Airlines halt flights: Foreign office issues urgent alerts for 7 nations
In an unprecedented move, the Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel advisory on June 13, 2025, due to the rapidly changing security situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on air traffic. The advisory comes as Israel and Iran engage in military confrontations, with Israel conducting air strikes against Iranian targets, and Iran responding with drone attacks on Israel.
The situation is unpredictable, with airspaces in the region potentially closing at short notice, and some airlines have already suspended their connections to the affected countries. Travelers are advised to remain flexible, consult with their booked airline if necessary, and follow instructions from local authorities and security forces in the UAE and other affected countries.
Meanwhile, several Mediterranean countries have introduced new measures aimed at managing mass tourism and promoting sustainability. Spain, Italy, and Greece, popular holiday destinations for many, have implemented stringent rules to preserve the environment and improve the quality of life for locals.
In Spain, smoking on beaches and reserving unattended sunbeds are now prohibited, with hefty fines in place. Italy, particularly Venice, has introduced entry fees for day visitors and strict penalties for disruptive behaviors. Greece, on the other hand, is focusing on limiting the number of tourists, encouraging longer stays, and building a sustainable tourism model.
It is essential for travelers to regularly inform themselves about current developments in the region to ensure their safety and make informed decisions about their travel plans. While the new tourism policies in Spain, Italy, and Greece are primarily motivated by managing the effects of mass tourism, environmental sustainability, and local quality of life, the ongoing military tensions in the Middle East have not been linked to these measures.
The Foreign Office has also issued an urgent advice for all Greek holidaymakers and recommends that German citizens in the UAE and other affected countries register on the crisis preparedness list ELEFAND for quick contact in case of an emergency.
As the situation remains fluid, the Foreign Office emphasizes that the situation can change quickly, and travelers should remain vigilant. The advisory warns against traveling to seven countries: Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain.
[1] New York Times, "Spain Cracks Down on Mass Tourism," June 1, 2025. [2] BBC News, "Middle East Tensions: Israel Attacks Iranian Targets," June 12, 2025. [3] The Guardian, "Greece Tackles Over-tourism with New Measures," May 20, 2025.
Travelers visiting the Middle East should be aware of the rapidly changing security situation, as air traffic may be affected by military confrontations between Israel and Iran. In the Mediterranean, several countries have implemented measures to manage mass tourism and promote sustainability, such as prohibiting smoking on beaches in Spain, introducing entry fees for day visitors in Italy, and limiting the number of tourists in Greece. Despite these new tourism policies, the ongoing tensions in the Middle East are not linked to these measures.
