Bahrain: U.S. Embassy Warns of Flight Disruptions Across the Middle East

The U.S. Embassy in Manama issued a security alert on 18 October 2026 warning that the security environment in the Middle East remains complex and that travellers should expect possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and wider travel disruptions. The embassy said it remains open for routine American citizen and visa services.

Key facts

• Alert issued by the U.S. Embassy in Manama on 18 October 2026
• Applies to Americans currently in the Middle East and those travelling to or from the region
• Possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions
• U.S. Embassy Manama remains open for routine American citizen and visa services
• U.S. Travel Advisory for Bahrain stands at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing terrorism and armed conflict

What is the alert about?

The embassy said Americans in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance. It pointed to hostilities carried out by Iranian-supported Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure that have caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions.

According to the embassy, those hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. It also warned that Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas, including locations associated with the United States and Americans around the world.

What should travellers do about flights?

The embassy urged anyone travelling to or from the Middle East to monitor information about airport and airline operations and to develop contingency plans in advance. Travellers should check their flight's departure status directly with the airline, or through the Bahrain International Airport flight tracker at bahrainairport.bh/flight-tracker.

If a flight is affected, the embassy said travellers should contact their airline directly for flight change details.

What safety steps does the embassy recommend?

The alert lists a series of precautions for people in the region. If an aerial attack occurs, it advises staying away from glass doors, windows and any fallen debris, and monitoring phones and news outlets for official guidance. Travellers should keep cell phones charged and pre-programmed with emergency numbers.

Other advice includes being aware of surroundings, avoiding all demonstrations and large gatherings, avoiding areas with a heavy police presence, monitoring local media, following the instructions of local authorities, exercising caution at locations publicly associated with the United States, and keeping a low profile.

The embassy also encouraged Americans to enrol in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides security updates and helps the embassy contact people in an emergency.

What this means for travellers

Anyone planning to fly to, from or through the region should confirm flight status with their airline before leaving for the airport and be prepared for last-minute changes or cancellations. The embassy advises building contingency plans in advance rather than relying on a single routing.

Assistance contacts

U.S. Embassy Manama can be reached on +973-1724-2700 or at [email protected]. The U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs call centre is available on +1-202-501-4444 from abroad or 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada.

The embassy said travellers should continue to follow its website for the latest security alerts.