Australian travellers are refusing to let global tensions clip their wings, finding creative routes and leaning on expert help to keep long‑planned holidays on track.
While the conflict in the Middle East has caused understandable concern and disrupted key aviation corridors, Australians are once again proving resilient, adapting their plans rather than abandoning them.
For those who had already booked to Europe or beyond with Middle Eastern carriers, travel agents have stepped in, reshaping itineraries and holding alternative flights to minimise delays and additional costs.
Some clients are turning detours into an opportunity to see more of the world; others are simply relieved to have an expert in their corner.
Kevin Tremellen from Victor Harbor in South Australia was due to fly from Adelaide to Dubai on a Wednesday, but his plans were thrown into disarray when Dubai Airport was bombed and forced to close the previous Friday.
“Charlotte Handler of Phil Hoffmann Travel in Victor Harbor got to work and on the following Tuesday at 6pm I was flying via Hong Kong, Istanbul and then Athens – but I got there!” he said.
“This meant I was able to take my cruise that I had booked 12 months earlier.
“At the end of the cruise, Charlotte was able to provide me a flight from Venice, Istanbul, Hong Kong, Sydney and finally home to Adelaide.
“Certainly, longer flying time to my original plans but it allowed my cruise and holiday of a lifetime to go ahead.
“There was no increase in the airfares. I was so grateful to fulfil my last overseas holiday and to Charlotte for going that extra mile to allow this to occur. I know I would have been in turmoil if I had booked this trip on my own as I have done at times previously.”
Travel agents are also helping travellers who did not originally book through them.
Colin Goodfellow was holidaying in Australia from the UK when he discovered his flight home had been cancelled.
“I popped into Phil Hoffmann Travel because my flight was cancelled directly with the airline and I didn’t know what to do,” he said.
“Mark Linn managed to get me back to the UK via the USA at short notice and assist with the USA ESTA. I really appreciated the prompt and friendly service and don’t know what I would have done on my own.”
For Australians now weighing up their options, travel agents are reporting strong demand across a wide range of destinations.
Peter Williams, Phil Hoffmann Travel Managing Director and CEO, said travellers are embracing a mix of short‑haul, long‑haul, and domestic experiences.
“Travellers are eager to experience the likes of Japan and South Korea, Canada and Alaska, Vietnam, China and Southeast Asia,” he said.
“Many are still booking Europe for the second half of 2026 and even next year in 2027 when there will no doubt be high demand and of course looking at our own beautiful backyard in Australia for inspiration, with cruising through the stunning Kimberley, wonderful train journeys such as the Ghan and Indian Pacific or a beautiful driving holiday through Tasmania popular choices.”
