What Americans need to know as travel in the Middle East disrupted by widespread strikes by Iran
Travel across the Middle East remains disrupted asIranian strikesacross the region have triggered airport shutdowns, airspace closures and widespread flight suspensions.
While the situation remains fluid after multiple countries across the Middle East and Mediterranean werehit with dronesand missiles, major travel hubs in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Qatar and other countries are experiencing significant operational disruptions that are impacting travelers.
Parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two of the region's busiest travel centers, entered what officials described as an essential lockdown with periods of restricted movement over the weekend, as projectile interceptions and falling debris created hazards and damage near civilian areas.
Footage shared with ABC News showed dark plumes of smoke rising over Dubai's skyline, including close to major hotel areas.
Air travel in the region has been significantly affected after airspace closures around Dubai International Airport halted flights and left some U.S. citizens unable to depart.
American travelers have confirmed to be stranded, including former Team USA basketball player Destiny Littleton, who plays professionally in Israel. She told ABC News she could "hear the interceptor missiles... blow up the missiles coming towards us and that was very scary," adding, "we're in survival mode."
Kristy Ellmer and her partner Matt had traveled to Dubai for business and now their return home remains uncertain.
Ellmer told ABC News they endured "a very long night, lots of explosions, lots of warnings, a lot of jet sounds," while stuck in Dubai.
Travel warnings for Americans amidst Middle East unrest
In light of the military operations, the State Department has issued various travel advisories, encouraging U.S. citizens traveling worldwide and especially in the Middle East to "follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate."
The State Department is urging Americans to leave 14 countries in the Middle East immediately "due to serious safety risks," Assistant Secretary Mora Namdarsaidon X.
The locations listed in the security alert are: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Travelers should be sure to check the State DepartmentTravel Information Pagefor details and entry requirements and enroll in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, for safety updates and information on how to get help in an emergency from the embassy or consulate.
As of Tuesday morning local time, Kuwait andQatarhave been designated aslevel 3 advisoriesto "reconsider travel."
Bahrain has upgraded from a level 2, which means "exercise increased caution," to a level 3.
Israel remains at alevel 3, but the authorized departure of non-emergency employees and ongoing shelter-in-place orders for embassy staffers mean resources for Americans may be reduced.
Per the State Department's Worldwide Cautionalertissued Feb. 28, Americans "may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures" in the Middle East.
In a security alert for IranreleasedMonday, the State Department advised Americans to shelter-in-place, but also said that "if safe to do so, Americans should leave Iran now by land."
"Be aware the Iranian government may restrictor preventdepartures from Iran.U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran on Iranian passports," the alertstated.
The State Department also provided information on the current status of various border crossings, directing American nationals to a crossing into Armenia and various Turkish land crossings.
Latest airline updates for Middle East flights, cancellations, airspace closures and more
The confirmed disruptions across multiple countries and major travel corridors have set the stage for continued delays and complications for travelers and carriers throughout the region.
Dubai-based Emiratesannouncedthat it would begin operating a limited number of flights on Monday evening.
"We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates," the airline stated. "Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified. All other flights remain suspended until further notice."
Updates will be published on the Emirates website and its official social media channels.
"We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority," the airline statement read.
Etihad Airways was thefirst commercial flightfrom Abu Dhabi to take off on Monday morning, traveling to London after airlines previously suspended operations over the weekend.
An advisory was initially in place that warned pilotsin the United Arab Emirates to exercise caution due to "escalated security action" and adhere to air traffic controllers' instructions.
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi partially resumed operations on Monday and said in apost on Xthat "Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on flight schedules prior to traveling to the airport."
Sharjah Airport in the UAE resumed partial operations on Monday night, the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) announced the limited resumption of flight operations under a"defined operational schedule and in close coordination with airlines and the relevant authorities."
Qatar Airways said in anupdateon Monday that flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The carrier said it will "resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace," noting that a further update will be provided on Tuesday.
ABC News confirmed that United Airlines has canceled flights departing the U.S. to Tel Aviv and Dubai through March 7, as well as their corresponding returns.
United has issued a travel waiver to customers with travel in the affected region so passengers can change their itineraries without cost.
Some airspace closures have been extended through the following dates and times and it is likely that these will continue to be extended, ABC News confirmed.
Airspace was closed in Israel, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, Jordan as of Monday evening, according to the FAA.
