What Aussie travellers need to know about their flight plans after Middle East conflict sparks airline chaos

Thousands of Australian have been left stranded overseas and across the country as the US-Iran conflict throws airspace into chaos. Iran’s response to the US and Israel strikes on Saturday has resulted in airspaces across the Middle East region being shut including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. With many flights from Australia to Europe being trafficked through this region, numerous flights are being delayed, rerouted, or cancelled. As of now, more than 115,000 Australians are stuck in the Middle East with thousands more left stranded in Europe with more than 11,000 flights have been suspended globally. Airspace in chaos Virgin Australia has cancelled six flights on Monday, March 2 including flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Doha. In a statement released the day before, Virgin Australia reported that some flights between “London Heathrow and Dubai” and “London Heathrow and Riyadh” will be rerouted or cancelled. The airlines is offering free booking changes, travel credits and refunds for travellers booked on its flights to Doha up to and including March 6. On the other hand, Qantas said there are no current impacts on flights between Singapore and London. The airline does not operate any aircraft into the Middle East airport but is providing extra flexibility for customers who have booked flights to or from or via the UAE, Qatar, Israel, Jordan and Oman through Qantas or partner airlines. Travellers who have booked flights on or before March 1 for travel between March 1 and March 5 can access a “fee-free” refund, flight credit, or date change for flights. Emirates have temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai along with Qatar Airways which has temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha. The UAE government has committed to covering hotel accommodation cost for affected travellers until flights can be arranged. Airlines including British Airways, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz air have all paused flights to and from the region. Best advice for Aussies The Australian government has warned against all travel to the Middle East. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have advised Australians “do not travel” to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. They have also warned Australians in Iran to leave as soon as possible if safe. The Smartraveller has alerted there is “risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region “with travel in the region being heavily advised against. Many countries in the region have “do not travel” or “reconsider your need for travel” notice as flights, roads and borders are subject to sudden closure. Who can help? “Travel insurance policies generally exclude cover for loss or injury arising from war, armed conflict, or civil unrest,” a spokesperson from the Insurance Council of Australia said. “Covering conflict zones without restriction could inadvertently encourage travellers to take risks they would otherwise avoid, putting lives in danger.” Some policies can cover limited cancellation cost but cover can be voided if travellers proceed to travel against official warnings. For flight issues involving delays, cancellations and rerouting, the Insurance Council of Australia has advised for travellers to contact their airlines or travel providers directly. The DFAT has also opened registration for Australian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members in Iran and Israel to send updates directly. Airlines operating between Australian, Europe and the UK are rerouting and using longer alternative routes to avoid the region.