Share this @internewscast.com
What is typically a bustling air corridor, extending from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean, has been mostly clear of commercial flights since Israel commenced actions against Iran on June 13.
International airlines have either canceled flights or adjusted their routes to instead connect through major aviation centers like Dubai and Doha, which rank among the busiest airports globally.
Aviation expert Keith Tonkin highlighted that airspace over a nation is under the sovereignty of that country’s government, who have the authority to decide its closure.

Following such decisions, the nation’s civil aviation authority issues notifications to the airlines.

A map of Middle east showing yellow planes diverting around Syria, Iran, Iran, Lebanon.

Flights have been rereouted, redirected and cancelled to avoid Middle East airspace amid rising violence in the region.

“Airlines will plan based on the airspace available and then the most efficient routing, and if airspace is closed and the traditional flight paths are not available to them, they’ll plan elsewhere,” he said.

“But also, some airlines may have decided prior to that, to avoid the airspace … due to their own risk management.”

What does this mean for Australian travellers?

With the Russian and Ukrainian airspace also closed to most airlines due to years of war, the Middle East has become a more important route for flights from Europe to Asia and Australia.

The war has also disrupted travel into the Middle East itself.

Tonkin said closing airspace can often lead to longer flight times, disrupted schedules, and increased costs.
“Particularly, fuel burnt increases; therefore, the cost of the flight increases. And most likely, we’ll see fuel prices rise as a result of this conflict as well,” he said.

“So that will be an input cost that will no doubt be passed on to the travelling public.”

Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, said some Australian travellers have already been impacted by the Israel-Iran conflict through cancelled or rerouted flights.
He said conflict can also impact anxiety levels ahead of a trip.
“What we’re finding at the moment is that anxiety is then feeding into: ‘Am I going to be stuck in Europe or the Middle East?'” he said.

“So we are finding that, across the community, there is an increased level of anxiety and inquiry about what would happen.”

What should you do if you have a trip coming up?

In a statement on social media, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australians should seek updates from airlines and follow Smartraveller for the most up-to-date advice and warnings.

Tonkin reassured that passengers on commercial flights should not worry about safety, as airlines are making “careful decisions” regarding flight pathways.

An infographic showing how many passenegers travelled through Dubai in 2024.

However, more aircraft taking different routes could lead to some congestion and disruption, he added.

“Passengers should be aware that the major airlines will be doing everything they can to make sure their operations are safe, that they’re flying their aircraft on the right routes that have safety embedded in their flight paths and the operational airspace that they’re flying through,” he said.

“And be prepared for disruptions, because no doubt, there’ll be more change to come.”

ATIA is advising Australian travellers to remain informed and not to cancel their flights, as this could void their rights to refunds.
Long said airlines will cancel or reschedule flights if airspaces look unsafe, and have established systems in place to deal with disruptions and restrictions.
“Sitting still, waiting for the airline and the [travel] agency to contact you to support you through that moment is the most important aspect,” he said.

“If you’re feeling uneasy about upcoming travel, remember that our priority is assisting those immediately affected, within the next 72 hours as we manage this situation,” he stated.

He also said the evolving situation and ongoing disruptions underscore the importance of travel insurance, booking through reputable providers, and understanding your policy.
Long also noted that war and conflict are often not covered under insurance policies.
“We have seen a number of countries actually taken off travel insurance policies as those conflicts have picked up, so you need to be very aware of that and how that works,” he said.
“What we do know is if you are disrupted mid journey, then most travel insurance policies will support you on that.”
— Additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Trump Predicts Gaza Agreement Talks to Take a Few Days While Rubio Urges Israel to Halt Bombings

United States President Donald Trump said talks on implementing a truce for…
Adam Reynolds and Billy Walters of the Broncos hold aloft the Provan-Summons Trophy.

Spectacular NRL Grand Final Sets New TV Ratings Record, Surpasses AFL

The highly anticipated rugby league event featuring the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane…
Nobel Prize for discovering how immune system is kept in check

Nobel Prize Awarded for Discovery of Immune System Regulation

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to…
An aerial drone view of houses surrounded by floodwater on March 31, 2022 in Lismore, Australia. Evacuation orders have been issued for towns across the NSW Northern Rivers region, with flash flooding expected as heavy rainfall continues. It is the second major flood event for the region this month. (Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images)

Massive Data Breach: Flood Victims’ Personal Details Shared on ChatGPT

The personal data of up to 3000 flood victims in NSW has…

Mass Shooting in Croydon Park, Sydney: Multiple Injuries Reported After 50 Gunshots Fired

NSW Police say they will charge a 60-year-old man, who is accused…
cash

Australians Recover $1.76 Billion in Unpaid Wages: Identifying the Top Offenders

Wage theft has more than doubled in Australia in the past five…
Council declares water safe for swimming after fish kill

Council Confirms Water Safe for Swimming Following Fish Die-Off

Thousands of dead fish that washed up on a Gold Coast beach…

Key Issues May Still Jeopardize the Gaza Peace Agreement

Hamas has approved specific elements of the plan, such as ending the…

Prosecutors to Appeal Erin Patterson’s ‘Inadequate’ Sentence

The 51-year-old was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of…
Missing woman Isla Bell.

Court Hears Testimony About Teen’s Body Being Compacted in Garbage Truck Following Suspected Murder

It has been reported in court that an expert is unable to…
Surya McEwen has been in custody with seven other Australians since October 2, when about 450 activists were captured by the Israeli navy about 70km out from Gaza.

Australian Activists from Gaza Flotilla Claim Mistreatment by Israel

Supporters of the Australians detained by Israel after a large aid flotilla…
Jake Thomas from Unreal Reptiles with a handful of snakes.

Australians Nationwide Open Doors to Hundreds of Snakes

Exclusive: It’s snake breeding season and Jake Thomas’ house is about to…