‘You could be stuck for days’: Travel expert warns Australians over Europe holiday plans

Australians heading off on a Euro summer holiday are being warned to prepare for major travel disruptions, with one expert saying travellers could end up stranded for days as conflict escalates near one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

The warning comes after the United Arab Emirates restricted parts of its airspace following new drone strikes near Dubai, forcing widespread flight diversions and cancellations through a key gateway between Australia and Europe.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Dubai flight chaos after drone strikes

Thousands of flights through Dubai have already been impacted, with several major international airlines suspending or rerouting services.

Travel expert James Wilkinson said the disruptions were unlikely to end quickly, warning the flow-on effects across global aviation networks could continue well beyond this week.

“We know how long it takes to get the flights back on, right? Even Qatar aren’t back to full capacity. Only a couple of days ago, they just allowed Emirates to go back to full capacity,” Wilkinson said.

Speaking to Sunrise on Thursday, Wilkinson urged Australians with forthcoming overseas trips to start preparing contingency plans now.

“If you’ve got a flight coming up in the next few days, I’d be watching it. I’d probably have a back-up plan. I’d probably go and get another airfare on a flexible ticket if you can,” he said.

Wilkinson, who has travelled extensively through Europe in recent weeks, said he had personally been avoiding routes through the UAE amid the instability.

“For me, I wouldn’t be going through the UAE just for the next few days or next few weeks until there’s a peace plan fully signed, because it’s just disruptions,” he said.

“If they start turning flights around or cancelling them, you’ve got to try and get on another one. You could be stuck for days.”

The warning comes as many Australians prepare to head overseas for the peak northern hemisphere summer travel period, with demand across Europe and Asia remaining extremely strong.

Despite the ongoing instability, Wilkinson said airports across Europe, Japan and Australia were still packed with travellers.

For Australians trying to avoid the Middle East, Wilkinson said alternative routes through Asia and China remained available, although prices had surged as demand increased.

He also advised travellers to prioritise flexible airfares and refundable bookings where possible.

“If you’re a bit worried about it, I’d be getting a flexible ticket with a full refund just in case,” he said.

Wilkinson noted some booking platforms, including Expedia, currently offer 24-hour cancellation windows with full refunds for travellers concerned about changing conditions.