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Amid the ongoing uncertainty regarding travel through the Middle East, it’s essential to know alternative stopover options for reaching Europe and understand the necessary steps for upcoming flights.
Despite the unpredictable situation, experts advise Australians not to cancel their planned European vacations or flights that transit through the Middle East if they’ve already been booked.
Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, informed nine.com.au that canceling flights can risk losing the opportunity for a refund or the possibility of a cost-effective or complimentary rebooking.
“Avoid canceling your trip,” Long advised. “Doing so can result in forfeiting consumer rights, such as eligibility for a full refund.”
He recommended that travelers remain patient and allow airlines to make the first move. If an airline cancels a flight, it becomes their obligation to provide suitable compensation, either through a refund or travel credit.
He said travellers should wait for the airline to make a call – essentially, let them cancel the flight, meaning it is then their responsibility to offer adequate compensation in the form of a refund or travel credit.
“You’ll have to check individually with those airlines where you can get a full refund or a change to the end of March for no fee, but people should go to the relevant airline app or the travel agency app to look at those options before doing anything,” Long said.
“You will be out of pocket if you do it the wrong way.”
How can I fly to Europe without flying over the Middle East?
While the Middle East is a key hub between Australia and Europe, there are a number of alternative options available.
In terms of price and practicality, several airports in Asia remain the best options for Australians who are still looking to travel to Europe amid the uncertain situation at major hubs like Dubai and Doha.
Singapore is one of the biggest international hubs in the world, and offers flights to London from Sydney and Melbourne.
Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur airports all serve destinations in Europe as well as major cities in Australia, whilst multiple Chinese airlines offer flights to Europe at a lower price than other carriers.
Long did warn fares were increasing as demand for these regions grew.
“We have seen substantial fare increases at the moment, anywhere between 20 and 80 per cent on average across all of the Asian hubs for the next two weeks,” he said.
Is it safe to fly through the Middle East right now?
Some flights have started to fly through the Middle East region in the last 24 hours, especially as countries look to repatriate stranded citizens.
An Emirates flight from Dubai to Sydney took off this morning, carrying around 200 passengers, and is due to land at around 10.30pm.
Flights have resumed to other parts of the world, though mass cancellations are continuing, with a large backlog expected for some time.
Long said airlines would never jeopardise the safety of their passengers, but travellers needed to prepare for disruptions if they are unable to alter their trip.
“You need to have an understanding that there will be an increased risk of disruption,” he said.
Qatar Airways and Etihad Airlines flights remain suspended, though the latter could resume flying tomorrow.
What are the latest travel warnings?
The Australian Government is urging Australians not to travel to most countries in the Middle east, with all but three countries in the region having the highest travel warning of ‘do not travel’ in place.
This includes the UAE and Qatar, as well as Iran and Lebanon, which have borne the brunt of the damage so far.
Israel’s travel rating was also upgraded after it was on the end of retaliatory strikes.
Saudi Arabia, Oman and Jordan all sit at ‘reconsider your need to travel’, with these countries all having their warning level upgraded in recent days.