U.S. Embassy in Oman Warns of Flight Disruptions Across Middle East

The U.S. Embassy in Muscat issued a security alert on 18 October 2026 telling Americans in the Middle East to exercise heightened vigilance because of a complex security environment. The alert warns of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and wider travel disruptions.

Key facts

• Date of alert: 18 October 2026, issued by the U.S. Embassy in Muscat
• Who it concerns: Americans currently in the Middle East, and those travelling to or from the region
• Main risks flagged: flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions
• Embassy status: open for routine American citizen and visa services
• Flight information for Muscat: omanairports.co.om, or your airline directly
• Emergency number in Oman: 9999

What has prompted the alert?

The embassy says Iranian-supported Houthis have carried out hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure that have caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. It warns that the hostilities could escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area.

The alert also states that Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other United States interests overseas, or locations associated with the United States and Americans around the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions.

What should travellers expect?

Americans travelling to or from the Middle East are told to monitor information about airport and airline operations and to develop contingency plans in advance. Travellers using Muscat can check their flight's departure status with the airline directly or through omanairports.co.om.

If a flight is affected, the alert says travellers should contact their airline directly for details about changing it. The U.S. Department of State's current advisory for Oman, shown on the embassy website, is Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing the risk of armed conflict and terrorism, with some areas carrying increased risk.

Is the embassy still open?

Yes. The U.S. Embassy in Muscat says it remains open for routine American citizen and visa services. The alert directs people to the embassy's alerts page for the latest security updates.

What does the embassy advise?

The alert lists a series of precautions: enrol in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and make it easier for the embassy to contact you in an emergency; keep your phone charged and pre-programmed with emergency numbers; be aware of your surroundings; avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings; avoid areas with a heavy police presence; monitor local media; follow the instructions of local authorities; exercise caution at locations publicly associated with the United States; and keep a low profile.

In the event of an aerial attack, the alert says to stay away from glass doors, windows and fallen debris, and to monitor your phone and news outlets for official guidance.

What this means for travellers

Anyone planning travel to, from or through the Middle East should check their flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport and build in flexibility for cancellations or airspace closures. U.S. citizens in Oman are advised to enrol in STEP and to save the emergency contact numbers below.

Assistance contacts

• Emergency services in Oman: 9999
• U.S. Embassy Muscat: 968 2464-3400
• U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs: +1-202-501-4444 from abroad, or 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada

No end date has been given for the alert. The embassy says further security alerts will be posted on its website.