Violence in Middle East Causing Travel Turmoil

Image: Map of the Middle East region. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/TRITOOTH)
Image: Map of the Middle East region. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/TRITOOTH)
Jen Mallia
by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:30 AM ET, Tue June 24, 2025

As the ever-evolving situation in the Middle East continues to cause worry and endanger the safety of people there, the government is working to help Canadians there. Several countries are under travel advisories, with Global Affairs advising against all travel to Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Syria and Yemen.

Non-essential travel to Jordan and Lebanon (plus regional advisories) is to be avoided. 

In Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE a high degree of caution is advised, with several elevated regional advisories.

The advisory for Qatar was updated yesterday, June 23, 2025 to include a warning that the airspace in the country was closed because of military action and to be cautious of falling military debris. People are advised to seek shelter when air raid sirens are sounded. Air space reopened late yesterday.

 

Flights Cancelled

Air Canada has cancelled its daily flights to Dubai from Toronto until Aug. 4, 2025. In a statement on its website, the airline said the suspension is in effect “up to and including August 4, 2025, at which time it may be further extended following a safety assessment in consultation with government and other authorities.”

Passengers with tickets for travel between June 18 and Aug. 25, 2025 who have had their flights cancelled can choose a refund, travel credit or to rebook once flights resume. Passengers whose flights are still scheduled can choose to rebook on a different flight without incurring a penalty. 

American Airlines, British Airways, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines have also made changes to their schedules based on the conflict. Check with each airline for up-to-date specifics as the situation remains in flux.

Related: Airlines Cancel Israel Flights and Reroute Travel Amid Middle East Conflict

Stay Safe

The government reminds Canadians in the Middle East to:

  • Monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation.
  • Be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities at all times, including any orders to shelter in place.
  • Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information about the crisis.
  • Ensure that your travel documents and those of your family are up to date.

For more information and updates, follow Canada’s response to the situation in the Middle East from Global Affairs.

 

 

 

Topics From This Article to Explore

Featured Video

Jen Mallia

Jen Mallia

Senior Editor

Jen Mallia is an Edmonton-based writer, editor, and Oxford comma apologist. She is a former senior editor of the CAA/AMA Insider magazines and has written for a host of publications, including The Globe and Mail. National Post, The Guardian, Today's Parent, and InStyle. 

Get To Know Us Better

Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!
Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!

Become A Travel Expert

Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Watch Now!
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Watch Now!
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...