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This morning, Emirates flight EK414 expertly navigated its way out of a turbulent region, lifting off around 9:30 AM AEDT and is anticipated to touch down in Sydney at approximately 10:30 PM. This successful departure has been attributed to the assistance provided by the United Arab Emirates, as confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, who credited the UAE for facilitating the commercial flight.
Earlier this week, Dubai International Airport resumed limited operations after a brief closure. The shutdown was in response to an Iranian retaliatory strike that had temporarily halted airspace activities. The reopening marks a significant step in restoring normalcy to the region’s air travel.
It’s estimated by the federal government that about 20,000 Australians currently reside in the UAE, with an additional 115,000 spread throughout the broader Middle East. This situation presents a considerable challenge for Australian consular efforts, given the large number of citizens in potentially precarious positions.
Minister Wong, speaking to ABC this morning, described the unfolding events as a “consular crisis that dwarfs any that Australia has had to deal with.” This emphasizes the magnitude and complexity of the situation, as officials work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of Australians abroad.
Wong told the ABC earlier this morning the situation is a “consular crisis that dwarfs any that Australia has had to deal with”.
Australia yet to commit to repatriation flights
Australia has not yet committed to sending repatriation flights to help stranded citizens abroad.
Wong has repeated that repatriation flights are “one of the contingencies we always look at”, but insisted that commercial flights would be the fastest way to get the large volume of Australians safely out of the Middle East.
Shadow defence minister James Paterson called on the government to do “everything they can” to help Australians out of the Middle East.
He said the opposition would offer “unqualified bipartisan support” if military assets were needed to help repatriate them.
Meanwhile, several other nations across the world have begun plans to repatriate their citizens.
The US has sent free charter flights to evacuate citizens from the UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
The Department of State said it is in contact with 3000 citizens and 9000 have already returned home.
The UK has 130,000 citizens in the region and has organised a charter from Oman, Germany has 30,000 citizens and booked a charter from Oman and Saudi Arabia and Italy has already chartered about 500 citizens from the UAE and signalled there will be more to come for the thousands of others.
France has 400,000 citizens in the Middle East and is preparing to evacuate them.
Small number of commercial flights resume
Dubai Airport resumed limited services out of its two international terminals on Tuesday.
Priority is being given to departing flights.
Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport until they have received a confirmed departure time from their airline.
Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and flydubai are also resuming limited flights.
Commercial flights have departed Dubai today for several cities, including London, Manchester, Moscow, Prague, Amsterdam, Budapest, New Delhi and Mumbai.
There were 26 flights cancelled.
Warnings about flight safety
Some flights have been able to safely leave Dubai, but the situation is volatile and airspaces can open and close abruptly.
There have also been sporadic warnings to shelter in place due to incoming attacks.
Dubai Airport said it is maintaining the “highest standards of operational safety”.
“Dubai Airports continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities, and our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, security, and well-being of passengers and staff,” the airport said on its website.
Smarttraveller warned that airports and aircraft are more vulnerable to attacks and retaliatory strikes.
“Consider a commercial option to depart if you can secure one, and it is safe to do so,” Smarttraveller said in its latest update.
“You should verify the status of any border crossing before you travel by air, land or sea. Make sure you have access to food, water and essential medicines.
“Consider that airlines may cease operating at short notice, and you may need to find accommodation. Availability of accommodation may be limited.”
Australians are urged not to travel to the region.
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