Monday, June 30, 2025

In light of the ongoing Middle East conflict, many travelers are reconsidering their holiday plans to Jordan, a popular destination known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The recent escalation between Israel and Iran has heightened safety concerns for those traveling to countries near the conflict zones, including Jordan. While the Foreign Office deems most of Jordan as safe, the updated travel guidance reflects the uncertain security situation in the region.

Jordan’s airspace, which was temporarily closed, has now reopened, but the full recovery of flight schedules is still underway. Tensions escalated between Israel and Iran after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on June 13, and a ceasefire agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump began holding on June 24. Given Jordan’s proximity to both Israel and Syria, tourists are questioning whether it’s safe to visit. Jordan is a popular winter sun destination, and while most areas are unaffected, travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest information regarding flight availability and security developments.

As of June 30, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued the following advice for Jordan: “The FCDO advises against all travel to within 3 kilometers of the border with Syria.” This region remains volatile, with ongoing instability in Syria and security risks stemming from the conflict. Additionally, the FCDO has noted that the situation in the wider region, including Israel and Iran, remains unpredictable. The ceasefire in place may be fragile, and travelers are warned that transport networks and border crossings may take time to fully return to normal.

Protests and demonstrations, particularly in response to the situation in Gaza, have been occurring in Amman near the Israeli and US embassies. The FCDO has also warned that anti-Western sentiment could be heightened due to these protests.

Jordanian airspace has been reopened, but travelers should be prepared for flight cancellations and diversions at short notice. According to the FCDO, “GPS signals may be unreliable,” and flight disruptions can occur without warning. It’s essential for travelers to contact their airlines directly and follow advice from local authorities.

Queen Alia International Airport, located south of Amman, appears to be operating with some cancellations. On the other hand, King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan’s southernmost point, is experiencing limited flight schedules, with few flights primarily operated by Royal Jordanian between Aqaba and Amman.

UK airlines, including British Airways and Wizz Air, offer flights to Jordan from London Heathrow and London Luton, respectively. Royal Jordanian also operates flights from London Stansted and Manchester to Amman.

Aqaba, Jordan’s only seaport on the Gulf of Aqaba at the tip of the Red Sea, has seen a sharp decline in cruise traffic since January 2024. Due to the regional conflict, many cruises that were originally scheduled to dock in Aqaba have been canceled or diverted, severely affecting Jordan’s tourism industry. In 2025, only occasional cruise calls are expected, such as those from MSC Euribia in October and MSC Opera in November. The next major cruise season for Aqaba is projected to begin in March 2026, with Tui’s German cruise line planning to dock in Aqaba.

If you have already booked a trip to Jordan, the terms for canceling or rescheduling your holiday depend on your travel provider. The main tourist destinations in Jordan, such as Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum, are not located near the 3 km border zone with Syria, so your travel plans may not be affected if your destination is within the more accessible parts of the country. However, it’s crucial to reach out to your holiday provider to inquire about their cancellation policies.

You are not automatically entitled to a refund unless there is a significant change in travel advice from the Foreign Office. Additionally, travel insurance generally does not cover cancellations based on safety concerns unless the FCDO advice changes significantly.

Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, several airlines have announced flight cancellations and suspensions affecting travel between June 30 and July 7, 2025. Below is a summary of the impacted flights:

JetBlue

• Consider Alternative Routes: Given the airspace restrictions, consider rerouting through Asia or other unaffected regions.
• Travel Insurance: Review your policy to understand coverage for cancellations or delays due to geopolitical events.

Please note that the situation remains fluid, and further disruptions may occur. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and flexibility when planning travel during this period.

Jordan remains a popular travel destination, with the majority of the country considered safe for tourists. However, travelers should exercise caution and stay informed about the ongoing security situation. While most of the country remains unaffected, it is essential to avoid the areas near the Syrian border and to be aware of any changes in the security environment. By monitoring official guidance and checking with travel providers about flight and package arrangements, travelers can ensure a safe trip to Jordan, if they choose to proceed with their plans.

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