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The intensifying turmoil in the Middle East has compelled numerous major airports and airlines to halt operations, causing widespread disruption to travel itineraries for many Australians.
This abrupt suspension has left countless Australians both domestically and internationally stranded, grappling with unexpected changes to their journeys.
If your travel plans have been derailed by these developments, what steps should you take?
Unfortunately, the situation remains uncertain at this moment.
Virgin Australia has yet to announce a timeline for when its flights to and from the Middle East will resume.
Virgin Australia has not indicated when flights to and from the Middle East will resume.
Emirates has also temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai up until 3pm UAE time) today.
These times are subject to change, and travellers should check with their airlines for the latest information.
Qantas said there is currently no impact to flights, including services between Singapore and London.
Will it be covered under travel insurance?
This will depend on your insurer and the insurance policy.
The Insurance Council of Australia said travellers should be aware that most policies do not cover losses arising from acts of war or armed conflict.
Travellers should check their individual insurance policy and contact their insurer if they require any further assistance.
Who do I contact to find out?
The Insurance Council of Australia has advised travellers to contact their airline or travel provider directly.
It advises airspace closures may cause delays, cancellations and rerouting, including for travellers not destined for the Middle East.
It is also strongly recommended Australians follow consular advice from Smartraveller and register their travel plans with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
What are the latest travel warnings for Australians?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises Australians not to travel to Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel and Lebanon.
While in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Armenia, Australians are told to “exercise a high degree of caution”.
Travellers planning to head to Jordan have been told to “reconsider your need to travel”.
Which airlines have suspended flights?
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
“The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority,” the airline said.
Emirates has also temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai up until 3pm (United Arab Emirates time) today.
Flights scheduled to arrive into Abu Dhabi before 2pm (UAE time) today will be cancelled.
“Services scheduled to arrive after this time are expected to operate, subject to operational conditions,” the airline said.
”The flight status page on etihad.com may temporarily display original scheduled timings.
“Updated departure and arrival times will be reflected as soon as they are confirmed.”
A Virgin Australia spokesperson confirmed this morning a number of Virgin Australia services operated by Qatar Airways have been cancelled.
“Guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days are advised to closely monitor their flight information and visit the Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.”
“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and any potential impact to our flights,” the airline said.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority, and where necessary we may adjust our flight paths accordingly.
“If your flight is affected, we will contact you as soon as possible using the phone number and email address provided in your booking.”
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