Following the initial strike, widespread airspace closures have left companies unable to move personnel by air in affected countries. While certain border crossings remain open, evacuations both overland and by air remain increasingly complex. International SOS security specialists warn that navigating these routes safely requires professional support, as the risks on the ground continue to grow in scale and unpredictability.
“The resumption of flights into parts of the Middle East will be gradual and highly risk‑assessed. Airlines and civil aviation regulators will only restart services once airspace restrictions ease, threat levels stabilise, and robust security and contingency measures are in place. While some routes may reopen, travel will remain dynamic, and passengers should expect ongoing disruption and enhanced security checks in the near term,” said Senior President Aviation & Maritime Security at MedAire, Hanry Bakr. In the context of civil aviation, Bakr further explained that the size of the impact is estimated at 4.8 million square kilometers – larger than the European aerospace or half the size of the United States. This is one of the globe’s densest corridors linking Europe and Asia.
Assessing the U.S. - Israeli operations against Iran, Lead Security Analyst for Mashreq & Iran at International SOS, Polina Vyngradova, reported that the coming weeks will likely be shaped by ongoing strikes aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile, nuclear and leadership structures - a campaign expected to continue until Iran’s capabilities are significantly degraded. “As these operations progress, Washington and Tel Aviv will push for outcomes ranging from Iran giving up its missile and nuclear programs to broader demands that could amount to full political capitulation.”
“Meanwhile, Iran and its regional allies will continue pursuing calibrated retaliation - initially at high frequency but likely decreasing as Iranian military capacities erode under sustained attacks. Tehran’s strategy will increasingly balance retaliation with regime‑survival considerations, especially as domestic instability becomes a crucial factor influencing its leverage, resilience and willingness to enter mediation or ceasefire negotiations.”
Although the situation continues to evolve daily, several key considerations remain regarding travel, workforce impacts, health and regional conditions.
Inbound Travel
- Defer all inbound travel to Iran, Israel and the Palestinian Territories until further notice.
- Defer travel or transit through Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iraq until mid -March due to risk of Iranian retaliatory attacks and airspace disruptions.
- Defer all travel to Lebanon, Syria and Yemen until further notice.
7 Stay-Safe tips
- Minimise time near US and Israeli military or diplomatic sites; further Iranian strikes are possible. Confirm shelter-in-place procedures.
- Monitor developments via verified sources: International SOS’ assistance portal, diplomatic missions, and trusted local contacts.
- Follow all official directives, including evacuation orders, curfews, movement restrictions and road closures.
- Expect airspace closures, cancellations and travel disruption.
- Israeli and US nationals across the region should maintain heightened caution and a low profile.
- Do not act on or share unverified information.
- Reconfirm upcoming medical appointments and ensure adequate chronic medication supplies.
Health Advice: Radiation Emergency
- Evacuate if directed.
- Minimise exposure: Stay indoors, close windows, switch off ventilation.
- Decontaminate if exposed: Remove clothing, seal it, shower thoroughly. Seek medical guidance for potential internal contamination.
- Avoid potentially contaminated food and water.
“This situation is not expected to resolve in the short term. As disruptions evolve, organisations must recognise that immediate tactical responses such as shelter‑in‑place decisions, secure ground movements, and wellbeing support should be the first layer of what is required,” added the Security Director for Information & Analysis at International SOS, Adam Lakhani. “If you have people, assets, or operations in the region, you should be planning months into the future. This means anticipating ongoing uncertainty, preparing for multi‑model evacuation scenarios, strengthening information‑verification processes and proactively supporting staff who may experience prolonged stress. Extending your planning horizon beyond the immediate crisis is essential to ensuring resilience and continuity.”
For businesses in the region that require security updates or assistance with evacuation, please visit International SOS.