A UK airline has scrapped some flights from mid-April to early June following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which has sent the price of aviation fuel soaring
Rising jet fuel costs could be partially passed onto flyers(Image: Getty Images)
A UK airline has cancelled flights due to the impact of the Iran war, while Ryanair is warning that up to 10% of services could be binned.
Aurigny of Guernsey has scrapped some flights from mid-April to early June following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which has sent the price of aviation fuel soaring, the Independent reports.
The airline, which links up the Channel Islands with the UK, described the cuts as “proactive measures to address the impact of global instability”, also adding a “temporary fuel adjustment surcharge” of £2 on all new bookings.
Demand for flights has fallen 13% in May, Aurigny has said, leading the airline to cancel some departures to and from Guernsey.
Aurigny’s chief commercial officer, Philip Saunders, told the Independent: “While a small island community, we are not immune from the realities presented by the global travel ecosystem. Current global events are impacting consumer confidence and changing travel behaviours. Furthermore, significant increases in global oil prices are now filtering through to aviation.
“Unfortunately, we have to pass on some of the resulting costs to customers to ensure sustainable air services to and from Guernsey.”
European jet fuel prices hit a record $1,900 per metric ton on Thursday, according to specialized publication Argus. It warned of potential shortfalls in the coming months.
Argus project that Portugal could run out of jet fuel in four months, Hungary in five, Denmark in six, Italy and Germany in seven, and France and Ireland in eight.
Last week, the chief executive of Ryanair warned that the airline may not be able to run its full summer schedule due to the cost of fuel if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
Michael O’Leary predicts that European airlines will begin canceling scheduled flights “by the end of April” if the key shipping lane is not opened.
“The Strait of Hormuz has been closed for 30 days. If it remains closed for 60 or 90 days, then we’re all facing an unknown scenario, and we are certainly looking at maybe having to cancel 5%–10% of flights through May, June and July,” he told ITV.
O’Leary explained that airlines won’t be able to choose which routes to cancel as cuts will depend on which airports suffer fuel shortages.
Later speaking to SkyNews, the Ryanair boss added: “Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market. We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated,” he told Sky News.
“We think there is a reasonable risk, some low level, maybe 10% to 25% of our supplies might be at risk through May and June, so like everyone else in this industry, we hope the war ends sooner rather than later.
“If the war finishes by April and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, then there is almost no risk to supply.”
U. S. President Donald Trump announced in a social media post that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tuesday, the U. S. will target Iran’s power plants and bridges.
He called it “Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day” in Iran, emphasizing the importance of the shipping lane that has been closed since attacks by the U. S. and Israel more than a month ago.
Trump stated, “Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! ” He also mentioned that he would hold a news conference on Monday in the Oval Office following the rescue of two U. S. pilots downed in Iran.
The rise is largely symbolic as some key members are unable to raise production amid the US-Israel war on Iran.
Published On 5 Apr 20265 Apr 2026
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has agreed to increase oil output quotas by 206,000 barrels per day for May, a rise that is largely symbolic as some of its key members are unable to raise production due to the US-Israeli war on Iran.
The war has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz – the world’s most important oil route – since the end of February and cut exports from OPEC+ members Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Iraq.
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In a statement on Sunday, eight members of OPEC+, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, agreed to increase May quotas during a virtual meeting.
“The countries will continue to closely monitor and assess market conditions, and in their continuous efforts to support market stability,” the statement read.
“The eight countries also expressed concern regarding attacks on energy infrastructure, noting that restoring damaged energy assets to full capacity is both costly and takes a long time, thereby affecting overall supply availability,” it added.
While the quota increase represents less than two percent of the supply disrupted by the closure of the strait, OPEC+ sources told the Reuters news agency that the pledge had signalled readiness to raise output once the waterway reopens.
Crude prices have surged to a four-year high amid the war, close to $120 a barrel, leading to higher prices for transport fuels.
On Thursday, JPMorgan said oil prices could spike above $150, an all-time high, if oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain disrupted into mid-May.
May’s increase is the same as the eight members had agreed on for April at their last meeting on March 1. But amid the war, oil supply disruption on record is estimated to have removed as much as 12 to 15 million bpd or up to 15 percent of global supply.
(Al Jazeera)
With the strait still closed, Iran has allowed some countries in the region to use the waterway.
Iran has said Iraq was exempt from any transit restrictions through the strait, with shipping data on Sunday showing a tanker loaded with Iraqi crude passing through the waterway.
Oman’s Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that deputy foreign minister-level talks were being held with Iran to discuss options to ensure the smooth transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump threatened to escalate attacks and target Iranian civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Monday.
RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary has warned jet fuel supplies could be disrupted in May as the war in Iran chokes off global oil routes.
The budget airline kingpin warned that holidaymakers could face a summer of uncertainty if the Middle East war continues to throttle global oil routes.
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Michael O’Leary revealed that while Ryanair is “reasonably well hedged” on 80% of its fuel, the company is being forced to shell out nearly double for the remaining 20%.Credit: ReutersO’Leary confirmed the airline is paying around $150 a barrel for the unhedged portion of its suppliesCredit: Splash
Prices have spiralled since the outbreak of fighting at the end of February, with Iran blocking vital tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to Sky News, the airline chief revealed that while Ryanair is “reasonably well hedged” on 80% of its fuel, the company is being forced to shell out nearly double for the remaining 20%.
O’Leary confirmed the airline is paying around $150 a barrel for the unhedged portion of its supplies.
The outspoken boss warned that while rising costs are a major headache, the more “immediate concern” is whether there will be enough fuel to keep planes in the sky.
He admitted that the industry is at the mercy of the conflict and the ongoing blockade of the world’s most important shipping passage.
“Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market. We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated,” he said.
O’Leary calculated that the threat to the airline’s operations is now a very real possibility for millions of passengers planning their early summer getaways.
He warned that there is a “reasonable risk” that between 10% and 25% of supplies could be at risk through May and June, adding that like everyone else in the industry, he hopes the war ends sooner rather than later.
The Ryanair chief made it clear that the fate of the summer season rests on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
He stated that if the war finishes by April and the shipping lane reopens, then there is “almost no risk to supply.”
Despite the looming threat of shortages, O’Leary struck a defiant tone regarding his own flight schedule.
He told Sky News that he does not expect to cancel any flights, even as some of Ryanair’s rivals struggle to cope with the volatile market.
However, the pressure on the industry is mounting across the board.
EasyJet boss Kenton Jarvis has already sounded the alarm for passengers’ wallets, warning that European consumers should expect higher ticket prices towards the end of summer when existing fuel hedges come to an end.
So far, a number of airlines have already said they will be raising the cost of flights due to the fuel crisis.
Cathay Pacific, AirAsia and Thai Airways are just some that are increasing fares, along with Air New Zealand.
United Airlines said it could eventually see fares increase as much as 20 per cent.
Other airlines have said they are cancelling flights altogether.
United Airlines confirmed that it would be cutting five per cent of flights for the next few months, which works out to around 250 a month.
Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf speaks during a news conference in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 12, 2024. File Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA
March 29 (UPI) — Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, issued a warning Saturday against a possible ground troop invasion as the U.S. military sends more troops to the region.
Ghalibaf made the comments in a message marking 30 days since the start of the war. The United States and Israel began strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 in their efforts to diminish the country’s nuclear weapons program.
Ghalibaf accused the United States of secretly planning a ground invasion of Iran. On Saturday, two U.S. ships arrived in the region carrying 3,500 U.S. service members as well as fighter jets, transport aircraft, amphibious assault vessels and other tactical assets. More troops were expected, U.S. Central Command said.
“The enemy publicly sends messages of negotiation while secretly planning a ground invasion — unaware that our men are waiting for American troops to enter on the ground, ready to unleash devastation upon them and punish their regional allies,” Ghalibaf said, as reported by CNN.
Last week, the Trump administration proposed a 15-point peace plan with Iran. President Donald Trump also ordered a 10-day halt on strikes against Iranian energy sites, though Israel carried out its own attacks on energy sites Friday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubiosaid Friday that Iran had not responded to the peace proposal.
“The United States speaks of its aspirations, presenting what it failed to achieve in war as a 15-point list to pursue through diplomacy,” Ghalibaf said.
“As long as the Americans seek Iran’s surrender, the answer of your sons remains clear: ‘Far be it from us to accept humiliation.'”
Ghalibaf’s message came in the wake of a Saturday report by The Washington Post that the Defense Department has drawn up plans for a weeks-long ground operation in Iran. Officials told The Post the plan isn’t considered a full-scale ground invasion, but would involve Special Operations forces and infantry troops.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement in response to the possibility of ground troops in Iran.
“It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the commander in chief maximum optionality,” she said. “It does not mean the president has made a decision.”
Iran has launched attacks on Israeli and other U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf region, including one Sunday on a military camp in Kuwait, which killed 10 Kuwaiti service members. The army said it detected 14 ballistic missiles and 12 hostile drones in Kuwaiti airspace over the previous 24 hours. Since the start of the war, it has monitored more than 300 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles and more than 600 hostile drones.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials said emergency officials were working on a large fire that broke out at a hazardous materials factory at the Neot Hovav industrial complex, The Guardian reported. The Israeli military blamed “a weapon fragment or interceptor fragment” for the damage and fire.
Antiwar protesters rally in Tel Aviv and US cities, as attacks kill a family of four in Iran’s Bushehr province and damage a water facility in Khuzestan.
Oil prices are expected to remain high because of uncertainty over the war on Iran, according to analyst Muyu Xu. She warns prices could reach as high as $120 if tensions escalate and disrupt key supply routes, with countries holding limited reserves likely to feel the impact the most.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticised what he called the return of a colonial approach towards developing nations during a summit in Colombia.
But while Lula did not mention United States President Donald Trump in his remarks, he gestured at actions undertaken by the Trump administration, including the January 3 abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and the fuel blockade in Cuba.
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“It’s not possible for someone to think that they own other countries,” Lula said, in an apparent reference to US policy.
“What are they doing with Cuba now? What did they do with Venezuela? Is that democratic?”
Lula delivered his remarks at Saturday’s summit for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which featured a high-level forum with delegates from Africa.
He told delegates that their countries had already experienced being plundered for gold, silver, diamonds and minerals.
“After taking everything we had, now they want to own the critical minerals and rare earths that we have,” Lula said, without specifying who “they” might be. “They want to colonise us again.”
The left-wing Brazilian president also criticised the ongoing war launched by the US and Israel against Iran.
He drew a parallel between that conflict, which began on February 28, and the US-led Iraq war, which began in 2003 on the pretext of eliminating “weapons of mass destruction”.
“Iran has been invaded under the pretext that Iran was building a nuclear bomb,” Lula said, before pivoting to the US campaign in Iraq, which resulted in the overthrow of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
“Where are Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons?” Lula asked. “Where are they? Who found them?”
A history of intervention
Washington’s history of intervention in Latin America goes back more than 200 years to when then-President James Monroe claimed the hemisphere as part of the US sphere of influence.
While large-scale, overt US involvement in the region mostly petered out after the Cold War, Trump has rekindled the legacy.
Since assuming office last year, Trump has launched boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, ordered a naval blockade on Venezuelan oil exports, and gotten involved in electoral politics in Honduras and Argentina.
Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods last year, citing the trial against the country’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, as a motive. The US has also shown keen interest in Brazil’s rare earth deposits.
Then, on January 3, US forces abducted and imprisoned Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, flying him to New York to face drug and weapons charges.
While such actions have thrilled right-wing leaders across the continent, they have raised fears among left-wing politicians, who have voiced grave concerns over what they see as US bullying.
“We cannot allow anyone to interfere and violate the territorial integrity of each country,” Lula said Saturday.
Frustration with the UN
Lula, who has said he will run for a fourth, nonconsecutive term in Brazil’s upcoming October elections, also criticised the United Nations for its inability to stop multiple conflicts around the world.
“What we are witnessing is the total and absolute failure of the United Nations,” he said, pointing to the situations in Gaza, Ukraine and Iran.
He called, once again, for reform of the UN Security Council, which is mandated with ensuring international peace and security. But it has failed to stop major conflicts because of the veto power of its five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
There have been decades of efforts to reform the Security Council. But they have all been unsuccessful.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro, whom the US Drug Enforcement Administration has designated a “priority target”, echoed Lula’s condemnation of the UN.
The body “is acting in impotence, and that is not what it was created for. It was created after World War II precisely to prevent wars. And yet, what we have today is war,” Petro said at the summit.
But the world needs the UN to provide climate solutions and curb global warming, Petro said.
“The more serious humanity’s problems become, the fewer tools we have for collective action. And that path leads only to barbarism.”
Relatively few presidents and prime ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean attended the summit in Colombia, a sign of the continent’s deep divisions.
Those present included the presidents of Brazil, Uruguay, Burundi and Colombia, as well as the prime ministers of Guyana and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, along with deputy ministers, foreign ministers and ambassadors.
At the moment, most UK airlines won’t be affected because of hedging – essentially a fixed price for oil – which is keeping prices stable.
Depending on the length of time that the Iran conflict continues and if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, there could be price hikes in the coming months.
This in turn will see airlines having to put up their fares for passengers.
Mr Jarvis said that he expects easyJet to be “good for three weeks.”
Meanwhile, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said that he doesn’t expect disruption as long as the ongoing conflict ends “in the next month or two.”
Unlike these airlines, US carriers aren’t hedged which has resulted in the rise in fare prices already.
Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association (IAG) who owns British Airways, explained that fares across the North Atlantic are set to jump up.
Talking more on the issue, he said that due to the price increase of US airlines, “competitors at the other end will match the price increase. It’s the nature of the industry.”
Some airlines have already put the price of their fares up, or are preparing to.
AirAsia said it would temporarily raise ticket prices but said it would be revising fares at a later date.
Thai Airways said it expects tickets to go up by 10 – 15 per cent, while Qantas also said it would increase prices depending on the route.
And Scandinavian airline SAS has introduced a “temporary price adjustment”.
Air New Zealand has increased prices of its flights in response to rising fuel costs as well.
Domestic flights were going up by $10 (£4.37) one way, short haul by $20 (£8.74), and long haul $90 (£39.35).
5 key hand luggage rules explained as Ryanair warns travellers on restricted item – The Mirror
Need to know
Before jetting off abroad, there are five key hand luggage rules you need to be aware of, with Ryanair warning passengers ahead of the Easter and summer holidays to stop packing one particular item
There are five crucial hand luggage restrictions to be aware of before jetting off abroad(Image: Getty Images)
Hang luggage rules you need to be aware of
Liquids:UK airports have restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage and through security. Many airports require liquids to be under 100ml, while some UK airports have ditched this rule. As rules have changed, it’s best to check directly with the airport for both your outbound and inbound flights, as countries outside the UK may have different restrictions in place.
Lighters: As outlined on the government website, travellers can only carry one lighter on board a plane. It cannot be packed in hold luggage, and instead, should be put in a resealable plastic bag in carry-on luggage and kept in your possession throughout the flight.
Food and powders: While you can carry certain food items and powders in your hand luggage, they can obstruct images on X-ray machines. This means that bags may need to be manually checked at security, which can cause delays. The government advises packing suitable items into your hold luggage to minimise delays.
Frozen items: Typically, you cannot carry frozen items in your hand luggage onto your flight, such as food, liquids or ice packs. However, there are some exceptions, such as for medicines, medical equipment, dietary requirements, baby food and baby milk. It’s best to check directly with the airline you’re flying with to ensure you meet their requirements.
Sharp objects: Ryanair has warned passengers to stop packing “objects with a sharp point or sharp edge” in their hand luggage, including “scissors with blades of more than 6cm”. While you can carry scissors on a plane, the blade must be shorter than 6cm to be placed in carry-on luggage. Small sewing or embroidery scissors are generally allowed, while other larger, sharp items can be packed into hold luggage. It’s best to check directly with your airline for specific requirements.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister warns Iran that regional neighbours have ‘significant’ capabilities with which to respond to Tehran’s aggression.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has warned Iran that tolerance of its attacks on his country and those of neighbouring Gulf states is limited, calling on Tehran to immediately “recalculate” its strategy.
Warning that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have “very significant capacities and capabilities” that could be drawn on should they “choose to do so”, the foreign minister told a news conference early on Thursday that Iran had carefully planned its strategy for striking regional neighbours, despite denials from Tehran’s diplomats.
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“The level of accuracy in some of this targeting – you can see it in our neighbours as well as the kingdom – indicates that this is something that was premeditated, preplanned, preorganised and well thought out,” Prince Faisal said.
“I’m not going to lay out what would and would not precipitate a defensive action by the Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] because I think that is not a wise approach to signal to the Iranians,” the foreign minister continued.
“But I think it’s important for the Iranians to understand that the kingdom, but also its partners who have been attacked and beyond, have very significant capacities and capabilities that they could bring to bear should they choose to do so,” he said.
“The patience that is being exhibited is not unlimited. Do they [the Iranians] have a day, two, a week? I’m not going to telegraph that,” he added.
“I would hope they understand the message of the meeting today and recalculate quickly and stop attacking their neighbours. But I am doubtful they have that wisdom.”
Prince Faisal’s warning followed a meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries in the Saudi capital earlier in the day to discuss the expanding war in the region, which on Wednesday saw Iranian attacks on Gulf energy sites, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas facility, where significant damage was reported, and the United Arab Emirates’ Habshan gas facility.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Iranian attack targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City”, located 80km (50 miles) northeast of the Qatari capital Doha, which is the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility, producing some 20 percent of the world’s LNG supply.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had warned earlier that oil and gas facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE would face retaliation for an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gasfield.
Iranian state media reported that facilities linked to the country’s huge offshore South Pars field – located off the coast of southern Iran’s Bushehr province – had come under attack.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence also said on Wednesday that its air defences had intercepted four Iranian ballistic missiles that targeted Riyadh and two launched towards the country’s eastern region.
Air defences in the UAE dealt with 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones, according to the country’s Defence Ministry, while operations were suspended at the Habshan gas facility as authorities responded to incidents caused by fallen debris after the successful interception of a missile.
The Saudi foreign minister also told the news conference on Thursday that while the war will end one day, it will take much longer to restore relations with Iran as trust “has completely been shattered” due to Tehran’s tactics of targeting its neighbours.
“We know for a fact that Iran has been building this strategy over the last decade and beyond,” Prince Faisal said.
“This is not something that is a reaction to an evolving circumstance where Iran is improvising. This has been built into their war planning: targeting their neighbours and using that to try and put pressure on the international community,” he said.
“So when this war eventually ends, in order for there to be any rebuilding of trust, it will take a long time. And I have to tell you, if Iran doesn’t stop … immediately, I think there will be almost nothing that can re-establish that trust,” he added.
The Foreign Office has updated travel advice for countries including UAE and Pakistan over the weekend, with 69 nations now carrying various levels of travel warnings
Steffan Rhys Deputy Content Hub Director and Ellen Jenne Senior U35 Spare Time Writer
07:25, 18 Mar 2026
The Foreign Office has updated travel advice for countries including UAE and Pakistan over the weekend, with 69 nations now carrying various levels of travel warnings(Image: Chalabala via Getty Images)
The UK Foreign Office has recently updated travel advice for countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan over the weekend. The Foreign Office (officially known as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)) regularly updates travel guidance for the nation’s citizens and states that “with commercial flights resuming to the UK from United Arab Emirates (UAE), we are pausing our ‘register your interest in flights from UAE’ scheme”.
However, the UAE is still among the countries that the UK Government advises people should only travel to if essential. It is one of 69 countries with a travel warning attached to it for UK citizens, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Typically, the Foreign Office categorises its warnings into three classifications:
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to a country: this is its highest warning level
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of a country.
The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to a country or parts of a country.
Countries where the Foreign Office recommends against all travel
Afghanistan, where British nationals face an elevated risk of detention.
Belarus, where “you face a significant risk of arrest if you have at any time engaged in any activity now considered illegal by the Belarusian regime”.
Burkina Faso, owing to “the threat of terrorist attacks and terrorist kidnap, and the unstable political situation in the country”.
Haiti, owing to a volatile security situation.
Iran, because of the ongoing Iran War. The FCDO warns: “If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying. British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.”
Iraq, due to recent escalation in regional conflict. The FCDO warns: “There is significant risk of further escalation, and events are fast-moving and unpredictable.”
Israel, due to the escalation in conflict in the region which poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.
Mali, owing to unpredictable security conditions.
Niger, owing to the increase in reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals.
Palestine, owing to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Russia, owing to a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Russia and the dangers and threats stemming from its continued invasion of Ukraine.
South Sudan, owing to the danger of armed conflict and criminal activity.
Syria, owing to uncertain security circumstances and the risk of terrorist incidents.
Yemen, owing to the devastation caused by an ongoing civil war and humanitarian catastrophes.
Countries to which the Foreign Office advises against all travel to certain areas
The 36 countries to which the Foreign Office advises against all travel to certain areas are:
Algeria: FCDO advises against travel to within 30km of Algeria’s borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Tunisia.
Armenia: FCDO advises against all travel to within 5km of the entire eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, owing to tensions between the two countries Azerbaijan: The FCDO advises against all travel within 5km of the border with Armenia.
Benin: The FCDO advises against all travel to border regions near Niger and Burkina Faso.
Burundi: The FCDO advises against all travel to a region where there is a rebel group and the risk of possible armed incursions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Cameroon: The FCDO advises against travel to borders with Nigeria, Chad and the CAR.
Central African Republic: The FCDO advises against all travel to the entirety of the Central African Republic, excluding the capital, Bangui.
Chad: The FCDO advises against all travel to the northern provinces of Chad, among other regions.
Congo: The FCDO advises against all travel within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border.
Côte d’Ivoire: The FCDO advises against all travel within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: The FCDO advises against all travel within 50km of most of its northern and eastern border.
Djibouti: The FCDO advises against all travel to the Djibouti-Eritrea border.
Egypt: The FCDO advises against all travel within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border and the border with Israel and Gaza.
Eritrea: The FCDO advises against all travel within 25km of all of Eritrea’s land borders.
Ethiopia: The FCDO advises against all travel to anywhere near borders with Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia.
Georgia: FCDO recommends against all travel to the Russian occupied territories of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
India: FCDO recommends against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Indonesia: FCDO recommends against all travel to a number of volcanoes in Indonesia.
Jordan: FCDO recommends against all travel to within 3km of the border with Syria.
Kenya: FCDO recommends against all travel to the Kenya-Somalia border and northern parts of the east coast.
Lebanon: FCDO recommends against all travel to the vast majority of Lebanon.
Libya: FCDO recommends against all travel to Libya except for the cities of Benghazi and Misrata.
Mauritania: FCDO recommends against all travel to the eastern half of the country.
Moldova: FCDO recommends against all travel to Transnistria, a region bordering Ukraine.
Myanmar (Burma): FCDO recommends against all travel to most of Myanmar.
Nigeria: FCDO recommends against all travel to large parts of north-west and north-east Nigeria.
Pakistan: FCDO recommends against all travel to within 10 miles of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan and some other areas.
Philippines: FCDO recommends against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.
Saudi Arabia: FCDO recommends against all travel to within 10km of the border with Yemen.
Somalia: FCDO recommends against all travel to the vast majority of Somalia.
Sudan: FCDO recommends against all travel to the vast majority of Sudan Togo: The FCDO advises against all travel within 30km of the border with Burkina Faso.
Tunisia: The FCDO advises against all travel to parts of its border with Libya and Algeria.
Turkey: The FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria.
Ukraine: The FCDO advises against all travel to the vast majority of Ukraine.
Venezuela: The FCDO advises against all travel within 80km (50 miles) of the border with Colombia, within 40km (25 miles) of the border with Brazil and within 40km (25 miles) of the border with Guyana as well as some central areas.
Countries to which the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel
The 19 nations to which the FCDO recommends against all but essential travel are listed below. The advisories may apply to either the entire country or specific regions within a country.
Cambodia: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 20km from the land border with Thailand.
Colombia: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several parts of Colombia including the borders with Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador, and central Colombia.
Cuba: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cuba.
Ecuador: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to several parts of Ecuador, where a 30-day state of emergency was renewed on February 28 due to internal disturbance and armed violence.
Ghana: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Upper East region of Ghana.
Guatemala: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 5km of the Mexican border from the Pacific Coast up to and including the Gracias a Dios crossing, as well as to to the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia.
Kosovo: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to a section of northern Kosovo.
Kuwait: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Kuwait because of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Laos: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Xaisomboun Province, where there are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups.
Malaysia: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping.
Mexico: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to multiple cities and regions in Mexico because of escalating violence due to conflict between drug cartels and government forces.
North Korea: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to North Korea, because “the level of tension on the Korean Peninsula remains high” even if “daily life in the capital city, Pyongyang, may appear calm”.
Papua New Guinea: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to certain provinces due to the high risk of tribal fighting.
Peru: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas near the border Colombia and elsewhere. There is a state of emergency in Peru.
Qatar: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Qatar because of the conflict in the Middle East.
Rwanda: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to a section of the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Tanzania: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to a section of the Tanzanian border with Mozambique, due to attacks by groups linked with Islamic extremism.
Thailand: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south near the Thailand-Malaysia border and all but essential travel to within 20km of the land border with Cambodia.
United Arab Emirates: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, which includes Dubai and Abu Dhabi, because of the conflict in the Middle East.
March 17 (UPI) — Speaking to the British Parliament on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the rise of artificial intelligence and inexpensive drone technology has made “mass drone warfare” quicker and more common across the globe.
“The evolution of threats never stops,” he said in a speech touting Ukraine‘s advances in technology allow the country to defend against and monitor attacks by Russia.
During his visit to Britain, Zelensky also met with King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with whom he agreed to a partnership to boost global defensive capabilities across Europe to protect against a rise in low-cost, high-tech military technology. The agreement capitalizes on Ukraine’s technological expertise and Britain’s industrial ability to manufacture and supply resources, the British government said.
Britain plans to invest $667,000 in an AI center in Kyiv.
Zelensky told Parliament that Ukraine faces nearly nightly attacks from Russia and uses nearly 1,000 interceptor drones each day to protect the country. He said Ukraine can produce interceptors on that scale, but the country needs a system in place to stop the attacks by Russia and Iran, which is using weaponry made from Russian supplies.
Zelensky pointed to the military bases in Cyprus as an example, The Guardian reported.
“This is what our security proposal could look like. Our experts would place interception teams and set up radars and acoustic coverage, and these would all work if Iran launched a large-scale attack similar to Russian attacks,” he told Parliament.
“We would guarantee protection. This is the kind of reinforcement we offer, and it may soon be needed across Europe.”
During their meeting at No. 10 Downing Street, Starmer told Zelensky that “the focus must remain on Ukraine” despite new conflict in Iran, the BBC reported.
Russian President Vladimir Putin “can’t be the one who benefits from a conflict in Iran, whether that’s oil prices or the dropping of sanctions.” He was referring to the United States’ recent easing of sanctions on Russian oil to combat rising gas and diesel prices.
Zelensky offered his thanks to Starmer for the support from Britain.
“You have stood with us all through this difficult winter,” Zelensky said.
Ukrainians march together through the streets of London to the Russian Embassy to mark the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2023. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
The Middle East conflict risks adding a staggering 45 million to acute hunger levels, warns the UN’s World Food Programme.
Published On 17 Mar 202617 Mar 2026
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Tens of millions more people will face acute hunger if the United States-Israel war on Iran, and its reverberations through Iran’s retaliation, continue through to June, the United Nations warned.
“If the Middle East conflict continues through June, an additional 45 million people could be pushed into acute hunger by price rises,” Carl Skau, the deputy executive director of the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP), said on Tuesday.
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“This would take global hunger levels to an all-time record, and it’s a terrible, terrible prospect,” Skau said, with 319 million people, already a historic high, currently acutely food insecure.
The US-Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28 have choked up key humanitarian aid routes, delaying life-saving shipments to some of the world’s worst crises.
Skau said shipping costs are up 18 percent since the war began and that some have had to be rerouted.
The extra costs come on top of deep spending cuts by the WFP, as donors focus more on defence, he added.
Hunger crises in Gaza, Sudan
In Gaza, residents are rushing to stockpile dwindling goods as border closures and the Iran war further strain already fragile supplies, with shortages worsening across the besieged enclave as Israel presses on with its genocidal war there.
Israel is set to partially reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt on Wednesday, ending a two-week shutdown that has deepened an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the decimated territory.
Israel shut the crossing the same day it and the US launched strikes on Iran, citing “security” reasons.
The World Health Organization’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean warned last week that only about 200 trucks a day were entering Gaza, far short of the estimated daily requirement of 600.
Meanwhile, more than 21 million people in Sudan, nearly half of the population, face acute hunger. Famine has been confirmed in areas where months of fighting have made access for aid workers largely impossible.
In January, the UN warned that aid to Sudan could run out within months unless hundreds of millions of additional dollars are pledged.
Three years of brutal war between the military government and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced 14 million.
Islamabad hits Kandahar facility after Taliban drones strike civilian areas and military sites as conflict intensifies.
Published On 14 Mar 202614 Mar 2026
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Pakistan has carried out strikes on an Afghan military facility in Kandahar after Taliban drones targeted civilian areas and military installations across the country.
The strikes on Saturday came after Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the overnight drone attacks, warning Kabul it had “crossed a red line by attempting to target our civilians”.
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Pakistan’s military said the drones, described as locally produced and rudimentary, were intercepted before reaching their targets, though falling debris wounded two children in Quetta and civilians in Kohat and Rawalpindi.
A security source told the AFP news agency that airspace around the capital, Islamabad, had been temporarily closed when the drones were detected.
Islamabad said the Kandahar facility had been used both to launch the drone attacks and as a base for cross-border rebel activity.
The exchange marks the sharpest single escalation yet in a conflict that has been building since late February, when Pakistan launched military operations against what it said were Pakistan Taliban fighters sheltering on Afghan soil.
Islamabad also accuses Kabul of harbouring fighters from the ISIL (ISIS) group’s Khorasan province affiliate.
The Taliban government has denied both charges.
The drone attacks followed Pakistani strikes on Kabul and eastern border provinces in Afghanistan overnight on Thursday into Friday. The Pakistani attacks killed four people in the capital, women and children among them, and two more in the east.
In the Pul-e-Charkhi neighbourhood of Kabul, one resident described being buried under rubble after his home was hit, saying he lay there believing it was his “last breath” before neighbours pulled him free.
A local representative told AFP that those killed were “ordinary people, poor people” with no involvement in the conflict.
Pakistani aircraft also struck a fuel depot belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar airport, which an airport official said supplied aid organisations, including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The official added that there were “no military installations” at the site.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence claimed that its forces had captured a Pakistani border post and killed 14 soldiers.
Islamabad dismissed the assertion as baseless, with the prime minister’s spokesman accusing the Taliban of “weaving fantasies” rather than dismantling rebel networks on Afghan territory.
The UN mission in Afghanistan says at least 75 civilians have been killed and 193 injured since hostilities intensified on February 26, a toll that includes 24 children.
According to the UN refugee agency, about 115,000 people have been forced from their homes.
The crisis is unfolding as the wider region remains engulfed by the US-Israeli war with Iran, which began just two days after the Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes escalated.
Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi has urged both sides to pursue dialogue, warning that further force would only deepen the crisis, though his appeal came as Pakistani jets were already in the air over Kandahar.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been refreshing its travel advice for nations across the globe amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, continuing to wreak havoc on international movement.
Beyond severely disrupting travel plans, the ongoing crisis is set to have far-reaching consequences for inflation, interest rates and commodity markets. British citizens have already been airlifted from Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and neighbouring regions, with Whitehall organising charter flights to repatriate nationals safely.
Those most at risk will receive priority booking on these evacuation flights, with the Foreign Office pledging to reach out to anyone who has registered their whereabouts in the affected zone, reports the Liverpool Echo.
In its guidance covering numerous Middle Eastern nations, the Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.”
The advice went on: “If local authorities advise you to take shelter, stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building immediately. The greatest risk is from falling debris caused by intercepts, and you are safest inside a secure structure.
“Choose an interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible for additional protection.”
Political strife, natural calamities and safety issues are among the factors leading the UK Foreign Office to advise Brits against travelling to certain locations.
Afghanistan
Travel to Afghanistan is strongly discouraged. The security climate is unpredictable, with previous tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan resulting in violent skirmishes in border areas.
Travelling across Afghanistan poses extreme risks, and several border crossings are currently closed.
The likelihood of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan is significantly high. If you’re a Brit and find yourself detained in Afghanistan, you could be looking at a lengthy prison sentence spanning months or even years.
The FCDO’s capacity to assist you is severely restricted, and in-person support in Afghanistan is not feasible.
Belarus
The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to Belarus. If you’ve ever participated in activities now deemed illegal by the Belarusian regime, you run a substantial risk of arrest.
There’s also a minor risk that direct conflict related to the war in Ukraine could spill over into Belarus.
In the unlikely event of conflict breaking out, the FCDO’s ability to aid British nationals will be drastically limited. Ignoring advice from the FCDO could invalidate your travel insurance.
Burkina Faso
The FCDO advises against all travel to Burkina Faso due to the threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, coupled with the country’s unstable political situation.
There is no British Embassy in Burkina Faso and all consular support is provided from the British Embassy in Accra, Ghana. They cannot provide in-person assistance.
If there is serious violence, unrest or a deterioration in the security situation, it could be difficult to leave safely.
Haiti
The FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti owing to the unstable security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and its ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.
If you choose to travel to or remain in Haiti against FCDO advice, attempt to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions.
Iran
The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran. If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, the Foreign Office said: “carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying”.
British and British-Iranian dual nationals face significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Possessing a British passport or links to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.
Iraq
The FCDO advises against all travel to Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This is due to recent escalation in regional conflict.
There is significant risk of further escalation, and events are fast-moving and unpredictable. The Foreign Office said: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. The border crossing from Iraq into Kuwait is closed.
“British nationals wishing to cross into Kuwait must contact the British Embassy in Kuwait 24 hours in advance. The British Embassy will share names and passport details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will determine entry.”
Israel
The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. Stay away from areas around security or military facilities.”
Britons should inform the UK government of their presence in Israel, and register if they’re in the region for ongoing updates. You should adhere to instructions from local authorities and keep abreast of local and international media for the most current information.
Mali
The FCDO advises against all travel to Mali in its entirety owing to volatile security conditions. If you’re currently in Mali, you should depart “immediately” via commercial flight if you deem it safe to do so.
“The international airport in Bamako is open, and commercial flights are available. Do not try to leave Mali by overland routes to neighbouring countries as this is too dangerous. This is due to terrorist attacks along national highways.”
There remains a significant threat of abduction and criminal behaviour throughout Mali, including within the capital city of Bamako.
The Foreign Office warned: “If you choose to remain in Mali, you do so at your own risk. You should have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government.”
Niger
The FCDO advises against all travel to Niger. Officials said: “This is due to the rise of reported terrorist and criminal kidnappings of foreign nationals which have taken place this year in Niger. There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks throughout Niger including in the capital, Niamey.”
Support for British nationals is extremely limited in Niger. Assistance is delivered remotely from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos.
Face-to-face help is unavailable. Should serious violence, civil unrest or a worsening security situation occur, departing safely could prove challenging.
Palestine
The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine. UK citizens currently in the region should inform the Government of their whereabouts in Palestine and register their presence to receive ongoing updates.
Should you determine it’s safe to proceed and intend to use commercial departure options, verify the latest information from your airline or tour operator, alongside guidance from local authorities and the status of border crossings prior to travelling.
The Foreign Office cautioned: “The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close.”
Russia
The FCDO warns against all travel to Russia owing to the dangers and threats stemming from its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, including security incidents such as drone strikes and Russian air defence operations, a shortage of flights back to the UK, and restricted capacity for the UK government to offer assistance.
The Foreign Office said: “There is an increased risk of British nationals being detained in Russia, including if the Russian authorities suspect you of engaging in or supporting activities against Russian law, even if activities took place outside Russia.”
South Sudan
The FCDO warns against all travel to South Sudan due to the threat of armed violence and criminal activity.
“The political and security situation remains unpredictable. Political tensions are high and the security situation across the country could deteriorate rapidly and unpredictably.
“If the unstable security situation deteriorates, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.”
Syria
The FCDO warns against all travel to Syria owing to volatile security conditions and the risk of terrorist attacks. Consular support is unavailable from the British government within Syria.
The FCDO may learn of assistance offered by other organisations which can be shared with British nationals. Should you require help, contact the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Yemen
The FCDO warns against all travel to Yemen in its entirety owing to unpredictable security conditions. The guidance states: “If you’re in Yemen, you should leave immediately.”
Assistance for British nationals is extremely restricted in Yemen. The British Embassy in Sana’a has suspended operations, with all diplomatic and consular personnel evacuated.
The UK government is unable to assist British citizens departing Yemen. No evacuation arrangements are currently in place.
Should you decide to stay in Yemen, you ought to keep movement around the country and within urban areas to a minimum, stay informed about changes in the local security landscape and observe other safety measures.
South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks to reporters at a press briefing in Seoul, South Korea, 18 February 2026. Chung said South Korea will seek to reinstate a no-fly zone over the border with North Korea under the suspended 2018 inter-Korean military pact aimed at easing tensions, and expressed regret over drones sent by South Korean civilians into North Korea earlier this month. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
March 13 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s Unification Minister Chung Dong-young warned Friday that preparing for war could increase the likelihood of conflict on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing that “peace itself is the path forward.”
Chung made the remarks during the third meeting of the Korean Peninsula Peace Strategy Advisory Group held at the Inter-Korean Talks Headquarters in Seoul.
“People often speak lightly of war and repeat the phrase that if you want peace, you must prepare for war,” Chung said. “But preparing for war only raises the chances of war.”
Chung also pointed to growing global instability, citing the upcoming U.S.-China summit and tensions related to the Iran crisis.
“The Korean Peninsula sits on unstable ground and tends to sway whenever global events shift,” he said.
Noting the global interconnectedness of security issues, Chung said the distance between Seoul and Tehran is about 6,700 kilometers but developments in the Middle East can still affect the Korean Peninsula.
“A war 6,700 kilometers away is shaking the Korean Peninsula,” he said, adding that the situation underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Experts attending the meeting suggested that North Korea’s recently proposed “two-state theory” should be reinterpreted in light of current conditions.
They proposed linking it to the inter-Korean confederation stage of South Korea’s long-standing National Community Unification Plan and called for the creation of a new peace roadmap for the Korean Peninsula reflecting changing security dynamics.
Participants also urged the government to shift from a “pace-maker” role to a more proactive “peace-maker” role by expanding diplomatic engagement.
They recommended exploring multilateral approaches involving neighboring countries and international organizations in addition to dialogue between the United States and China.
