The Government has urged Tongan citizens in the Middle East to seek immediate shelter during emergency alerts and to register with its embassy in Abu Dhabi, following escalating hostilities in the region arising from the US-Israel attack on Iran.

In a travel advisory issued on Sunday by His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, authorities warned that rising tensions have led to widespread commercial flight disruptions to and from Israel and several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Temporary airspace closures in parts of the Gulf and Israel are affecting routes connecting Asia and Europe.

Tongan nationals in the region have been strongly advised to take shelter in the nearest secure building whenever emergency sirens sound or official alerts are issued, including notifications from the Ministry of Interior in the United Arab Emirates.

The advisory comes amid heightened military activity involving the United States, Israel and Iran, raising security concerns across the wider Middle East. Several international airlines have reportedly suspended or rerouted services as a precaution, contributing to travel uncertainty for foreign nationals transiting through major Gulf hubs.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga in Abu Dhabi has asked Tongans travelling through or stranded in the Middle East and North Africa region to register their names and contact details. Officials say this will enable the embassy to provide timely updates and assistance where possible.

Tonga maintains a small diplomatic presence in the region, and while no injuries to Tongan nationals have been reported, authorities say they are monitoring developments closely.

Further updates are expected as the situation evolves.