Share and Follow
Thousands of travelers, including many Australians, find themselves stranded at Middle Eastern airports as the region continues to grapple with ongoing conflict.
With airspace closures across the Middle East, travel plans are in disarray for individuals from Australia and around the globe. The disruptions have created significant challenges for those attempting to navigate through these critical air corridors.
Earlier today, Dubai International Airport, a pivotal hub for Australians journeying to Europe, reported the cancellation of at least 1,200 flights. This has added to the mounting frustration and uncertainty felt by travelers.
The airlines most affected by these cancellations include Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways. These carriers are experiencing considerable operational setbacks as they attempt to manage the situation.
Specifically, there have been five flight cancellations in and out of Sydney, with destinations including Dubai and Qatar. Meanwhile, Melbourne has seen seven flights canceled, further contributing to the disruption.
There are also three inbound and outbound flights at Adelaide, and one in and out of Perth.
Airlines stress those numbers will change through today as some flights are cancelled or pushed back to another day.
The federal government today warned Australians overseas to expect travel disruptions over the coming days.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade says its priority is the safety and security of citizens.
“Many Australians in the Middle East are unable to leave due to airspace closures, including around major transit hubs. Road and land border closures may also restrict movement.
“Even if you are not travelling in or through the Middle East, your plans may still be affected.”
Smartraveller now advises Australians do not travel to most destinations in the Middle East. This includes Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates closed their skies hours after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran which resulted in numerous flight cancellations.
Australian travellers across the nation and abroad have been left stranded as a result.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), home to both the long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, closed their airspace on Saturday.
Dubai airport was targeted by Iranian retaliatory air strikes yesterday as Tehran targeted travel hubs in pro-western Gulf countries.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.