An Australian travel industry expert has strongly advised passengers against cancelling their flights, despite "significant disruptions" to global aviation following recent US-led airstrikes on Iran. The situation has escalated rapidly, with retaliatory attacks by Iran causing widespread chaos across the Middle East.
Global Aviation in Turmoil
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that Iran's leader had been killed in the strikes, calling on Iranians to overthrow their regime. Since then, persistent retaliatory attacks have seen missiles and drones striking targets in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, where hotels and airports have been directly hit.
Airport Casualties and Damage
At Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, falling debris resulted in one fatality and eleven injuries. Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest aviation hub, sustained minor structural damage from the attacks.
Several neighboring countries including Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait reported intercepting missiles fired toward their territories. This has forced airlines to avoid flying over what was previously one of the world's busiest air corridors, leading to hundreds of grounded flights globally.
Australian Travel Impact
Sydney Airport experienced significant disruptions on Saturday night, with terminals filled with stranded travelers whose flights had been cancelled. Virgin Australia announced on Sunday that seven of its flights operated jointly with Qatar Airways had been cancelled, along with five more scheduled for Monday.
Expert Advice for Travelers
Dean Long, Chief Executive of the Australian Travel Industry Association, revealed that 11 percent of international travel from Australia passes through the Middle East, which serves as the primary connection point for European destinations. He emphasized a crucial warning for travelers facing uncertainty.
"It's the number one learning from Covid," Long told The Australian. "If you cancel your flights, you lose a number of consumer rights and protections that you have. So it's really important that even if you're nervous, do not cancel your flight."
Long explained that passengers are guaranteed full refunds when airlines cancel flights, whereas self-cancellation forfeits these protections. Airlines also become more cooperative with arranging alternative bookings when they initiate the cancellation.
Insurance Limitations
Travel insurance companies typically won't cover cancellations made by customers themselves in these circumstances. Standard industry policies exclude coverage for conflict zones, as providing such coverage might encourage travelers to take unnecessary risks.
A recent Finder analysis of 22 major Australian travel insurance providers confirmed that none offer standard coverage for war-related events, leaving travelers particularly vulnerable in the current situation.
Government Advisories and Airline Responses
The Australian government has issued a "do not travel" advisory for Qatar and the UAE. Despite this, major airlines continue operating European routes using alternative flight paths that circumvent the troubled region.
Virgin Australia has been offering refunds, travel credits, and alternative bookings for customers affected by Qatar Airways-operated flight cancellations. Etihad provided booking changes for flights suspended on Sunday. Qantas reported no impacts to its London services.
Ongoing Disruptions Expected
Simon Westaway, CEO of Australian Airports, revealed that airports nationwide are holding approximately 30 aircraft grounded due to Middle East flight cancellations. He warned of "significant disruptions" to international travel throughout the coming week as the situation continues to evolve.
The aviation industry faces unprecedented challenges as it navigates this geopolitical crisis, with travelers caught in the crossfire of global tensions affecting one of the world's most important air travel corridors.
