Gulf States: Situation & Travel Update

On 28 February, Iran initiated ballistic missile and attack drone strikes targeting Israel and US military facilities and sites known to host US military personnel across the Middle East, in response to joint US and Israeli airstrikes inside Iran. The targeting pattern of Iranian strikes has evolved to increasingly include civilian-profile targets such as hotels, international airports, and critical national infrastructure.

On 7 April, less than two hours before the deadline 00:00 UTC 8 April deadline, US President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran. According to Iranian state news, the ceasefire is dependent on a 10-point plan, including:

There have already been accusations of ceasefire violations on 8 April. Kuwaiti authorities reported that an “intense wave” of “hostile Iranian attacks” consisting of 28 attack drones targeted its oil installations and power stations. Iranian state media also reported a fire at an oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island following an alleged “attack by enemies”. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently declared that it is adhering to the ceasefire terms, with its “hands on the trigger” and ready to respond to “every aggression with a higher level.

As of 8 April, there is a total closure of airspace in Kuwait. Bahraini airspace is closed with very limited exceptions. The UAE’s airspace has restricted access by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones. In Qatar, while the airspace is closed to almost all commercial flights, Qatar Airways flights continue to operate with special permission. Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman’s airspaces remain open.

Late 7 April, vehicular movement was again suspended along the King Fahd Causeway connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain due to a missile threat, before reopening early 8 April. Overnight 7-8 April, Saudi Arabia reported interceptions of five ballistic missiles targeting unspecified areas of its Eastern Province. Warning alerts were subsequently activated for al-Kharj, Riyadh, Eastern Province, Yanbu, and Northern Borders Province.

At least two people have been killed and 22 injured in Saudi Arabia, as of 09:45 UTC on 7 April.

As of 8 April, Saudi Arabia’s airspace is open.

Overnight 7-8 April, a curfew was imposed, with all commercial activities and shops ordered to close across Kuwait from 00:00 to 06:00 AST. Air defences were activated in response to Iranian ballistic missiles and attack drones. On 8 April, after the implementation of a ceasefire, Kuwait’s military stated that an “intense wave” of “hostile Iranian attacks” consisting of 28 attack drones targeted its oil installations and power stations. The attack reportedly resulted in “significant material damage” to oil infrastructure facilities, power plants, and water desalination plants.

At least seven people have been killed, and dozens have been injured in Kuwait, as of 09:45 UTC on 7 April.

As of 8 April, the airspace remains closed in Kuwait.

Late 7 April, vehicular movement was once again suspended along the King Fahd Causeway connecting Saudi Arabia to Bahrain due to a missile threat, before reopening early 8 April. Overnight 7-8 April, Bahrain activated its air defences. Two people were reportedly injured, and several houses were damaged due to debris from an interception of an attack drone in Sitra. On 8 April, Bahrain’s military stated that it intercepted six missiles and 31 drones in the past 24 hours.

At least three people have been killed, and dozens have been injured in Bahrain, as of 09:45 UTC on 7 April.

As of 8 April, the Bahraini airspace is closed with very limited exceptions. Passengers wishing to depart the region have been able to depart via King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, depending on the operational status of the airport (with operations being frequently temporarily suspended for short periods of time), the King Fahd Causeway, and shelter-in-place advisories.

Overnight 7-8 April, Qatar activated its air defences, intercepting a ballistic missile. At least four people were reportedly injured after debris hit a house in the Muraikh neighbourhood near Doha.

At least 16 people have been injured in Qatar, as of 09:45 UTC on 7 April.

As of 8 April, while the airspace is closed to almost all commercial flights, Qatar Airways flights continue to operate several international routes with special permission.

Overnight 7-8 April, air defences were activated in response to ballistic missiles and attack drones launched from Iran. Authorities reported that crews were responding to a fire at the Habshan gas processing facility in a strike that injured three people. Air defences were reportedly activated again on 8 April, after the ceasefire was implemented.

At least 12 people have been killed and 221 injured in the UAE, as of 09:45 UTC on 7 April.

As of 8 April, the UAE’s airspace has restricted access by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones.

At least three people have been killed and 15 injured in Oman, as of 09:45 UTC on 7 April.

As of 8 April, the airspace remains open in Oman.