If you’re planning a trip that takes you anywhere near Europe, Asia, or the Middle East, you might want to watch the news and your flight itinerary closely.
The recent escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel has sent shockwaves through the aviation world, leaving many Australian travellers wondering: will my holiday be affected? Let’s break down what’s happening, what it means for your travel plans, and how you can best prepare for a smooth journey in these uncertain times.
The skies above the Middle East usually buzz with aircraft, connecting Europe, Asia, and Australia. But since Israel’s strikes on Iran in mid-June, that airspace has become eerily empty.
Airlines are steering clear of the region, rerouting, rescheduling, or outright cancelling flights that would normally pass through this crucial corridor.
It’s not just a matter of caution—airspace is sovereign territory, and when a country decides to close its skies, airlines have no choice but to find another way.
As aviation expert Keith Tonkin explained, ‘Airlines will plan based on the airspace available and then the most efficient routing, and if airspace is closed and the traditional flight paths are not available to them, they’ll plan elsewhere.’
Sometimes, airlines pre-emptively avoid risky areas, prioritising passenger safety.
The Middle East isn’t the only region with closed airspace. Russian and Ukrainian skies have been off-limits to most airlines for years due to the ongoing conflict.
This has made the Middle East an even more vital flight route between Europe, Asia, and Australia.
With these new closures, airlines are forced to take longer, less direct routes—often via aviation hubs like Dubai and Doha, which are already some of the busiest airports in the world.
What does this mean for you?
Expect longer flight times, more stopovers, and, unfortunately, higher ticket prices.
As Tonkin pointed out, ‘Fuel burnt increases; therefore, the cost of the flight increases. And most likely, we’ll see fuel prices rise as a result of this conflict as well. So that will be an input cost that will no doubt be passed on to the travelling public.’
It’s not just about logistics. The uncertainty is causing a spike in travel anxiety, especially for those with trips booked to or through Europe and the Middle East.
Dean Long, chief executive officer of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), said, ‘What we’re finding at the moment is that anxiety is then feeding into: “Am I going to be stuck in Europe or the Middle East?”‘
The result? More calls to travel agents, questions about refunds, and a general sense of unease.
Some Australians have already felt the impact, with flights cancelled or rerouted at the last minute. Even if your destination isn’t directly affected, the ripple effect can cause delays and disruptions across the globe.
What should you do if you have a trip booked?
First and foremost, don’t panic. Airlines and travel agencies are well-versed in handling these kinds of disruptions. Here’s what the experts recommend:
- Stay informed: Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged Australians to follow their airline’s updates and check Smartraveller, the Australian government’s travel advice website.
- Don’t cancel prematurely: The ATIA warned that cancelling your flight yourself could void your rights to a refund or alternative arrangements. Wait for the airline or travel agent to contact you if your flight is affected.
- Be patient: Airlines prioritise support for travellers whose flights are immediately impacted. If your trip is further down the track, getting updates may take longer.
- Check your travel insurance: Not all travel insurance policies cover disruptions caused by war or conflict. Long noted, ‘We have seen a number of countries actually taken off travel insurance policies as those conflicts have picked up, so you need to be very aware of that and how that works.’ However, if you’re disrupted mid-journey, most policies will offer some support.
- Book with reputable providers: Now more than ever, it pays to book through established airlines and travel agents who can advocate for you if things go awry.
It’s natural to feel uneasy about flying near conflict zones, but experts reassure us that airlines make ‘deliberate choices’ about where they fly and always prioritise safety.
‘Passengers should be aware that the major airlines will be doing everything they can to make sure their operations are safe, that they’re flying their aircraft on the right routes that have safety embedded in their flight paths and the operational airspace that they’re flying through,’ said Tonkin.
Still, with more planes funnelling through fewer routes, expect some congestion and the possibility of further disruptions.
Has the current situation in the Middle East disrupted your travel plans? Are you anxious about an upcoming trip, or have you found ways to navigate the uncertainty? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
Also read: Experts warn about this $50,000 travel mistake—are you making it?
