Middle East flights: What travellers need to know

It's been one of the big growth regions for tourism, and some of the most popular flights from Australia transit through the Middle East. So what does the current situation mean for your travel plans?

Earlier this year I boarded the beautiful Celestyal Journey for a voyage around the Arabian Gulf.

Kicking off in Doha where we shopped the souqs, the seven-day Desert Days itinerary taking in the likes of Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi quickly became one of my favourite cruises of all time.

Back in Sydney, I told everyone within earshot: with its warm hospitality, dramatic landscapes and glorious cuisine, the Arabian Gulf (aka the Persian Gulf) is going to be the hottest destination for cruising in 2025. Then the bombings began and now I’m reminded of the time I told my computer studies teacher back in the early ’90s that computers were never really going to catch on so I didn’t need to attend class, thank you.

I’m devastated by what’s going on in the Middle East, and humanity (or perhaps the lack of it) is my chief concern.

I also can’t help but wonder what it means for my travel plans. Looking at my inbox, I can see I’m far from alone, with countless emails from others panicking about upcoming trips to Europe (particularly those connecting via Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi).

Travellers due to travel to or transit through the Middle East have been warned of likely disruptions.

We know that disruptions for flights anywhere near the region are significant and ongoing, with many airlines cancelling or rerouting flights, being forced to turn back or announcing long delays, and the situation is changing minute by minute.

The Australian government, however, has issued a travel warning via Smartraveller advising that “the security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable and could deteriorate further with little warning. There is a risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation across the region, as well as the potential for terrorist attacks.”

So what does this mean for you?

Resist that knee-jerk reaction to cancel your holiday, advises Dean Long, CEO of Australian Travel Industry Association.

“You may lose your right to a full refund or rebooking,” he says. “If the airline cancels, you are entitled to those protections under Australian Consumer Law.”

Abu Dhabi International Airport is among the major airports in the Middle East region.

Airlines and ATIA-accredited travel agents are prioritising support for passengers flying in the next 72 hours and progressively contacting those whose flights are impacted, he adds.

For anyone else who has had their flight plans changed, or can no longer travel, your best bet is to first contact your airline and accommodation providers to explore refunds or credit options, says Natalie Ball, managing director of Compare Travel Insurance.

“Given the current escalation, major airlines should offer cash refunds or flight credits if your flight is cancelled,” she says. “Some accommodation providers may offer flexible cancellations or rescheduling options, but this will depend on the terms and conditions that apply to your booking.”

Some flights to Dubai - the busiest airport in the Middle East - have been delayed and rerouted.

No satisfaction? Your next step is to contact your insurer.

Remember, too, that government warnings affect insurance coverage.

“Given that parts of the Middle East – including Israel – are now at a Level 4, ie ‘do not travel’, insurers generally can’t offer cover for claims related to that destination. This includes cancellations, disruptions, or medical emergencies related to the conflict,” Ball adds.

“There’s also the risk that those who travel against such warnings may face limited or no consular assistance during emergencies, so consider these factors carefully before making any travel decisions.”

Stay in contact with your travel providers in the lead-up to your trip, and keep an eye on smartraveller.gov.au for updates on the latest advice on your intended destination.

Originally published as Middle East flights: What travellers need to know