Recent reports show that more than 3,400 flights have already been cancelled across the region, affecting hundreds of thousands of travellers.
President Trump has warned that the conflict could last several weeks, throwing the travel plans of thousands of Aussies into disarray.
It is estimated some 115,000 Aussies remain stranded in the region, with prices soaring. A report on news.com.au claims prices for return flights with a major airline have soared as high as $15,900 amid the travel fallout.
The latest advice from the Australian government’s Smartraveller website says If you’re not due to travel in the next 48 hours, wait to be contacted by your airline.
If you are travelling in the next 48 hours and have not been contacted, call your airline or travel agent to confirm your flights.
The website also advises passengers against personally cancelling flights as “your travel insurance may not cover voluntary cancellations”.
Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family in Israel, Iran, Qatar and the UAE can register with DFAT, who will send important updates directly to registered Australians.
The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) is urging travellers to be patient, follow official Australian Government advice and keep up to date with airline communications, while airports and airlines respond to ongoing disruptions.
Margy Osmond, TTF CEO, said the aviation and tourism industry is working closely with government to manage the evolving situation and prioritise the safety of passengers and staff and accommodate visitors who remain in Australia.
“Airlines and airports are responding to a complex and fast-moving situation. Safety is the absolute priority and operations, including flight paths, will continue to be adjusted as required,” Ms Osmond said.
“Arriving at the airports unnecessarily, particularly if your flight has been cancelled, places additional pressure on frontline staff managing a very challenging situation.
“While disruptions are understandably frustrating, airlines and airports are working around the clock to manage aircraft movements, reroute services, where necessary and maintain critical freight and supply chains.”
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has issued guidance to members in response to ongoing airspace disruptions, encouraging proactive operational planning and early communication with distribution partners.
While many CATO-accredited tour operators do not manage international air ticketing directly, Managing Director Brett Jardine said the downstream impact on destination operations could be significant.
“This is primarily an operational continuity issue for tour operators. Delayed arrivals, split groups and itinerary adjustments can create commercial and logistical pressure if not managed early,” Jardine said.
CATO has advised members to review upcoming departures, confirm passenger air status with distribution partners, prepare for staggered arrivals and revisit contractual provisions relating to minimum numbers and cancellations.
“Our advice to members is to remain calm, avoid speculation and focus on documentation and preparedness. Tour operators are experienced in managing disruption, and proactive coordination with partners will minimise impact.”
# Meanwhile the UAE has announced that the state will cover hotel accommodation and meal costs for travellers stranded in the country.
This includes hotel stays and meals for more than 20,000 passengers stuck at or moved from airports such as Dubai International, Zayed International (Abu Dhabi) and Sharjah.
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism has formally instructed hotels to extend stays for guests who cannot depart, with the cost of the extended stay covered by DCT Abu Dhabi.
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism has similarly asked hotels to extend stays under the same conditions as the original booking and to flag guests who cannot afford extensions so support can be arranged.
Travellers should contact their airline at the airport desks or via app to be registered as an affected passenger and ask about transfer to government-arranged accommodation.
