Tunisia and Jordan are both popular holiday destinations, but the instability in the Middle East due to the conflict between Israel and Iran is continuing to unfold and severely impacting travel to and through the region.
On Monday evening, Qatar’s airspace closed suddenly ahead of Iran’s missile strike attack on a US military base. It’s the latest development in the conflict, and while the airspace has now reopened, it’s unsettling news if you’re due to travel soon. So, here is everything you need to know about travelling to Tunisia and Jordan right now.
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Is it safe to travel to the Middle East and Egypt right now?
Is it safe to travel to Tunisia and Jordan right now?
The Iran-Israel conflict is a highly unstable situation, and all travellers to the region and neighbouring areas are being encouraged to stay up to date on local media and remain vigilant while moving around, which includes Tunisia and Jordan.
However, neither the UK nor the US government has issued advice against travelling to either country, and the main tourist areas (like Petra in Jordan and Djerba and Hammamet in Tunisia) are considered safe.
Have flights been cancelled?
Due to the short notice of the airspace closure, lots of flights were and still are affected. A Qatar Airways flight from Gatwick was the first to be diverted to land in Riyadh when it was already descending to Doha, but plenty more were instead forced to land in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai World Central, Muscat, Medina and Jeddah.
Flights then turned to Istanbul, Cairo and Salalah when those were full, and inbound Qatar Airways flights from Asia landed instead in Goa, Delhi and Mumbai.
At 1.20 am local time, Qatar Airways posted on X (fka Twitter): ‘Qatar Airways confirms reinstatement of flights as airspace reopens in the State of Qatar. Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly. We’ve deployed extra ground staff at Hamad International Airport to support you as we resume operations.’
What is the UK Foreign Office saying?
The FCDO’s travel advice page for Jordan reads: ‘Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning including since US military strikes against Iran on 22 June. Iran aligned militia groups are also likely to continue to conduct attacks.’
‘The current situation has disrupted air links and may disrupt road links and border crossings. Demonstrations and protest activity may take place.’
Its advice for people in Jordan and Tunisia (the advice page for which can be accessed here) says: ‘read the FCDO’s advice on if you’re affected by a crisis abroad; monitor local and international media for the latest information; be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities, avoiding all but essential travel to military bases; check with relevant airlines for the latest updates before travelling; take shelter and stay away from windows if you hear air sirens. In the event of injuries or damage, call 911 immediately.’
What should you do if you have a trip booked?
Travelling to Jordan and Tunisia have not been advised against by the FCDO completely, but there are parts that you should not travel to and it will invalidate your travel insurance if you do – namely, the Syrian border in Jordan and the Libyan border in Tunisia, but there’s more detail on the individual advice pages (linked above).
Because not all travel is recommended against, you won’t automatically be entitled to a refund from your provider if you decide to not make your trip right now. However, due to the instability in the region, it’s worth checking directly with your transport and accommodation provider to see what can be done about rescheduling.
If you started your journey in Europe and you’re now stuck in Doha, you’ll be entitled to a hotel stay and meals until you can be flown out. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways services via Doha to Asia, Africa or Oceania who were set to leave from UK airports are also entitled to a flight on any available carrier as soon as possible, according to the Independent.
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