Americans Are Stranded in the Middle East. Here’s What the U.S. Government Is Doing About It

What the State Department Is Doing

After days of criticism that the government was telling Americans to book commercial flights while airports were closed, the State Department shifted course on March 3. It announced it would facilitate charter flights and military aircraft to help Americans who want to leave.

According to the official State Department press release, here is what is currently in place:

• Charter flights are being facilitated from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan

• Commercial aviation options remain available from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Egypt

• For Americans in countries without commercial aviation, the Department is arranging travel to third countries

• Ground transportation options out of Israel are being increased

• The government will waive the usual requirement for Americans to reimburse travel costs

• A 24/7 call center is operating at +1-202-501-4444, with more than 120 staff handling calls

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that the department has been working to facilitate departures for the past 72 hours and that he is "confident we’re going to be able to assist every American." He acknowledged that airspace closures have been the primary obstacle, noting that some flights have had to turn back mid-air when corridors suddenly closed.

This evening, Senator Rubio retweeted a message from the State Department on X that read, “Any American in the Middle East who wishes to leave: call the State Department and we will get you home.”

(Source: Screenshot of @StateDept post on X, March 4)

Conflicting Messages Leave Travelers Confused

There is an important gap between the official messaging and what travelers have actually encountered.

The State Department’s hotline at +1-202-501-4444, while staffed with over 120 people, was still playing an automated message as of Tuesday afternoon that said: "Please do not rely on the U.S. government for assisted departure or evacuation at this time."

That message stands in direct contrast to public statements from Secretary Rubio and the State Department’s official press releases. Americans calling the line for evacuation assistance were being told by an automated recording that no such assistance was available, even as officials held press briefings saying the opposite.

If you’re trying to reach the State Department for assistance, persist. The disconnect appears to be a lag between public announcements and operational systems catching up.

Which Airports and Airspace Are Affected Right Now

The situation is changing daily, and in some cases hourly. As of March 4, here is the current picture:

Closed or heavily restricted:

• Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, and Israel all have airspace closures in effect

• Qatar Airways has suspended all flights and will reassess on March 6

• Emirates flights remain suspended until March 7

• Etihad suspended until March 6

• Gulf Air suspended pending Bahrain airspace clearance

Partially open or resuming:

• UAE airspace has partially reopened with strict corridor restrictions

• Virgin Atlantic resumed Dubai to London service on March 4

• Limited repatriation flights are departing from Dubai and Abu Dhabi

• Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt remain the most viable exit points from the region

• Cairo is currently one of the most functional departure hubs for Americans leaving the region

Airlines are prioritizing stranded passengers for any available seats. If you are in the region and hold a ticket, contact your airline directly rather than going to the airport without confirmation.

What Americans in the Region Should Do Right Now

If you are currently in the Middle East, here is the most practical guidance based on verified information as of March 4:

• Call the State Department 24/7 line at +1-202-501-4444 and stay persistent if the automated message discourages you

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov to receive direct updates from the nearest U.S. Embassy

• Do not go to an airport without direct confirmation from your airline that your flight is operating

• If you are in Israel, inquire about ground transportation options being arranged by the U.S. Embassy

• If you are in a country with closed airspace, ask about facilitated travel to a third country such as Egypt or Oman, where commercial options exist

• Monitor your airline’s app and email for rebooking options, as most major carriers are offering free changes through late March

• Keep your phone charged and your passport accessible at all times

How This Is Affecting Travelers Outside the Region

Even if you’re not in the Middle East, the disruption is likely affecting your travel plans. The region’s airspace serves as a critical bridge between Europe and Asia. With that corridor largely closed, airlines flying between Europe, Asia, and Australia are rerouting around the conflict zone.

Two main detours are in use right now. The northern route goes via the Caucasus and over Afghanistan. The southern route runs through Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Both are adding significant time and fuel costs to long-haul flights. Fares on Asia-Europe routes have already risen sharply as a result.

If you have a long-haul flight scheduled in the next week that crosses the Middle East, check with your airline about potential rerouting, delays, or cancellation policies. Most major carriers, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France, have extended flexible rebooking and refund windows through at least early to mid-March.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and conditions on the ground are changing faster than any single update can capture. The most important thing you can do right now is stay in direct contact with your airline, monitor State Department alerts, and have a backup plan if your route changes. The path home exists. It’s just less straightforward than it was a week ago.

Frequently Asked Questions: Americans Are Stranded in the Middle East. Here’s What the U.S. Government Is Doing About It

Are Americans being evacuated from the Middle East?

The State Department is facilitating charter and military flights for Americans who want to leave. As of March 4, more than 17,500 Americans have returned from the region. The department is also helping Americans reach countries with functioning commercial aviation, including Egypt, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

What is the State Department hotline for Americans stranded abroad?

The number is +1-202-501-4444 and operates 24 hours a day. As of Tuesday, the automated message was still advising callers not to rely on government evacuation, but over 120 staff are fielding calls. Persist if you need assistance.

Which Middle East airports are open right now?

As of March 4, Egypt, Oman, and parts of Saudi Arabia offer the most viable departure options. UAE airspace has partially reopened with restrictions. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Israel, and Iran all have closures or heavy restrictions in effect. Check with your airline before heading to any airport.

Will the government cover the cost of emergency flights home?

Yes. The State Department has waived the usual requirement for Americans to reimburse the government for assisted travel expenses.

I have a flight connecting through Dubai or Doha. What should I do?

Contact your airline immediately. Emirates is suspended until March 7 and Qatar Airways until at least March 6. Most carriers are offering free rebooking and refunds for affected itineraries through late March. Do not go to the airport without confirmed flight details from your airline.

Does this affect flights outside the Middle East?

Yes. Long-haul routes between Europe, Asia, and Australia that normally cross the Middle East are being rerouted. This is adding flight time, raising fuel costs, and driving up fares on some routes. Expect potential delays or schedule changes if your itinerary crosses the region.

Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now?

The State Department has issued Depart Now advisories for more than a dozen countries in the region, including the UAE, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and others. Non-essential travel to the Middle East should be avoided until conditions stabilize.

How many Americans are still stranded in the Middle East?

The exact number is not confirmed. As of March 3, the State Department said it had been in contact with nearly 3,000 Americans requesting assistance. More than 1,500 had formally requested help departing. The department says it is continuing to work to reach everyone who wants to leave.