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Last week, the FCDO updated its travel advice for 31 countries citing travel disruptions and cancellations.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has updated its travel advice for Israel and Palestine as the conflict in the Middle East continues to cause widespread disruption.
The ongoing violence has led to numerous casualties and growing humanitarian concerns, while regional tensions have also affected global trade and security. Millions of travellers, including UK nationals, are closely monitoring developments as the situation evolves.
On March 24, the FCDO announced that Ben Gurion Airport is now operating a limited schedule of outbound flights. The update is crucial for travellers trying to leave the country safely, as flight options remain restricted and subject to sudden changes due to security concerns.
“The Ministry of Transport have announced that Ben Gurion Airport is operating a limited schedule of outbound flights. We understand operations are currently approved for the following airlines: El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa, and that the maximum number of passengers permitted on each flight remains limited to meet Israel Home Front Command regulations,” the update read.
“You should regularly check the websites of El Al, Israir, Arkia, and Air Haifa, to stay updated on commercial flight options and to book tickets as and when they become available. Commercial airline options are subject to change at short notice, including should the security situation deteriorate and the Israeli government deem it too dangerous for commercial air travel in and out of the country,” the update added.
Passengers are advised to check airline websites regularly for availability and be aware that schedules may change at short notice depending on security conditions.
Last week, the FCDO updated advice for 31 countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and many others across Asia and the Pacific.
The FCDO warned that the escalation in the region is affecting travel across multiple countries. “Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
“Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East,” the guidance states.
UK travellers are urged to review travel advice for all transit countries, monitor airline and tour operator updates, check their travel insurance coverage, and follow local and international media for the latest information.
Those travelling can also sign up for email alerts from the FCDO. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway in an attempt to secure a ceasefire.
The Associated Press reports that the United States has presented Iran with a 15-point plan aimed at ending hostilities between the US and Israel, citing two Pakistani officials.
The plan reportedly includes restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programmes and calls for the Strait of Hormuz to remain a free maritime zone.
Iran has responded with its own demands, including financial compensation, according to the Daily Record.
Israel’s economy minister, Nir Barkat, told the BBC that Iran is unlikely to agree to the proposed plan.
“It is probably unlikely that Iran would agree to the 15-point plan reportedly put forward by the American administration.
“Beautiful on paper, but in need of guarantees if it were to be implemented,” he said.
He added that Iran’s regime “was not going to change” and that Israel’s primary objectives in the conflict were to leave Iran with “no nukes, no missiles and no proxies.”
The Israel Defence Forces have launched further strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure and missile production facilities.
Witnesses reported airstrikes in the northwestern city of Qazvin, while the IDF confirmed on X that two key naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran were hit.
“Struck: 2 key naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran. IAF fighter jets targeted facilities used by the Iranian regime to develop and manufacture long-range naval cruise missiles capable of destroying targets at sea and on land,” the military stated.