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. Iranian strikes have continued into 20 March.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported on 20 March that its spokesman, Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naini, was killed in overnight strikes by the US and Israel. This follows a series of high-profile “assassinations” of senior Iranian military and political figures, which have triggered retaliation attacks from Iran. On 20 March, Iran issued a threat to US and Israeli officials and military personnel, stating they will not be safe in “resorts and tourist centres around the world.”

In retaliation for the Israeli attack against the Iranian South Pars gas field on 18 March, Iranian forces conducted significant strikes targeting oil and gas facilities across the region, including the Ras Laffan LNG field in Qatar, the Habshan gas facility in the UAE, the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait, and the SAMREF oil facility in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

As of 20 March, there is a total closure of airspace in Kuwait. Bahrain is enabling a highly limited number of departures from Bahrain International Airport (BAH / OBBI) following a specific route, with prior permission, but the airspace is effectively closed to almost all flights. The UAE’s airspace has restricted access by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones. In Qatar, the airspace remains restricted, although arrivals and departures via defined waypoints are now allowed after permission has been given. The airspace remains closed to overflights. Saudi Arabia’s airspace has a partial closure affecting the area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf. Oman’s airspace remains open, with Muscat becoming the preferred airport among airlines in the region wishing to perform relief flights. Jordan’s airspace remains open, but aircraft are advised to carry extra fuel in case of delays.

Overnight 18-19 March, explosions were heard over Riyadh, with the military stating that it was defending against a missile attack. Attack alerts were also issued in Al-Kharj. Debris struck multiple locations in Riyadh after four ballistic missiles were intercepted, reportedly injuring four people. Attack drone interceptions were also reported over an unspecified gas field in Saudi Arabia’s eastern region and near Al-Kharj, with a ballistic missile intercepted over the eastern region. Early 19 March, Saudi military officials say two Iranian attack drones and two ballistic missiles were destroyed over the country’s Eastern Province, with another four attack drones intercepted. On 20 March, Saudi authorities stated they had intercepted at least 15 drones, mostly over the Eastern Province.

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry says forces intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile near the port of Yanbu in western Al-Madinah province on 19 March. An attack drone also targeted the SAMREF oil facility in Yanbu, resulting in “minimal impact” to the facility’s operations. These attacks mark the first in Saudi Arabia’s western region. Oil loadings were temporarily suspended as a result.

At least two people have been killed and 16 injured in Saudi Arabia as of 12:30 UTC on 19 March.

As of 20 March, Saudi Arabia’s airspace has a partial closure affecting the area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf; however, this does not affect commercial flights departing major Saudi airports. As a result of incoming attacks, major flight disruptions were recorded at Dammam’s King Fahd International Airport (DMM) on 18 March.

Early 19 March, air defences were activated in Kuwait against ballistic missiles and attack drones. Following a strike from an attack drone, a fire broke out at Mina al-Ahmadi refinery. The blaze was subsequently extinguished, with authorities confirming that there were no injuries. A second refinery, Mina al-Abdullah, was hit shortly after, sparking another fire, which was subsequently extinguished with no reports of injuries. Operations at the two refineries have been suspended.

At least six people have been killed, and dozens have been injured in Kuwait, as of 12:30 UTC on 19 March.

As of 20 March, the airspace remains closed in Kuwait.

Overnight 18-19 March, and on 19 March, Bahrain activated its air raid sirens multiple times, with the public urged to take shelter.

At least two people have been killed, and dozens have been injured in Bahrain, as of 12:30 UTC on 19 March.

As of 20 March, the Bahraini airspace is closed with very limited exceptions. Bahrain is enabling a highly limited number of departures from Bahrain International Airport (BAH / OBBI) following a specific route, with prior permission, but the airspace is effectively closed to almost all flights.

On 18 March, an Iranian ballistic missile caused significant damage and started a fire at the Ras Laffan terminal, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. Four out of five ballistic missiles targeting the facility were reportedly intercepted. Following the strike, Qatar issued a nationwide shelter-at-home order due to the elevated “security threat level” and asked Iranian security and military attaches and staff to leave the country within 24 hours. The fire was subsequently brought under control but was still being dealt with on 19 March. The strike was almost certainly conducted in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars Gas Field.

At least 16 people have been injured in Qatar, as of 12:30 UTC on 19 March.

As of 20 March, the airspace remains heavily restricted in Qatar. Arrivals and departures via defined waypoints are allowed after permission has been given.

Overnight 18-19 March, air defence systems intercepted Iranian strikes over the country. The UAE halted operations at the Habshan gas facility after the site was hit by debris. On 19 March, the UAE military claimed to have shot down seven ballistic missiles and 15 attack drones. Further explosions were heard, with air defences activated.

On 20 March, UAE officials stated that they had dismantled a “terrorist network” funded by Hezbollah and Iran, arresting an unspecified number of members. According to authorities, the group engaged in money laundering, terrorist financing, and posed a threat to national security.

At least eight people have been killed and 158 injured in the UAE, as of 12:30 UTC on 19 March.

As of 20 March, the UAE’s airspace has restricted access by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones.

Oman is currently assessed to have a lower conflict-related risk profile compared to the neighbouring UAE and the Omani airspace remains open. As a result, Oman is being used by airlines and international governments as a base for repatriation flights. There is considerably elevated demand for flights running from Oman.

At least three people have been killed and 15 injured in Oman, as of 12:30 UTC on 19 March.

As of 20 March, the airspace remains open in Oman.