Some Australians stranded in the Middle East are finally beginning to return home after limited flights resumed from major transit hubs in the Gulf.
Airlines including Emirates and Qatar Airways have cautiously restarted services following days of disruption caused by escalating conflict in the region.
Emirates flight EK420 landed in Perth on Sunday, the second flight to land in the West Australian city in the past few days, although passengers reported the plane was only “half full”.
“It’s hard because DFAT don’t tell you the flights are going until a couple of hours before they are — so you’ve got to be ready straight away,” passenger Paul Owen told The West Australian.
“People with kids it’s got to be really difficult to have all that lined up.”
A statement from Qatar Airways said flights from Doha will take off today (Mar 9), with destinations including Perth, London, Delhi, Madrid and Moscow.
However, the statement added the resumption did not “constitute a confirmation of resumption of scheduled commercial operations”.
“Passengers are kindly asked not to arrive at their departure airport unless they hold a valid confirmed ticket for travel,” the statement added.
Although limited emergency air corridors exist, much of the region’s airspace remains closed following military strikes and retaliatory attacks involving Iran and its regional adversaries.
Despite the progress, tens of thousands of Australians are still believed to be caught up in the disruption. Government figures suggest around 115,000 Australians are currently in the Middle East, with many unable to travel due to flight cancellations, airport disruptions and ongoing safety concerns.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has warned that while some flights are returning, the government’s ability to assist travellers remains limited and that commercial airlines remain the primary option for those trying to leave the region.
The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website has also issued updated advice for Australians in or travelling through the Middle East.
It warns the security situation may deteriorate quickly and that travellers could become unable to leave the region if the conflict escalates.
Australians already in affected countries are being urged to monitor local news, follow the directions of local authorities and limit movements where possible.
Officials also advise travellers to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade so they can receive updates and assistance if required.
Smartraveller also cautions that flights can change or be cancelled at short notice, meaning travellers should stay in close contact with their airline or travel agent and avoid cancelling bookings without professional advice.
While the resumption of flights from airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways offers hope for those stranded, authorities say ongoing instability means travel disruptions across the Middle East could continue for some time.
