The US travel advisory issued on July 18 remains in effect as Kuwait and Bahrain flights slowly resume following days of flight cancellations triggered by renewed US-Iran hostilities and temporary Middle East airspace restrictions.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Air Arabia cancelled or suspended services to both Gulf states on Sunday after Iranian drone and missile attacks prompted Kuwait to intercept hostile aircraft and Bahrain to activate warning sirens. Operations at Kuwait International Airport and Bahrain International Airport began recovering Monday morning, though airlines warn schedules remain subject to change.
What the US Travel Advisory Says
The State Department updated its worldwide US travel advisory on July 18, warning that “due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation.” It urged Americans worldwide — and especially in the Middle East — to exercise increased caution, noting that “flight cancellations and periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions.”
The advisory also warned that US diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have previously been targeted. Groups supportive of Iran could target US interests or locations associated with Americans around the world, it said.
Attacks Hit Kuwait and Bahrain
Iranian attacks damaged a power generator and water desalination complex in Kuwait and triggered air defences in Jordan and Bahrain on Sunday, hours after Washington announced that two US soldiers were killed and another was reported missing following an Iranian attack on Jordan.
Kuwait said its air defences intercepted hostile drones after what it called an “Iranian aggression.” Bahrain activated warning sirens and urged residents to seek shelter. Iran continued targeting both states on Monday as the US military carried out another night of strikes against the Islamic republic, including reported attacks on military sites linked to the missile launches that killed the two American servicemen.
Aqaba Threat Disputed
The US embassy in Amman issued a security alert on Sunday strongly advising American citizens not to travel to Aqaba’s King Hussein International Airport and seaport following a “specific and credible threat.” Jordanian authorities later denied the threats, saying operations at both complexes remained normal.
Airlines and Middle East Airspace Restrictions
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) reinstated guidance last week advising airlines to avoid operating through the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and parts of the Gulf of Oman. The agency cited the risk posed by renewed conflict, saying the presence of military activity increased the danger to civilian aircraft.
Gulf airports remain open and airlines are restoring normal operations, but aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation and have warned that changes could be made at short notice should security conditions deteriorate. Passengers are advised to check flight status before travelling to the airport, as flight cancellations may recur without warning.
Other Governments Respond
The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait issued an advisory on July 18 urging Filipinos to “continue exercising vigilance and situational awareness” while following instructions from Kuwaiti authorities. It advised nationals to minimise non-essential travel, keep mobile phones charged, rely only on official sources for updates, and avoid spreading misinformation.
The US Embassy in Bahrain urged American citizens to exercise caution, reminding them to avoid areas associated with demonstrations, monitor local media for updates, and keep mobile phones charged in case of emergency. The embassy said it continued to monitor the security situation and advised US nationals to review their personal security plans and remain alert.
What Happens Next
The immediate question for travelers is whether the resumption of Kuwait and Bahrain flights holds. Airlines have rebuilt schedules after past Gulf disruptions only to suspend services again when hostilities flare. With Iran continuing to target both states as recently as Monday and US strikes ongoing, the window for renewed flight cancellations remains open.
Travelers booked on Gulf routes in the coming days should register for airline notifications, monitor the US travel advisory and embassy alerts, and build flexibility into itineraries. Travel insurance policies typically exclude war and military action, so passengers facing cancellations may need to rely on airline rebooking rather than claims. The EASA Middle East airspace guidance, while not binding, signals that European carriers may continue routing around affected Gulf airspace — adding flight time and cost to journeys that normally transit the region.
— Elena Petrov, travel desk, AXO News