Escalation in the Middle East: Getting Out Safely
A Jordanian flight made an arrival at Frankfurt airport
In the current chaos of the Middle East, the situation between Israel and Iran remains tense and unpredictable, with both countries locked in a dangerous standoff. The Foreign Office in Germany has been organizing special flights to safely bring stranded citizens and family members out of Israel and back home, with over 4,000 Germans currently registered on the crisis preparedness list, Elefand.
The conflict has led to a closure of the airspace over Israel and Iran, making commercial flights scarce. To escape the region, German citizens must make their way to Jordan on their own, as the Foreign Office has decided against organized trips due to the added risks involved. This warrants strict adherence to the security guidelines established by the Israeli authorities. The spokesperson advises against both land travel and large gatherings at the moment.
Organized trips from Israel to Jordan's airport might lead to additional risks, as the Jordanian government has temporarily shut down Queen Alia International Airport due to the conflict escalation. Israel's military operations against Iran and the subsequent Iranian shelling on Israel have caused the airspace to remain closed, leaving few flight options for departure[4].
In Iran, over a thousand Germans have registered on Elefand, stating that they're currently in the country. The Foreign Office advises Germans in Iran to journey overland to neighboring countries like Armenia and Turkey for safer exit options, as the border crossings remain open. Although traveling via Azerbaijan's border is an possibility in some cases, the embassy in Tehran actively supports the departure of Germans via direct contact with the Iranian authorities[1].
This conflict has resulted in elevated security risks and travel warnings across the region. Israel's current security situation is described as one of the most critical moments in recent years, with intense military escalation and cancellations or reroutings of flights to Tel Aviv[5]. Due to the increased military tensions and the risk of broader regional escalation, Germany has issued travel advisories discouraging travel to the Gulf region, urging citizens to stay informed on security developments and register with the embassy.
As the situation remains volatile, it is essential to prioritize safety, stay vigilant, and follow official advisories. German citizens in the affected regions are advised to make their own arrangements to reach Jordan while monitoring the constant changes in the region's security landscape[1][4][5].
- Amidst the volatile political climate in the Middle East, Germans in Iran should consider overland travel to neighboring countries like Armenia and Turkey for safer exit options, considering that border crossings remain open.
- In light of the continued escalation in the Middle East, it is crucial for Germans currently residing in the affected regions to make their own travel arrangements to reach Jordan while staying informed about any updates in the general-news regarding the region's security situation.
