UPDATED — Middle East Update: Air Canada flight suspensions extended, operators provide updates  

In an update today, Intrepid Travel said that in response to the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, “we have made the decision to cancel all departures of Intrepid trips to Egypt, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia from 4th March up to and including 31st March 2026. All affected customers will be contacted by email.”

Intrepid’s said that: “Customers booked to depart from 1st April 2026 onwards who wish to cancel their trip to Egypt, Jordan, Oman or Saudi Arabia, please get in touch with your booking agent to discuss your options.”

As for trips on the ground, the operator advised that: “All our travellers in the Middle East are safe and accounted for. We are currently monitoring the situation in destination as well as foreign travel advice and any changes will be communicated directly to travellers by their tour leaders on the ground. US travellers who wish to depart their trips immediately will be assisted to do so.”

And it added that: “If you are currently travelling with us in Egypt, Jordan, or Oman and require immediate assistance, please contact our 24/7 local emergency numbers: +20 10 9681 1067 (Egypt), +962 7 9700 4051 (Jordan), +968 7983 5219 (Oman).”

Intrepid said that: “Travellers to other destinations should continue to follow the guidance of their own government’s travel advice and check with their airlines for updates regarding possible flight disruptions.”

And it noted that: “Travellers transiting through major Middle Eastern hubs (including Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi) should contact their airline or booking agent for more information. If you cannot join your Intrepid trip due to your flights being cancelled because of the unrest in the Middle East, please contact us to discuss your options.”

Globus family of brands

The Globus family of brands – including Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways – said that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East.

The company said that: “Out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with guidance from global authorities and security partners,” it has made the proactive, guest-first decision to cancel March departures to:

• Qatar
• Jordan
• Dubai (UAE)
• Egypt

It said that: “Guests and travel advisors on affected departures are being contacted directly and personally. Impacted travelers are being offered flexible options, including the opportunity to rebook to a future departure or receive a full refund.”

The operator continued that: “For guests currently traveling, our on-the-ground teams remain fully engaged. Where necessary, itinerary adjustments are being made to prioritize guest comfort and safety.”

Globus noted that: “We recognize that broader airspace restrictions and airline schedule changes may impact travel to or from other regions, including Australia and New Zealand. Guests who purchased air through us will be contacted directly with updates. Land-only guests should contact their airline or travel advisor directly.”

It also said that: “For nearly a century, the Globus family of brands has guided travelers through an ever-changing world with care, expertise and responsibility. The safety and well-being of our guests and team members will always remain our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.”

And it concluded: “Guests who are currently booked on an upcoming vacation to one of the affected regions are encouraged to contact their travel advisor or our Guest Services team at 877.333.3920.”

EASA CZIB

The Europe Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued an updated Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (or CZIB) for the Middle East and the Persian Gulf that’s in effect to March 6, 2026.

EASA said in the updated Bulletin that: “Given the ongoing military intervention, retaliatory actions against U.S. and Israeli assets in the region are likely to occur, introducing additional high risks not only to the airspace of Iran but also to that of neighbouring States hosting U.S. military bases or otherwise affected by the hostilities and associated military activities, including interceptions.”

It states that: “The possession of all-altitude capable air-defence systems, cruise and ballistic missiles and the use of air assets capable to operate at all-altitudes, including interception capability make the entire affected airspace vulnerable to spill-over risks, misidentification, miscalculation and failure of interception procedures.”

And it continues that: “Given the current and expected developments, there is thus a high risk to civil aviation in the affected airspace. EASA, together with the Commission and Member States, will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of the risk for EU aircraft operators due to the evolution of the threat and risk situation.”

And recommends that air operators should:
!!! Not operate within the affected airspace at all flight levels and altitudes.

!!! Closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.

(https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/air-operations/czibs/2026-03-r1 )

Air Canada 

Air Canada has now said that all of its flights to and from Dubai (DXB) and Tel Aviv (TLV) are currently suspended and restarting on March 23, 2026. And the carrier advises that passenger in either of these regions should not go to the airport.