Updated on 21 May 2019
The Situation:
On 16 May, the FAA released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), advising U.S. Carriers avoid flight paths over the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran and U.S. military activity in the region.
The Persian Gulf serves as a massive channel for international flights from all regions of the globe bound for destinations in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Passenger airliners operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airways continue to fly over the Persian Gulf – sometimes flying as low as 20,000 feet – opening room for misidentifying aircraft during times of rising tensions
The FAA does not have the authority to ground foreign aircraft or prevent foreign airlines from operating in the region. However, should tensions between the US and Iran become heightened, flights may be forced to reroute.
Operations at the following airports could be impacted should airlines begin heeding the FAA’s advisory:
Kuwait City (KWI)
Dammam (DMM)
Bahrain (BAH)
Qatar (DOH)
Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Dubai (DXB)
Dubai (DWC)
Muscat (MCT)
Possible Effects:
Delayed, canceled, and/or rerouted flights
Increased military activity in the region
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Check your flight itinerary to ensure it is operating normally
Be mindful of flight paths when traveling through the region and make necessary itinerary adjustments at your discretion
Monitor local and social media for updates
Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.