Australians stranded in the UAE as Iran retaliation grounds thousands of flights with government putting stranded travellers in hotels

Australians living in the Middle East have described feeling “alert, but not alarmed” as missile strikes and widespread airspace closures bring major travel hubs to a standstill.

More than 3,500 flights have been cancelled across the region, with roughly one million passengers stranded in a single day.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Iranian missile strikes hit Dubai as thousands stranded.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha international airports have all closed, with Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways flagging they are unlikely to resume operations for at least another 24 hours.

The shutdown follows Iran’s retaliatory strikes against the US and Israel, which have hit Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha, with Dubai’s international airport sustaining damage from a missile attack.

Lachlan Kitchen, an Australian expat living in Dubai, told Sunrise on Monday the situation felt eerily familiar to COVID-19.

“We used to hear during COVID that we’re living in unprecedented times, and it feels like we’re sort of reliving that,” Kitchen said.

Despite the escalating tensions, he said residents and travellers have largely praised the UAE government’s handling of the crisis.

“The communication has been quite clear from both the UAE government and the Australian embassy, who have been brilliant here, keeping everyone updated and informed,” he said.

With tens of thousands of passengers stranded, the UAE government has committed to covering hotel accommodation costs for affected travellers until repatriation flights can be arranged.

Local homestay companies have also offered free accommodation to stranded passengers.

Authorities have advised residents to stay home and work remotely where possible, with schools shifting to online learning for at least the next three days.

“It’s a situation where we’re sort of alert, but, you know, we’re not alarmed. We’re just sort of working through this with caution,” Kitchen said.

Official statistics show 137 missiles were fired at the UAE, with 132 intercepted by defence systems and five falling into the water.

The UAE government has separately reported intercepting 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 506 of 541 Iranian drones, with 35 drones landing within UAE territories.

“As someone who’s been born and raised in Australia, to hear the bang, the sound of those missiles being intercepted was something that was both quite confronting but also relieving that they were being intercepted,” Kitchen said.

Most of the damage in the area has resulted from falling debris from intercepted missiles. Three people have reportedly been killed, identified as Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals.

Latest advice for Australian travellers

Australia has raised its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates to Do Not Travel.

SmartTraveller warns airspace closures around major regional transit hubs, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, may cause widespread flight cancellations and delays globally, even for travellers not heading to the Middle East.

Australians travelling to or through the region are being warned they may be unable to leave if the conflict escalates, with flights, roads and borders subject to sudden closure.

Australian officials and dependants in affected areas are sheltering in place during strikes. Citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members in Israel and Iran are urged to register via DFAT’s portal to receive direct updates.

Authorities say there is a risk of further escalation, reprisal attacks and civil unrest, including protests globally. The threat of terrorism may increase, particularly around areas where foreign tourists gather, embassies and other foreign interests.

Australians are advised to prioritise their safety, monitor local and international news, follow instructions from local authorities, confirm travel plans directly with airlines and ensure their travel insurance covers delays, cancellations and advice level changes.