The State Department has issued a worldwide caution for Americans, not just in the Middle East.
Americans worldwide urged to be cautious after US operations in Iran
"Following the launch ofU.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate," theState Department announcedFeb. 28. "The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution."
A number of U.S. embassies and consulates across the Middle East have advised U.S. citizens toshelter in place.
Travelers hoping to either leave or enter the region are also being limited by temporary airspace closures.
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Airports, airspace closed
In the United Arab Emirates, one person was killed and seven people were hurt by falling debris after a drone targetingZayed International Airportwas intercepted, according toAbu Dhabi Airports.The airport and UAE airspace are currently closed.
Four workers were hurt when a concourse sustained minor damage at Dubai International Airport, one theworld's busiest, according toDubai Airports.A spokesperson said most terminals had already been evacuated at the time. The airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International have both suspended flights until further notice.
Several workers suffered minor injuries in a drone attack on Kuwait International Airport, a spokesperson for the country's civil aviation authority told state-ownedKuwait News Agency KUNA.
Bahrain International AirportandHamad International Airportin Qatar have suspended flight operations due to airspace closures over their respective countries. Israel has also closed its airspace and evacuated passengers at Ben Gurion International Airport and Haifa Airport, according to itsAirports Authority.Some of Israel's land border crossings are also closed.
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The vast majority of El Al, Emirates, FlyDubai, Gulf Air and Qatar Airways flights for March 1 are cancelled, according toflight tracking website FlightAware. More than half of Etihad Airways' flights are canceled as well.
What travelers should do
U.S. citizens currently abroad or heading out of the country are urged to enroll in the State Department's freeSmart Traveler Enrollment Programfor important updates and easier reach in the event of an emergency.
"Also follow our WhatsApp channel 'U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens' and@TravelGovsocial media," State Department Assistant Secretary for Consular AffairsMora Namdar posted on X,adding that the safety and security of Americans is their highest priority. "Americans in the Middle East region who need consular assistance can call 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 from overseas or +1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada."
Travelers trying to rebook flights to the Middle East should reach out to their respective airlines.
In a statement to USA TODAY, a spokesperson for Israel's El Al said the airline is proactively reaching out to existing ticketholders and will give them first priority once flights are allowed to resume. Ticket purchases for other flights have been closed until March 21 or until existing ticketholders can be rebooked.
"Closing ticket sales is intended to ensure full priority for customers whose tickets were issued before the current situation and to guarantee their travel as soon as possible," the airline said, directing customers toEl Al's websiteand social media for the latest updates.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires travelers to be given a refund if their flight is canceled for any reason and they choose to no longer fly.
Travelers who already purchasedtravel insurance for their tripsmay have additional options. However, Squaremouth Travel Insurance notes, "Most standard travel insurance plansexclude cancellation coverage for military action, acts of war, or government-imposed airspace closures."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Americans urged to exercise caution abroad: What travelers should know
