circumstance, or other fluid and unforeseen events can be provided. By reading this report, you will agree that any reliance you place on this information is therefore strictly at your own risk and that you will not hold On Call International, LLC or the authors responsible for any inaccuracies, errors or oversights here-in. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior permission of On Call International, LLC.

About On Call International:
When traveling, every problem is unique–a medical crisis, a political threat, even a common incident such as a missed flight. But every solution starts with customized care that ensures travelers are safe and protected. That’s why for over 30 years, On Call International has provided fully-customized travel risk management and emergency assistance services protecting millions of travelers, their families, and their organizations. Visit www.oncallinternational.com and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more.