Expect travel delays to continue
Uncertainty around the conflict in the Middle East will affect travellers for a long time. You need to stay informed.
What to do in an emergency
The Australian Government website, Smartraveller, is the place to go when you are planning a trip or have problems while overseas.
It has news and regular updates on the current Middle East conflict, including advice for people stranded in a foreign country, here.
Most airlines will keep passengers updated directly by their app, SMS, or email. At the time of writing, many carriers are offering refunds or rebooking services online.
Follow these links for updates for the major airlines that have been most affected:
Other airlines, hotels, and booking services have information online, but they should contact you if anything changes, but they should contact you if anything changes.
If you booked your flights and accommodation through a travel agent, contact them directly.
The outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East last weekend shocked many Australians travellers.
Some found themselves at international airports, here or abroad, staring at departure boards full of cancellations, others were stranded in transit, and some – even those staying in countries previously considered “safe” – were under fire.
Personal safety should be your number one priority, and you should follow official advice from the Australian Government or trusted authorities wherever you are.
If you are in transit now or plan to travel soon, you might also find yourself facing inconvenience and financial hardship.
The bad news is that travel insurance policies generally do not cover acts of war. The good news is that most airlines, tour operators, and governments will do what they can to help you.
With the United Kingdom and Europe being the top overseas destinations for Australian seniors, and the most popular route there being via the Middle East, the situation has had an impact on more people than those in, or travelling to, the areas directly affected.
Earlier this week, US President, Donald Trump, said America would not stop its military operations until it had reached its objectives – and that that could take four weeks.
Whether cancellations and other disruptions to flights will continue for that entire period, or even longer, remains to be seen.
For airlines based in the Middle East – including Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad – the situation is more problematic, not least because their home airports and other infrastructure have been targeted by Iranian missiles.
The United Arab Emirates government has been paying hotel and meal bills for tourists stranded in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and elsewhere in that country. Travel operators across the Gulf have also been offering free or discounted accommodation to stranded passengers.
Some airlines, including Qantas and South-east Asian carriers such as Singapore and Malaysian, are able to fly around the danger zone to get to Europe. However, overall passenger capacity will be affected because an estimated 11,000 Australians transit Dubai, Abu Dabi or Doha every day.
Even when hostilities end, there will be a need to survey and repair any damage and to relocate aircraft.
This remains a developing situation, and you should seek advice from the Australian Government, your airline, or your travel agent before making any decisions.
While this uncertainty may affect your plans and create frustration, your own safety and the safety of others are the most important considerations.
This incident serves as a warning to be prepared for unexpected circumstances, itinerary changes, or cancellations whenever and wherever you travel.
Advice for all travellers includes:
Let trusted friends and family members know about your travel plans.
Carry emergency contact details written on paper, in case your mobile phone or laptop is lost or fails.
Have a change of clothes and a supply of essential medicines in your carry-on luggage.
- Avoid “do not travel” zones, and, if it is recommended to do so, register your trip with Smartraveller.
Photo by Matthew Turner/ Pexels
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