ICANN85 Travel Advisory Amid Middle East Airspace Disruptions

ICANN confirmed that ICANN85 will proceed as scheduled in Mumbai, India. The dates and format of the meeting remain unchanged. At the same time, the organization recognized that some Board members, community participants, and staff may have concerns about traveling under the present circumstances.

Airspace Closures Affecting Flight Routes

Airspace closures have been reported in several countries across the Middle East. The affected countries include the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. These restrictions have disrupted major flight corridors and may complicate travel routes to Mumbai.

ICANN org, working together with its travel provider AmTrav, is proactively contacting funded travelers whose itineraries originate from or transit through impacted regions. The purpose is to assist with necessary rebooking and adjustments to ensure that participants can either complete their travel plans or explore alternative arrangements.

Remote Participation Remains Available

ICANN emphasized that remote participation continues to be fully available for ICANN85. Participants who prefer not to travel due to safety considerations or personal comfort can join the meeting virtually without disruption to their engagement in sessions and discussions.

The organization stated that it will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as needed. Through transparent communication and flexible participation options, ICANN aims to support its global community while maintaining the continuity of ICANN85 in Mumbai.