Emergency Response The Middle East

Middle East Crisis

Following the recent escalation in the Middle East, ACS is closely monitoring the evolving situation and is supporting both passenger and cargo charter requests to and from the region.

For customers looking to exit the UAE, the best location for charter evacuation flights is currently Muscat in Oman. Although the situation is evolving rapidly, Riyadh is also an option for those with the necessary visa to enter the country via the land border, although it is further. 

For the latest regional airspace status updates and details on aircraft available to support operations along with information regarding border crossings, please see below.

ACS ACTIVITY

ACS has been coordinating multiple evacuation and emergency response flights across the Middle East for commercial, private, and governmental clients. Our teams are actively monitoring regional airspace closures, NOTAMs, and airport operational restrictions to ensure rapid, compliant routing as the situation evolves.

Despite the airspace closures there are options to move cargo into the surrounding region and we are exploring overland transport to cover the last miles to destination (or first miles from origin).

Please find the latest regional airspace updates and aircraft availability outlined below. This information is reviewed continuously and updated as new information becomes available, but please check with your ACS account manager for the latest information as the situation is evolving rapidly.

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AIRSPACE UPDATES

Below is an overview of regional airspaces and their current status.

Country: Airspace Status: Additional Info: Updated
United Arab Emirates Open The UAE is currently on heightened alert amid recurrent missile and drone activity across the country. Some locations have sustained damage, but government response teams have acted swiftly to manage the situation.
Major airports in the UAE have begun reopening for limited time windows, permitting a restricted number of flights operated by select carriers to facilitate passenger departures under specific routing constraints. At the time of writing, the number of such flights remains relatively small.
Muscat in Oman is being used by a number of ACS clients for evacuations, being reached via the land border at Hatta.
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia is also an option for those able to reach it by land, with the necessary visas. It remains fully operational.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Saudi Arabia Open Saudi Arabia is on high military alert after intercepting multiple Iranian missiles and drones. Two drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh on March 3 and air defence systems reportedly destroyed several others.
Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam airports remain open but short notice airspace restrictions or closures are possible if similar attacks persist.
Relevant visa's required in advance to enter overland.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Egypt Open Normal operations continuing but Egypt has raised its military readiness and put airports on high alert, while reinforcing borders in the Sinai and along the Sudan frontier to prevent the spillover of regional conflict.
Its airspace remains a primary southern bypass for international traffic.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Israel Closed Israel is currently engaged in a multi-front war, conducting deep airstrikes across Iran while simultaneously bombing Beirut to counter a major retaliatory rocket and drone offensive from Hezbollah. While there have been reports of a phased reopening, the situation is highly fluid and airspace is closed to most commercial flights until at least 6 March.
Passengers can leave Israel only via operational land borders with Jordan and Egypt.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Oman Open Muscat remains open; some scheduled services cancelled or rerouted due to the closure of several neighbouring flight paths.
Oman has placed its military on high alert due to strikes in the South and on shipping.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Kuwait Closed Kuwait remains on maximum military alert after Iranian missile strikes hit the Ali Al-Salem Air Base, leading to the total closure of national airspace and investigations into the downing of several fighter jets over its territory.
Passengers can leave via imited maritime travel to the UAE but this is subject to high risk.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Qatar Closed Qatar remains on high military alert, after its Ministry of Defence successfully intercepted 65 ballistic missiles while strikes hit Al Udeid Air Base and Ras Laffan, resulting in a closure of national airspace to all commercial and non-essential flights .
Hamad International Airport not operating normal commercial flights. Limited operations (humanitarian or state flights) may occur but no normal passenger service. Officials are assessing the damage and planning repairs with the goal of resuming operations as soon as it's safe.
Leaving Qatar currently requires traveling by land to Saudi Arabia.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Jordan Open Jordan is on maximum military alert after its air defences intercepted multiple Iranian missiles violating its airspace.
Queen Alia International Airport operating at 60% capacity due to airline cancellations.
The Jordanian government has reinforced its borders and is providing emergency assistance to transit passengers stranded by the sudden flight cancellations and airspace closures.
Land borders with Saudi Arabia have emerged as the primary exit gateway for those seeking to depart the region by road. These crossings remain fully operational, allowing travellers to reach Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport for onward commercial and evacuation flights.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Lebanon Open Lebanon is facing intensive Israeli bombardment and mass displacement following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on Israel.
Beirut airport operational, but is functioning with a significantly reduced schedule. The Port of Beirut and land routes to Cyprus via sea have emerged as the primary, though dangerous, exit gateways for foreign nationals.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Bahrain Closed Bahrain is on high military alert after successfully intercepting missile and drone attacks. Bahraini airspace remains officially closed to all commercial passenger traffic following regional military escalations.
The Bahraini government is coordinating with the U.S. military to bolster regional maritime security.
The King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia has emerged as the primary exit gateway for those seeking to depart by land. It remains fully operational, allowing travellers to reach Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Iraq Closed Iraq remains on maximum military alert after strikes were launched on U.S. bases in Anbar and Erbil, leading to closed airspace and the total suspension of commercial flights across the country.
Major airports in Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra have suspended all civilian operations.
The Iraqi government is deploying additional security forces to protect diplomatic missions and vital infrastructure while attempting to mediate between regional factions.
Leaving Iraq is possible via the Turkey border at Ibrahim Khalil/Habur which remains open. Both the Iraq-Iran and Iraq-Kuwait crossings are closed.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Syria Closed Syrian airspace remains closed to all commercial traffic, and operations at all major airports remain suspended following the major regional escalation.
The Syrian government has placed all military units on maximum alert and is coordinating with Iranian-backed militias to bolster defences against further incursions.
Land borders with Lebanon and Jordan have emerged as the primary, albeit dangerous, exit routes; however, Israeli strikes on border crossings have severely restricted movement for those attempting to flee.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Turkiye Open Turkiye has bolstered its southern military presence following warnings that the widening regional fire now directly threaten Turkish national security, but its airspace remains fully open and operational.
Due to airspace closures in multiple neighbouring countries, more traffic is pushing through routes over Turkiye The Turkish government is currently hosting thousands of transit passengers stranded by regional cancellations.
Land borders with Iran and Iraq have emerged as critical exit gateways for foreign nationals escaping the escalation, with Turkish authorities increasing patrols to manage the influx of arrivals from the east.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Iran Closed Iran is under full-scale military assault with airstrikes targeting nuclear sites and Tehran, prompting the regime to launch hundreds of retaliatory missiles at Gulf nations and total closure of all civilian airspace.
All civilian airports have suspended operations; national airspace is closed to all commercial traffic.
Land borders remain under heavy guard, with Turkey and Iraq emerging as the primary exit routes for those able to reach them.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Cyprus Open Cyprus has activated emergency protocols and heightened security following military escalations in the region and a suspected drone strike on the British RAF Akrotiri base on 2 March.
Major airports in Larnaca and Paphos remain operational, but are dealing with a backlog of affected passengers. Commercial airlines are rerouting to avoid Lebanese and Israeli airspace.
Larnaca Port has emerged as the critical entry point for those evacuated from Beirut, offering temporary housing and medical assistance before they transition to repatriation flights to Europe and North America.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC
Yemen Restricted Yemen is facing airstrikes targeting Houthi missile sites in Sana’a and Hodeidah after the group launched a wave of drones and missiles at Israel and Red Sea shipping.
Commercial airports in Houthi-controlled areas have suspended all operations; Red Sea ports are under extreme security alerts with maritime traffic severely disrupted.
Land borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman have emerged as the only restricted exit routes for those able to reach them, though travel remains highly dangerous due to ongoing airstrikes and internal conflict.		 3 March 26 12:00 UTC

Information current as of 3 March 26 12:00 UTC

BORDER CROSSINGS

Below is an overview of regional land border crossings and their current status.

Border Crossing Crossing location Current Status Intel Reported Visa Information
UAE -
Saudi Arabia		 Al Ghuwaifat -
Al Batha		 Open Border crossing is open but operating under heightened security protocols due to regional tension. Visitors generally need a pre-approved eVisa (available to citizens of over 60 countries and certain visa/residency holders), and mandatory medical insurance, which can be obtained through the official Saudi eVisa Portal.
No Visa on Arrival at land border.
UAE - Oman Al Ain - Al Buraimi Open Significant congestion has been reported.
Entry Requirement: Proof of onward travel and hotel booking are being strictly checked due to the influx of stranded travelers.
Specific crossing points:
Meyzad (Hafeet): Open; used for all nationalities.
Khatm Al Shikla: Reported as open for both GCC and non-GCC passport holders.
Al Rawdah: Also operational to help relieve pressure on other points.		 Citizens of over 100 countries can enter visa-free for up to 14 days all others or those staying longer must apply for an eVisa through the official Royal Oman Police Portal.
UAE - Oman Hatta - Al Wajajah Open Border traffic is reported as very slow due to a surge in travellers following UAE airspace closures. Authorities advise against travel without confirmed onward flight tickets from Oman. Citizens of over 100 countries can enter visa-free for up to 14 days all others or those staying longer must apply for an eVisa through the official Royal Oman Police Portal.
Bahrain - Saudi Arabia GCC Crossing / King Fahd Causeway Open Despite ongoing regional tensions and reports of local drone/missile activity near Manama, the causeway is currently fully operational.
Traffic is moving normally, however, airspace closures at Bahrain International Airport have increased reliance on this land link.		 Visitors generally need a pre-approved eVisa (available to citizens of over 60 countries and certain visa/residency holders), and mandatory medical insurance, which can be obtained through the official Saudi eVisa Portal.
No Visa on Arrival at land border.
Qatar - Saudi Arabia Abu Samra - Salwa Open Travel is currently advised only for those with valid documents and confirmed onward plans in Saudi Arabia. Visitors generally need a pre-approved eVisa (available to citizens of over 60 countries and certain visa/residency holders), and mandatory medical insurance, which can be obtained through the official Saudi eVisa Portal.
Israel - Jordan King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge Open Currently the primary land exit for tourists and diplomats due to Israeli airspace closures. Israeli passport holders are strictly prohibited from using this crossing. All visitors must obtain a pre-approved visa or Jordan Pass (for eligible nationalities) prior to arrival at the bridge.
No Visa on Arrival at land border.
Israel - Jordan Jordan River (Sheikh Hussein) - Northern Crossing Open Unlike Allenby, this crossing is open to Israeli passport holders and international tourists.
Currently serving as a relief point for Allenby congestion.		 Visa on Arrival available for non-restricted nationalities and Jordan Pass is accepted for eligible nationalities.
Israel - Jordan Yitzhak Rabin (Wadi Araba) - Southern Crossing Open Currently used as a primary exit route from Eilat due to Israeli airspace closures. Last passenger acceptance is strictly at 19:00. Heightened security alerts are in place; travelers must monitor the Home Front Command for real-time instructions. Visa on Arrival available for non-restricted nationalities and Jordan Pass is accepted for eligible nationalities
Israel - Egypt Taba Border Crossing Open Currently the sole land gateway to Egypt from Eilat. Significant delays reported as tourists exit Israel via the Sinai Peninsula due to flight cancellations. Authorities advise completing the Egypt Digital Arrival Form 24h prior to arrival to expedite processing. Most nationalities can get a Sinai-Only Visa (15 days) at the border.
For travel beyond Sinai, a full Tourist Visa must be pre-approved via the Egypt eVisa Portal.
Israel - Egypt Rafah crossing Closed No civilian movement is currently permitted. N/A
Israel - Egypt Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) Restricted Currently designated strictly for humanitarian aid and commercial goods only. Closed to civilians. Entry/exit for international aid workers requires pre-coordinated military permits and COGAT authorisation.
Kuwait - Saudi Arabia Al-Nuwaiseeb -
Al-Khafji		 Open High congestion reported due to regional airspace closures. A new dedicated lane for "Joint Operations" employees has recently opened to help streamline logistical and staff movement. Visitors generally need a pre-approved eVisa (available to citizens of over 60 countries and certain visa/residency holders), and mandatory medical insurance, which can be obtained through the official Saudi eVisa Portal.
Kuwait - Saudi Arabia Al-Salmi - Ar-Ruqi Open Serving as the primary alternative to the congested coastal Nuwaiseeb crossing. Primarily used for transit to Riyadh and Western Saudi Arabia.
Operating 24/7 despite regional alerts.		 Visitors generally need a pre-approved eVisa (available to citizens of over 60 countries and certain visa/residency holders), and mandatory medical insurance, which can be obtained through the official Saudi eVisa Portal.

Information current as of 3 March 26 17:00 UTC

Aircraft Information

The following aircraft are available to support operations.

Aircraft: Type: Passenger No.:
Airbus A320 Passenger 180Y
Boeing B738 Passenger 189Y
Airbus A319 Passenger 150Y
Boeing B733 Passenger 144Y
Airbus A321 Passenger 220Y
Boeing B737 VIP Passenger 56C
Airbus A330-200 Passenger 292 (17C, 275Y)
Boeing B767-300ER Passenger 309Y
Gulfstream G-IV Passenger 13-16
Bombardier Global Express Passenger 10
Gulfstream G450 Passenger 13
Embraer Legacy 650 Passenger 14
Cessna Citation Sovereign Passenger 9
Bombardier Global Express XRS Passenger 13
Bombardier Global Express Passenger 13
Bombardier Global 6000 Passenger 13

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