Foreign Office warns of travel disruption amid Middle East tensions

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 00:08 · Archive

The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning of possible flight cancellations as the UK deploys three nuclear submarines amid Middle East escalation.

The Foreign Office updated its guidance on 27 October, warning of 'high' risk of sudden escalation in the Middle East and urging British travellers to prepare for possible flight cancellations and travel disruptions. The alert covers travel to multiple countries including Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan and Yemen. It follows Iran's stated intention to target locations associated with the US and Israel.

The guidance was issued as it is understood that three of the UK's four nuclear deterrent submarines are deployed at sea. A source told The Times that having three submarines at sea simultaneously is 'unusual' for the UK, though they did not explain why. At least one will be armed with nuclear warheads and on routine patrol. One is likely working up to take over the patrol, and the third could be undergoing sea trials. The deployment suggests improved availability, addressing problems the Royal Navy's submarine service has faced in recent years.

The fourth Trident submarine, HMS Victorious, is undergoing maintenance at Devonport naval base. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: 'Our nuclear deterrent is the cornerstone of our national security, protecting the UK and our NATO allies every moment of every day. We remain the only European ally to commit its nuclear deterrent to the defence of NATO.'

How it is being reported

• Foreign Office issues urgent warning as UK makes 'unusual' nuclear submarine decisionBrits have been warned of travel disruption as tensions in the Middle East escalate, with the UK deploying three nuclear submarines simultaneouslyThe Mirror · 27 Oct, 23:57
• Foreign Office issues urgent warning as UK nuclear subs put on high alertBrits have been warned of travel cancellations as the UK has deployed nuclear submarines due to growing tensions in the Middle East.Daily Express · 27 Oct, 23:16

In this story: Foreign Office · UK · Middle East · Israel · Iran · Royal Navy · HMS Victorious · NATO

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log