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LAST UPDATE | 1 Mar
IRISH CITIZENS IN the Gulf and wider Middle East have been advised to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel following a sharp escalation in conflict across the region.
The warning comes after the United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran, including an attack on a school in the country’s south that Iranian authorities say killed more than 100 people.
Iranian State media also confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in the strikes yesterday.
Iran has since launched retaliatory missile attacks on US military bases and targets across the Gulf, prompting widespread airspace closures and major disruption to international air travel.
It’s understood that an evacuation of the large number of Irish citizens is not currently being considered.
In a statement this afternoon, Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said it was a “unique consular situation, with a large number of citizens located in UAE in particular, and with local and regional airports shut and in some cases under attack’.
A large number of Irish citizens, in particular in the UAE, are already on Ireland’s Citizen Registration platform, with several hundred registering yesterday, McEntee said, adding that she is encouraging anyone in the region, whether they are resident or transiting, to register.
“I am also aware of suggestions of consideration of land routes to neighbouring countries, such as Oman. However, I strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy for now.
“Following coordination across all EU member states, this remains the common approach at the moment,” she said. “As of now, there are no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries and so the advice is to shelter in place.
“We are maintaining close touch with the airlines of those citizens who were in transit when the conflict began. We also remain in very close contact with EU partners as this situation evolves.”
The minister joined European counterparts at an emergency meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council this morning.
“Our travel advice remains that Irish citizens should not undertake travel to Iran. We also advise against travel to Israel,” she said yesterday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said its crisis centre has been in extensive contact with Irish citizens and their families, including residents and holidaymakers, and is coordinating assistance through EU consular mechanisms.
Dublin Airport has warned of further cancellations and delays as airlines suspend services to and through the Middle East. Thirteen flights to and from the region have been cancelled today, with the airport’s spokesperson confirming some flights scheduled on Monday have also been cancelled.
“Further disruption over the coming days is possible,” spokesperson Graeme McQueen said. “As always, passengers are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest updates on the status of their flight.”
Airlines Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad have all cancelled flights between Dublin and cities in the UAE and Qatar.
Emirates cancelled two flights from Dublin to Dubai on Saturday, while a third service was forced to return mid-journey.
Qatar Airways cancelled all remaining Saturday services between Dublin and Doha and has confirmed its full Sunday schedule is also suspended.
Further disruption is expected, with airlines including Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad and Air India announcing suspensions or rerouting of flights.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that nearly a quarter of scheduled inbound flights to the Middle East were cancelled yesterday, with hundreds more cancellations already confirmed for today.
Globally, more than 19,000 flights have been delayed, according to tracking website FlightAware.
Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have all announced at least partial airspace closures.
In light of the current security situation, Irish citizens are advised that they should not travel to the Gulf Region until further notice.
— IrishEmbRiyadh (@IrishEmbRiyadh) February 28, 2026
Citizens Register:https://t.co/Cpv35ahaIB
Out of Hours (genuine emergencies only):
+966 11 407 1530
Four people were injured at a terminal in Dubai International Airport yesterday following an “incident”, according to a spokesperson, who did not give further details.
McEntee urged Irish citizens planning to travel to or through the region to contact their airline or travel agent immediately and to rely only on official sources for updates.
Citizens with concerns can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs’ consular team in Dublin at +353 1 408 2000, while those in the region are advised to contact their local Irish embassy.
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