Middle East conflict brings chaos to cruise flights for Australian travellers

• Middle East troubles have meant huge numbers of airlines have cancelled flights to and from Europe.
• That means chaos for Aussies who have booked cruises or want to come home.
• DFAT has issues new warnings about every country in the Middle East.

Hostilities in the Middle East have caused major disruption to international aviation, with widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations affecting travellers on long-haul routes, including services between Australia and Europe.

Following escalation in the conflict involving strikes between the United States, Israel and Iran, several Middle Eastern countries – including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait and Bahrain – have closed their airspace to civilian flights.

Major hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha temporarily suspended operations, leading to the cancellation and diversion of hundreds of flights.

According to flight tracking data and airline reports, more than 1,800 flights were cancelled in the immediate aftermath of the airspace closures, and global aviation watchdogs estimate that tens of thousands of passengers were stranded or rerouted to alternative airports.

The disruption has extended beyond the Middle East itself: international carriers that typically rely on transit hubs in the Gulf, such as Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad, have suspended or altered long-haul services connecting Europe with Asia and the Pacific.

Flights from Australia destined for Europe via Dubai or Doha have been among those affected, with planes forced to divert or return to origin airports when airspace was abruptly shut.

Iran impact on Australian flights

Aviation analysts say that airspace closures over conflict zones force airlines to reroute flights around restricted areas, adding significant distance, fuel costs and complexity to long-haul operations.

Routes that once passed over the Middle East are instead being shifted south over Saudi Arabia, Egypt or north via other corridors, extending flight times and increasing the risk of delays and cancellation.

Australian carriers and partner airlines have already reported flights turning back mid-air due to sudden airspace restrictions, and cancellations on services that would normally connect through Gulf hubs.

What’s happening with cruise flights

Cruise operators staging voyages that begin or end in European ports are also feeling the knock-on effects. Many passengers from Australia rely on international flights routed via Middle Eastern hubs to reach embarkation ports such as Barcelona, Rome or Athens. Sudden cancellations and rerouting can mean travellers miss their ship’s departure entirely.

Travel industry sources say that cruise lines are receiving increased enquiries from passengers unable to make their scheduled sailings due to flight disruptions. Options offered vary by carrier and ticket type, with some cruise companies offering future cruise credits, itinerary changes or refunds in line with their terms and conditions, while others emphasise that passengers’ travel to the start point remains the responsibility of the guest and their airline arrangements.

Industry analysts warn that as long as airspace restrictions and geopolitical tensions persist, delays and additional costs for passengers — and logistical challenges for cruise operators — are likely to continue.

Passengers booked on flights or cruises that could be affected are being advised to stay in close contact with their airline, cruise line and travel insurer, and to monitor government travel advice for updates.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also updated warnings, advising travellers to seek confirmation of flight plans as regional hostilities evolve.

What Smartraveller is saying

Saudi Arabia

Due to the overall security situation in the region, we’ve raised our level of advice for Saudi Arabia to reconsider your need to travel. Retaliatory strikes are occurring across the Middle East region following military strikes on Iran. Airspace closures and flight disruptions are occurring across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations. Contact your airline to confirm your flights.

Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice.

United Arab Emirates

Due to the volatile security situation in the region and military strikes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we’ve raised our level of advice for the UAE to do not travel. The UAE has closed its airspace, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports are closed. Retaliatory strikes are occurring following military strikes on Iran. Military conflict in the region may result in widespread movement restrictions, and other travel disruptions. Australian officials and dependants are sheltering in place during strikes. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice, including instructions to shelter in place.

Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice.

Due to military action, there was a temporary loss of services for mobile networks in the UAE and other destinations in the region. Phone lines for affected Embassies and Consulates are being diverted to the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra.

Qatar

Due to the volatile security situation in the region and military strikes in Qatar, we’ve raised our level of advice for Qatar to do not travel. Retaliatory strikes are occurring following military strikes on Iran. Qatar has closed its airspace, and Qatar Airways has suspended flights to and from Doha. Military conflict in the region may result in widespread movement restrictions and other travel disruptions.

Australian officials and dependants are sheltering in place during strikes. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice, including instructions to shelter in place.

Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.

Isreal

Due to the deteriorating regional security situation, we’ve raised our level of advice and now advise do not travel to Israel due to the volatile security situation, armed conflict, civil unrest and terrorism. Military strikes and reprisal attacks are occurring in Israel, and other locations in the Middle East. The Government of Israel has declared a state of emergency and advised citizens to shelter in a protected place. Further reprisal attacks by Iran and its proxies against Israel are likely.

Airspace closures and flight disruptions are occurring across Israel and the region. Ben Gurion International Airport may close with little or no notice. You may be unable to leave for an extended period. The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice. See our general advice on protecting your safety during an armed conflict.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members in Israel can register on DFAT’s registration portal to receive direct updates from DFAT. See the Safety overview section for details on how to register. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you with important updates.

In an attack or other armed conflict, you should take shelter, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media and public safety information updates through the National Emergency Portal (accessible in Israel only). Try to get to an underground shelter if possible, or at minimum seek a shelter close to ground level. Confirm the location of your nearest fully enclosed emergency shelter – don’t rely on online maps. Terror attacks can occur anywhere at any time, including by lone actors. Be alert to personal safety risks. There continues to be a very high threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel, Israeli and Jewish interests across the region.

Israel has a naval blockade in place along the coast of Gaza (Palestine). Don’t join others seeking to break the blockade. Previous attempts to break the blockade have resulted in death, injury, arrest or deportation of foreigners.

The Australian Government has directed the departure of all dependants of Australian officials posted to Israel in response to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.

The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave. If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) and 1300 555 135 (in Australia).

We continue to advise do not travel to border areas with Gaza (Palestine) or Lebanon. If you intend to travel by land into a neighbouring country, check the latest public information from local authorities on entry requirements and border arrangements, including opening times. Border crossing points may be closed without notice (see ‘Travel’).

Iran

Military strikes have occurred in Iran, including in Tehran and other major cities. There’s a risk of ongoing reprisal attacks and escalation across the region. Local security situations could deteriorate.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members in Iran can register on DFAT’s registration portal to receive direct updates from DFAT. See the Safety overview section for details on how to register. Keep your registration details up to date so we can contact you with important information.

We continue to advise do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it’s safe to do so. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice. There have been airspace closures and flight restrictions. Be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period. Make sure you have supplies of water, food and medication.

The security situation in Iran is extremely volatile. See our general advice on protecting your safety during an armed conflict. Australians, including dual nationals, are at a high risk of being detained.

The Australian Embassy’s operations are suspended. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited.

If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Government’s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you’re overseas) or 1300 555 135 (in Australia).

Turkiye

Retaliatory strikes are occurring in several countries across the Middle East region, following military strikes on Iran. There is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region. Airspace closures and flight disruptions have occurred across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations. Contact your airline to confirm your flights. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice.

Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. Large protests have occurred across Türkiye over the past year. Protests are often restricted by local authorities, and bans may be imposed and strictly enforced during sensitive periods. Protests and large public gatherings can turn violent and should be avoided. Monitor local media and follow advice from authorities. There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks around large gatherings. Be alert to threats, especially in crowded public settings (see ‘Safety’).

Iraq

Retaliatory strikes are occurring in several countries across the Middle East region, following military strikes on Iran. There is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region. Local security situations could deteriorate.

Airspace closures and flight disruptions are already occurring across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations. Contact your airline to confirm your flights. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice.

Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. See our general advice on protecting your safety during an armed conflict .

If you intend to travel by land into a neighbouring country, check the latest public information from local authorities in Iraq and your destination on visa and border arrangements. Borders may close without notice. You should consider the risks carefully before attempting to leave by any route and you should make your own assessment whether it’s safe for you to travel in current circumstances. This includes considering the security situation and the potential risks involved. If you are not confident in the safety and reliability of any departure option, follow the advice of local authorities.

Iraq’s borders with neighbouring countries may have restrictions for foreign nationals and may close at short notice. Check our travel advice for your destination including visa requirements.

Terrorist attacks can occur without warning. Avoid possible targets including markets, transport hubs, places of worship and government facilities (see ‘Safety’).

Saudi Arabia

Retaliatory strikes are occurring in several countries across the Middle East region, following military strikes on Iran. There is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region. Local security situations could deteriorate quickly.

Airspace closures and flight disruptions are already occurring across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations. Contact your airline to confirm your flights.

Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice. See our general advice on protecting your safety during an armed conflict (see ‘Safety’).

Oman

Retaliatory strikes are occurring in several countries across the Middle East region, following military strikes on Iran. There is a risk of further reprisal attacks and further escalation across the region. Local security situations could deteriorate. Airspace closures and flight disruptions are already occurring across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations. Contact your airline to confirm your flights.

Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. See our general advice on protecting your safety during an armed conflict.

We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to border areas with Yemen due to the threat of armed conflict and violence.

Egypt

Retaliatory strikes are occurring in several countries across the Middle East region, following military strikes on Iran. There is a risk of further reprisal attacks and escalation across the region. Airspace closures and flight disruptions are already occurring across the region and may impact flights globally, causing delays and cancellations. Contact your airline to confirm your flights. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice.

See our general advice on protecting your safety during an armed conflict (see ‘Safety’).

Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and local security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.

We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution for Egypt due to the threat of terrorism. We also advise do not travel or reconsider your need to travel to several areas of Egypt due to threats including higher risks of terrorism or serious crime – read our advice carefully. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere in Egypt. Potential targets include religious sites and tourist locations.