How many Spaniards who moved to the Middle East thought that the war scenario would not affect them? Spain has raised its consular alert to the maximum and the official response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longer admits interpretations: the area is, officially, a forbidden destination.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on February 28, 2026, that 158 Spanish citizens were still in Iran when the bombings began. The Embassy in Tehran is working tirelessly to locate them and facilitate their departure. No one who has ignored the Travelers’ Registry is guaranteed assistance.
Spain issues maximum alert: what “Do Not Travel” exactly means
The maximum alert level from Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not a suggestion. It implies that the Government completely advises against traveling to the affected country and, for those already there, recommends leaving by any available means immediately.
In the case of Iran, the instruction is explicit: leave the country as soon as possible. Iranian airspace has been closed to civil aviation and most airlines have suspended operations, making departure a complex logistics exercise for those still there.
Which countries in the area directly affect Spanish residents abroad
Spain’s alert is not limited to Iran. The Ministry also advises against traveling to Israel, where airspace remains closed to civilian flights, and recommends exercising extreme caution in Iraq, whose airspace is likewise closed except for reasons of compelling necessity.
For the Middle East as a whole, the map of active alerts also extends to Syria and Lebanon, with a recommendation not to travel except for reasons of extreme necessity. The Spanish Embassy in the United Arab Emirates — a destination with tens of thousands of Spanish residents — has requested that people stay at home and away from military facilities.
Iberia and airspace: which flights are canceled and until when
Iberia has suspended its flight offerings to the conflict area, with the Madrid-Tel Aviv route canceled at least until March 10 through Iberia Express. Passengers with bookings between February 28 and March 15 can request a full refund of the ticket.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) extended until Friday, March 7, its warning for European airlines not to operate in the region’s airspace. This directly affects dozens of daily operations from Barajas, El Prat, and Malaga, with thirty flights already withdrawn on the first Monday of the crisis alone.
Travelers’ Registry: the Spanish tool that many expats ignore
The MAEC Travelers’ Registry is the system that allows the Ministry to locate, assist, and contact Spanish citizens abroad when an emergency occurs. Registration is free, takes less than five minutes, and can make the difference between receiving consular assistance or being left without official backing in a crisis zone.
Those residing permanently abroad also have the obligation to register in the Consular Registry of their jurisdiction. This registration is not optional: it is the official channel through which Spain can intervene in the event of an evacuation, natural disaster, or armed conflict.
| Country | Spain Alert Level | Airspace Status | Active Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | Maximum — “completely advises against” | Closed for civilian flights | Leave the country immediately |
| Israel | Maximum — “travel is advised against” | Closed for civilian flights | Do not travel; follow local instructions |
| Iraq | High — “except for necessity” | Closed | Do not travel except for force majeure |
| Syria | High — “extreme necessity” | Partially closed | Do not travel except for force majeure |
| Lebanon | High — “necessity and work” | Operational with limitations | Avoid travel if it can be postponed |
| UAE | Active caution | Operational | Stay at home; keep away from military facilities |
Spain and consular crisis management: what to expect in the coming weeks
Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has gathered its ambassadors in the region to coordinate a response. If the airspace closure lasts more than an additional 72 hours, industry analysts warn that the logistical impact could exceed that experienced during the 2020 pandemic.
For residents and expats with pending cargo or active businesses in the area, the recommendation from corporate mobility experts is clear: follow NOTAMs (notices to pilots), verify that travel insurance covers diversions due to armed conflict, and do not move without express approval from their diplomatic representations. Spain maintains all its embassies in the region fully operational.
