Should Aussies be travelling?: Smartraveller advice issued amid United States, Iran, Dubai, Israel conflict

An estimated 115,000 Australians are currently stuck across the Middle East as escalating conflict forces widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the Government’s priority was helping Australians return home, but warned commercial flights remain grounded in many parts of the region.

“First we need to see if commercial flights will restart, given the numbers of people in the region … The issue is not who is flying, it’s that people are not flying. So, you know, at the moment, we know that this is a very volatile situation,” she told ABC News Breakfast.

The Albanese Government is encouraging Australians in the Middle East to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as authorities assess when routes may safely reopen.

“We will continue to provide as up to date and timely information as we can. And I would urge people who who are, needing assistance to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.”

The warning comes after US and Israeli strikes in Iran killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, dramatically escalating tensions across the region.

Australians told to prepare for disruption

Australians overseas and those with travel plans are being told to brace for ongoing disruption.

“Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans,” the Smartraveller advice reads.

“If you travel to or through the Middle East, you may be unable to leave if conflict escalates. Flights can change or stop at short notice. Roads and borders can close.”

While the Foreign Affairs Minister also warned “Australians overseas should be prepared for serious travel disruptions in the days ahead”.

The statement said many Australians were unable to leave due to airspace closures around major transit hubs, with road and land border closures also restricting movement.

“Even if you are not travelling in or through the Middle East, your plans may still be affected.”

Flights to and from Europe are also being impacted, with scheduled services changing at short notice.

“There is also a broader security risk in the Middle East. Periods of heightened conflict can increase the threat of protests, civil unrest and, in some cases, terrorist attacks,” the Government warned.

Australians should:

• Closely monitor events and local media.
• Check directly with their travel agent or airlines to confirm their plans.
• Review their travel insurance to understand what is covered in the event of cancellations.
• Follow Smartraveller for the latest advice and subscribe for updates.

The Government also warned of broader security risks across the region.

“There is also a broader security risk in the Middle East. Periods of heightened conflict can increase the threat of protests, civil unrest and, in some cases, terrorist attacks.”

Smartraveller has updated its advice, warning Australians not to travel to most destinations in the Middle East, including:

• Bahrain
• Iran
• Iraq
• Israel
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Qatar
• Syria
• United Arab Emirates
• Yemen

Australians are also being urged to reconsider travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

“If you travel to or through the Middle East, you may be unable to leave if conflict escalates. Flights can change or stop at short notice. Roads and borders can close, Smartraveller advice reads.

“Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow the advice of local authorities. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for cancellations.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre and opened a crisis registration portal for Australians in Israel and Iran.

Australians needing emergency consular assistance can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia).