The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has warned American citizens to prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions this Friday, citing “heightened tensions in the Middle East.” Travelers departing from Ben-Gurion or Haifa airports are urged to check their flight status with their airline and the airport.
Air travel disruptions in Israel
The embassy advisory comes as Ben-Gurion International temporarily suspended departures; the airport said the runway closure was for routine maintenance and that takeoffs were expected to resume by 23:00. The embassy alert did not report any other airport closures or cancellations, but recommended that passengers monitor their flight notifications.
U.S. Embassy actions and movement restrictions
Shortly after the initial warning, the U.S. Embassy issued a second advisory temporarily restricting personal travel by all U.S. government personnel and their families to the West Bank. The restriction, described as a response to “security concerns and increased volatility,” took effect immediately and is scheduled to remain in place until Sunday unless extended or lifted.
Context: military escalations and threats to maritime routes
The advisory comes amid broader regional escalation: it follows a resumption of U.S. strikes against Iran two weeks ago and Iranian retaliatory actions targeting U.S. interests in Gulf states. Tensions rose further after Houthi fighters struck two Saudi tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. Satellite imagery highlights Bab el-Mandeb — a strategic chokepoint and gateway to the Red Sea — as Iran threatens to use its Houthi allies to close the passage.
Alongside maritime incidents, sirens sounded in Bahrain earlier Friday, according to the country’s Interior Ministry. Jordanian forces intercepted seven missiles and six drones in the afternoon, and Kuwait reported intercepting multiple “hostile targets.” These attacks followed Iranian strikes on Kuwaiti and U.S. military infrastructure in Jordan during the night.
What travelers should do
The U.S. Embassy reminds citizens to regularly check flight updates and security alerts, and to follow instructions from local authorities. Travelers from or through Ben-Gurion and Haifa airports should verify flight status with their airline and the relevant airport before traveling.
