Israel-Iran War: ‘Serious travel disruptions’ warning for Australians stranded abroad as several flights grounded amid unrest in Middle East

US-Israel Strikes: As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East following US and Israeli joint strikes in Iran, a major warning has been issued for Australians overseas. Following the latest attack in Tehran, the escalating conflict has disrupted thousands of flights worldwide. Australians have been left stranded in the Middle East, with several airlines cancelling services and throwing travel plans into turmoil.

On Monday morning, Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a statement telling Australians overseas to be "prepared for serious travel disruptions" in the coming days, according to SKY News Australia.

While confirming that there were about 115,000 Australians in the Middle East, Wong, in a statement, said, “We understand this will be a challenging time for many people, particularly those with family in the region or travel plans." “The Albanese government’s priority is the safety and security of Australians,” she added.


"We will continue to support Australians to navigate the disruption ahead, providing regular travel advice updates and consular assistance where we can, noting there are limits to what any government can do in a fast-moving and uncertain environment," she continued.

Wong cautioned that travel plans beyond the Middle East may also be affected. Widespread airspace closures across the region have thrown travel arrangements into disarray, disrupting flights in Australia and across the globe.

"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," she said, as quoted by Sky News Australia. "Even if you are not travelling in or through the Middle East, your plans may still be affected."

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)’s Smartraveller website has advised Australians not to travel to many counties in the region. Australians have also been advised to reconsider travelling to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

“Across the Middle East region, prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice including shelter in place instructions,” Wong said in a statement. “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.

Penny Wong calls situation ‘very challenging’

Speaking later to reporters in Canberra, Wong dubbed the situation as “very challenging” and said “large numbers” of Australians were in the region. "I want to say to Australians in the region and the families and friends that I understand, we understand how distressing and challenging this time is,” she said. "And we will do all that we can to provide you with information and to support you.”

Over 3,000 flights cancelled

Flight tracking website Flightradar24, in a post on X, said that more than 3,400 flights have been cancelled across the region. "More than 3,400 flights have been cancelled today across seven airports in the Middle East (DXB, DOH, AUH, SHJ, KWI, BAH, DWC), as many airspaces remain closed for security reasons," the website said in a post on X on Sunday night.

Several airlines cancel flights

Australians have been left stranded in the Middle East as flights are cancelled by airlines. Emirates announced the airline had temporarily suspended flights to and from Dubai and issued advice for customers affected. "Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs UAE time on Monday, 2 March," Emirates Support posted to X on Sunday.




The airline stated that the affected customers could rebook on an alternative flight or request a refund. "We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities," it said. "We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused."

Qatar Airways on Sunday said flight operations were "temporarily suspended" due to the country's airspace being closed. "Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace," the airline said in a post on X.