The ongoing military conflict in the Middle East is expected to disrupt travel plans for hundreds of thousands of Australian travelers, with the repercussions potentially lasting for several weeks. The escalating situation has led to a significant number of grounded flights worldwide.
On Sunday alone, over 2,800 flights were cancelled in the aftermath of US-led airstrikes on Iran, which took place on February 28. This has raised concerns that delays and cancellations could extend well into the coming weeks.
In response to the unfolding events, Smart Traveller issued an advisory on Monday morning. The notice urged travelers to remain vigilant and keep abreast of developments, even if their destinations are outside of the Middle East, as their travel itineraries may still be affected.
“If you are traveling to or through the Middle East, be aware that you might be unable to leave if the conflict intensifies. Flights may be altered or halted with little notice, and roads and borders could be closed,” warned Smart Traveller in their statement.
They further advised, “Prioritize your safety by monitoring events and adhering to the instructions of local authorities. Ensure your travel insurance covers cancellations.”
The advisory also highlighted that the conflict’s impact could extend beyond the region, affecting global safety and security. There is an increased risk of retaliatory attacks and further conflict escalation, which may spark protests and civil unrest in various parts of the world.
While all airlines are currently avoiding flying over the region, one of the busiest air corridors in the world, passengers travelling elsewhere have also reported flight cancellations and delays.
Emirates, Qatar and Etihad Airways have all temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi until Monday night.
Passengers travelling to destinations other than the Middle East have been warned their plans could be affected by the ongoing military conflict
Airports across Australia are holding 30 aircrafts that had been grounded since Saturday
More than 2,800 flights were cancelled on Sunday around the world, with passengers expected to face lengthy delays once usual flight schedules resume
The airlines have warned schedules may change at short notice and once operations resume, delays to the flight schedule are expected.
For guests travelling on Emirates before or on March 5, your options are to rebook on an alternate flight up to 20 days from the original date of travel or request a refund.
Guests holding Etihad tickets issued on or before February 28, with original travel dates up to March 3, may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights up to March 15.
Travellers on all Etihad flights until March 3 may request a full refund via the airline or through their travel agent.
Those travelling on Qatar Airways can request or refund or change their flights for the next seven days.
Passengers who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent directly.
Airline industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group, Henry Harteveldt, said there was ‘no way to sugarcoat’ the news for travellers.
‘You should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve and hopefully end,’ he told AP News.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said 115,000 Aussies are stranded in the Middle East
Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, said they could not calculate the number of travellers stranded worldwide.
It comes as the Albanese Government confirmed on Monday that 115,000 Australians have been left stranded in the Middle East.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong told ABC News Breakfast the government would wait to see if commercial planes would take off again, before considering repatriation flights.
‘First we need to see if commercial flights will restart, given the numbers of people in the region,’ she said.
‘The issue is not who is flying, it’s that people are not flying. So, you know, at the moment, we know that this is a very volatile situation.
‘I would urge people who are needing assistance to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.’
The Australian Government provides 24-hour consular emergency assistance and can be contacted from overseas via +61 2 6261 3305, or from within Australia via 1300 555 135.
