The intensifying conflict in the Middle East has led to significant disruptions in air travel, with major airports and airlines halting operations. This has thrown travel plans into disarray for numerous Australians.
As a consequence, many Australians find themselves stranded both domestically and internationally due to these sudden changes.
For those impacted by these travel disruptions, what steps should they take?
Currently, the situation remains uncertain, making it difficult to provide concrete advice.
Virgin Australia has yet to announce when it will resume flights to and from the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways issued a statement around 5:30 p.m. today, confirming that all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are cancelled until at least 9 a.m. (AEDT) tomorrow.
In a statement issued at about 5.30pm today, Etihad Airways said all of its flights to and from Abu Dhabi have been cancelled until at least 9am (AEDT) tomorrow.
Qatar Airways confirmed flights remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
Qantas said there is currently no impact to flights, including services between Singapore and London.
Will it be covered under travel insurance?
This will depend on your insurer and the insurance policy.
The Insurance Council of Australia said travellers should be aware that most policies do not cover losses arising from acts of war or armed conflict.
Travellers should check their individual insurance policy and contact their insurer if they require any further assistance.
Who do I contact to find out?
The Insurance Council of Australia has advised travellers to contact their airline or travel provider directly.
It advises airspace closures may cause delays, cancellations and rerouting, including for travellers not destined for the Middle East.
It is also strongly recommended Australians follow consular advice from Smartraveller and register their travel plans with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
What are the latest travel warnings for Australians?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians not to travel to Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel and Lebanon.
While in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Armenia, Australians are told to “exercise a high degree of caution”.
Travellers planning to head to Jordan have been told to “reconsider your need to travel”.
Which airlines have suspended flights?
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
“The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority,” the airline said.
According to a statement from the airline, flights will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. flights would resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace,” the company said.
Emirates has also temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai up until 3pm (United Arab Emirates time) today.
Etihad Airways said all of its flights to and from Abu Dhabi have been cancelled until at least 9am (AEDT) tomorrow.
“We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered,” it said in a statement posted to social media.
“The situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice.
“Etihad continues to work in close coordination with the relevant authorities and will resume normal operations as soon as conditions permit.
“The safety of Etihad’s guests and staff is our highest priority.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate our guests’ understanding.”
A Virgin Australia spokesperson confirmed this morning a number of Virgin Australia services operated by Qatar Airways have been cancelled.
“Guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days are advised to closely monitor their flight information and visit the Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.”
“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and any potential impact to our flights,” the airline said.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority, and where necessary we may adjust our flight paths accordingly.
“If your flight is affected, we will contact you as soon as possible using the phone number and email address provided in your booking.”
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