Middle East: Land, Air, and Maritime Travel Disruptions Likely Due to Ongoing Iran-Israel Conflict

All border crossings between Iran and Pakistan remain closed until further notice, except for some Pakistani citizens returning to Pakistan. Azerbaijan's border with Iran reportedly remains closed; however, hundreds of foreign nationals have crossed from Iran into Azerbaijan since the conflict began. US citizens may be able to enter Azerbaijan via the Astara border crossing with special authorization. Iran's border crossings with Afghanistan, Armenia, Iraq, Turkiye, and Turkmenistan remain open. 

The Menachem Begin/Taba land border crossing between Israel and Egypt remains open 24 hours a day as of June 20. Of Israel's border crossings with Jordan, the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge is open 08:00-15:30 on June 20, but closed on June 21, the Northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) crossing is open 08:30-16:00 June 20, but also closed on June 21, and the Southern (Yitzhak Rabin/Wadi Araba) crossing is open 08:00-20:00 June 20 and 21. The schedules are subject to change with little to no notice. Israel's border crossings with Lebanon and Syria remain closed.  

Given the ongoing conflict, the operational status of border crossings in Israel, Iran, and neighboring countries may change abruptly and without warning. Closures could occur due to military operations, civil unrest, or government directives, and may impact both entry and exit. Some crossings may be subject to higher-than-usual security measures, temporary closures, suspensions, or increased delays due to the conflict. 

As of June 22, Israeli airspace reopened at 14:00, though some restrictions remain in place and authorities caution that further closures are possible if the security situation worsens. Tehran has extended its airspace closure until 14:00 on June 23. Iraqi airspace remains closed to all civilian flights as of June 22, with an exception for Basra International Airport, which is open for daytime operations only, while Baghdad and other airports remain closed; the closure is being reviewed daily and is likely to be extended as the regional conflict continues. 

Israeli flag carrier El Al Israel Airlines (LY) began repatriation flights June 18. El Al's regular flight schedule remains suspended until at least June 27. Israir (6H) canceled all regular scheduled flights through at least June 30,  and began repatriation in coordination with authorities. 

Outbound flights from Israel are scheduled to begin June 23 to help people leave the country. Each flight will have a limit of 50 passengers, with priority for life-saving, humanitarian, and national security cases. Travelers who leave Israel will only be able to return 21 days after the departure date. 

While Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria also suspended flight operations, they have reopened their respective airspaces. Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria are likely to close their respective airspace in response to conflict developments. 

Multiple airlines have canceled or suspended flights to countries throughout the region. As long as the conflict persists, more airlines could cancel flights or expand existing suspensions to additional countries. As flight schedules can change at short notice, passengers are advised to reconfirm bookings on airlines' official websites. 

Maritime travel out of Iran is likely available. Updates regarding ferry scheduling and operations are limited due to internet service disruptions in Iran. Advertised schedules that are available may change with little to no notice. 
Israeli cruise company, Mano Maritime, operated the first repatriation cruise bringing Israeli citizens from Cyprus to Israel early June 20. The cruise liners aim to make several more repatriation trips. Mano Maritime has also operated trips taking foreign nationals from Israel to Cyprus since June 18. Spaces on Israel to Cyprus sailings have not been made available to the general public.

This is a developing situation; additional information will be issued as warranted.

• Defer all travel to Israel and Iran until further notice. For personnel currently in either country, do not proceed to the airport, land crossing, or maritime port before receiving direct, written confirmation that your mode of transportation is scheduled.
• If in the country, minimize nonessential movement. Avoid the targeted areas and all other military installations and government facilities, as these may become flashpoints for additional violence or attacks. If incoming projectiles or rocket fire are reported, or if warning sirens sound in the vicinity, immediately proceed to the nearest bomb shelter and remain there until authorities indicate it is safe to leave. If no shelter is available, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If feasible, relocate to a ground floor or basement level for added protection.
• Maintain regular contact with diplomatic missions for updates and assistance.
• Avoid all demonstrations, political gatherings, areas with a heavy security presence, and all military installations or government facilities, as these may become flashpoints for violence or targeted attacks.
• Before traveling, reconfirm the status of all flights and the operational status of major roads and border crossings. If air travel remains operational, arrive at airports well in advance to allow for extended security screening and potential delays. Continue to monitor reliable local media sources and official government channels for real-time updates.
• Follow all instructions issued by local authorities and security personnel without delay.

If your organization has people or assets in the Middle East, our experts can help to stay ahead of the situation and protect your employees and operations.