Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has cautioned that there are limits to what the Australian government can do to assist travellers stranded in the Middle East after major airlines cancelled flights due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have suspended operations, grounding flights through key hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, where airspace remains closed.
Speaking on Monday, Wong said the government's priority is the safety of Australians, but noted the challenges of providing assistance when commercial flights are not operating. “First we need to see if commercial flights will restart,” she told ABC News Breakfast. The government has not yet committed to repatriation flights, believing the fastest way to bring people home is the resumption of commercial options.
Smartraveller has updated its travel advice, urging Australians not to travel to Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the UAE and Yemen. Travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia should be reconsidered. About 115,000 Australians are estimated to be in the region, with 11,000 regularly flying on the affected airlines.
Stranded travellers have reported difficulties. ABC producer Lisa Needham, stuck in Dubai en route to the UK, described hearing missiles intercepted overhead and said she and hundreds of others were told all flights were cancelled. The Australian embassy in the UAE urged citizens to shelter in place and follow local authorities, while some reported trouble reaching consular staff.
Qantas flights remain unaffected as the airline does not operate into Middle Eastern airports and can reroute if needed. Virgin Australia, a partner of Qatar Airways, advised passengers to monitor flight information and check Smartraveller updates. Wong stressed the situation is fast-moving and uncertain, with airspace closed due to ongoing conflict.
