In big news, the Australian government has officially changed its travel advice for five Middle Eastern countries from ‘do not travel’ (Level 4) to ‘reconsider your need to travel’ (Level 3). Here’s what it means for travellers.
Australia has downgraded its travel advice for five Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. However, some areas within Israel remain a ‘do not travel status’.
The announcement comes ahead of the USA and Iran’s formal signing of a peace deal on Friday, and is expected to have a significant positive impact on travellers’ confidence.
In a joint media release published this morning, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said that, while the security situation in the Middle East could rapidly change or decline, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has assessed the conditions and judged it appropriate to change Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to a Level 3 or ‘reconsider your need to travel’.
What does this mean for travellers?
The announcement comes ahead of the formal signing of a peace deal between the USA and Iran. (Credit: Unsplash/Kit Formerley Convertkit)
With Level 4 locations highly unlikely to be covered by travel insurers, travellers from Australia can now travel through and to the Arabian Peninsula with travel insurance protection. The change clears a major hurdle for Australians transiting through the Middle East to reach the United Kingdom, Europe, India and Africa. These travellers will no longer face some of the complications that the Level 4 warning created for transit travel, particularly those related to insurance.
As a result, we may soon be seeing a surge in travellers finally setting off on the trips they have been postponing as a result of the Middle East conflict.
There could also be some welcome relief for travellers’ wallets. Middle Eastern carriers such as Qatar Airways and Emirates account for a significant share of Australia–Europe/UK flight capacity, and when concerns about regional conflict prompted many travellers to avoid Gulf transit hubs, demand shifted to alternative routes via Singapore, Bangkok and other Asian cities. This meant prices for flights transiting through Asia increased. As confidence in those Middle Eastern connections returns, increased competition between airlines could help keep a lid on airfares – particularly on popular Europe-bound routes.
The change in travel advice could see a surge in travellers’ confidence. (Credit: Unsplash/Rocker Sta)
Smartraveller states that Level 3 or ‘reconsider your need to travel’ means avoiding or postponing non-essential travel, and taking extra precautions to protect yourself against security and health risks. These destinations are still classed as unstable, with DFAT warning that circumstances can shift abruptly.
The government urges travellers to obtain travel insurance and ensure they have carefully read the product conditions so they understand what is and isn’t covered. Not all travel insurance policies may cover Level 3 locations.
DFAT continues to advise ‘do not travel’ to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen, and ‘reconsider your need to travel’ to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The body will continue to monitor the conditions closely and keep all Smartraveller advisories under review.
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Eleanor Edström is International Traveller’s Associate Editor. El began her career writing for national magazines including Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel, and has since developed a soft spot for wild landscapes, thoughtful design and the human stories that bring them to life. She holds an honours degree in English and philosophy from the University of Sydney, and has lived abroad in both Switzerland and France – ostensibly to sharpen her French, though the pastries made a strong supporting case. One day, she hopes to swim with humpback whales off the coast of Mo'orea.
Airspace closures and airline suspensions across the Middle East are disrupting global flight paths and key transit hubs for Australians. Here’s what’s happening, how airlines are responding, and what it means if you’re due to fly.
Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, aviation authorities have issued conflict-zone advisories across large parts of the Middle East, prompting flight suspensions, reroutes and widespread delays, with airlines now gradually restoring limited services.
For Australians, the impact is immediate. Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi are among the world’s busiest connection points for Europe-bound travellers, and when those corridors tighten, the ripple effect can stretch far beyond the region itself.
This explainer breaks down what’s happened, why it matters for global aviation, and the practical steps travellers can take right now to make informed decisions.
Gulf airlines begin limited flight recovery
Several major Gulf carriers have begun gradually restoring operations following days of widespread airspace closures across the Middle East.
Airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, are now operating limited schedules or preparing to resume selected routes, though authorities warn disruption will likely continue while regional airspace restrictions evolve.
Travellers are being urged to check flight status before heading to the airport and to wait for confirmation from airlines before travelling, as schedules remain fluid and many services are still suspended or operating on reduced networks.
Why this is impacting flights well beyond the Middle East
Even if you’re not travelling to the region, you may still be affected because Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi are critical global transit hubs. When airspace closes or narrows, airlines have fewer safe corridors to use, which can mean:
Longer flight paths, increasing travel time and fuel use.
Crew duty-time issues that can trigger cancellations.
Aircraft and crews are positioned in the wrong cities, slowing recovery even after the airspace reopens.
The official safety picture airlines are working from
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an active conflict-zone bulletin recommending operators do not operate at any altitude across a wide block of Middle East and Gulf airspace while risks remain elevated.
Airlines base decisions on these formal advisories, as well as real-time intelligence and risk assessments. If a corridor is deemed unsafe or unstable, carriers will suspend or reroute services rather than operate through uncertainty.
On 1 March, Smartraveller updated its advice to “do not travel” to Lebanon, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, joining the same advice level as Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Yemen. It told Australians with plans to travel to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to “reconsider your need to travel”.
On 10 March, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia will deploy an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and advanced air-to-air missiles to the United Arab Emirates, following a formal request from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed. The Government has been clear that Australia is not taking offensive action against Iran and will not send troops to fight on the ground. The initial deployment is for four weeks.
What to do next
Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) chief executive officer Dean Long said the Middle East conflict is evolving rapidly.
“Our message to travellers is simple: 1. Do not cancel arrangements without first seeking professional advice; 2. Please, unless you are travelling in the next 48 hours and have not been contacted, hold off contacting your travel agent right now to allow them to support those currently caught up in, and who are stranded, delayed and dealing with cancellations,” Long said.
“The situation is evolving rapidly, and experienced travel professionals are best placed to provide up-to-date guidance tailored to each traveller’s circumstances.”
Do not cancel your booking yourself (yet)
Multiple authorities and industry groups warn that this can reduce your options for refunds/rebooking compared with being re-accommodated after an airline-initiated cancellation.
Use official channels first Airline app, flight status page, and verified social updates (not screenshots in group chats).
Get yourself “claim-ready” Screenshot disruption notices, keep receipts, and note who you spoke to and when. (This matters for airline compensation processes and travel insurance claims where applicable.)
If medication is an issue Don’t wait. Ask the airline desk for support options and contact your travel insurer’s emergency number. DFAT has also activated crisis support for Australians in the region.
Check whether your airline has issued a travel waiver covering free changes, travel credits or refunds.
If your flight is still operating, expect knock-on delays as aircraft are rerouted and schedules adjusted.
If you booked via a travel agent and are not departing immediately, avoid flooding phone lines. Agents are prioritising the most urgent departures first.
If you’re booked later this month (and just want to make a smart call)
Smartraveller level changes for key transit countries you’re routing through (DFAT has warned that disruption may affect travel insurance provisions).
Airline waiver extensions (these often roll forward in three- to seven-day increments).
Airline updates Australians are most likely to need
Dubai Airport is the main hub for Emirates. (Credit: Getty Images / Collab Media)
“Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways are the most directly impacted at this stage, but European and other international carriers routing through Gulf airspace are also experiencing delays and rerouting,” Long said.
“The impact is broader than many travellers may expect.”
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways Operates Limited Flight Schedule to and from Doha
With Qatar Airways flights still temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, we are doing everything possible to support affected passengers and help reunite them with family and loved ones. We… pic.twitter.com/a8zuKMzJw0
Qatar Airways says scheduled commercial flight operations remain temporarily suspended while Qatari airspace restrictions remain in place.
However, following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority allowing limited operating corridors, the airline plans to operate a reduced number of flights over the coming days to assist stranded passengers.
Planned departures from Doha include services to cities such as London, Seoul, Delhi, Madrid, Beijing, Perth, Melbourne, Paris, Toronto, Dallas and others.
Qatar Airways said these services are intended to help passengers affected by the disruption and do not represent a full resumption of normal operations. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket.
Qatar said that passengers can refund or change their flights up to 14 days from the original travel date, if they have a confirmed booking with a travel date between 28 February and22 March 2026.
Etihad Airways
Etihad to resume limited flight schedule from 6 March
Etihad will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from 6 March 2026, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations.
Guests with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as… pic.twitter.com/GNiAWjmmY2
Etihad Airways has resumed a limited commercial flight schedule since 6 March, operating services between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations. The airline said affected passengers will be accommodated on these flights where possible, and new tickets are also available for sale. However, most scheduled services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended while the airline gradually rebuilds its network.
Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking.
Etihad has also expanded its flexibility policy. Guests holding Etihad tickets issued on or before 28 February, with original travel dates up to 21 March, may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights up to 15 May or request a refund.
Emirates
Our post from 11:08am Dubai time regarding operational status is no longer current, and has been deleted to avoid causing unnecessary confusion.
Emirates has resumed operations. Passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport. This… pic.twitter.com/j6niNfBCoI
Emirates says it has resumed operations following the partial reopening of regional airspace, though the airline is currently operating a reduced flight schedule. Emirates anticipates a return to 100 per cent of its network within the coming days, subject to airspace availability.
Passengers with confirmed bookings may proceed to the airport, including those transiting through Dubai, only if their onward connecting flight is also operating. Emirates has urged customers not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed booking.
Emirates has also introduced additional flexibility for customers booked to travel between 28 February and 31 March. Eligible passengers can rebook on another Emirates flight to their intended destination for travel on or before 30 April, or request a refund. Customers who booked through a travel agent must contact their agent directly.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance doesn’t always cover claims connected to war/armed conflict. (Credit: Unsplash / Ish Consul)
PassportCard Australia chief underwriting officer, Michael Storozhev, told International Traveller that, from their understanding, travel insurance has never covered acts of war. Most insurers will look at the direct cause of the loss, so if the airspace closure is due to the conflict, the exclusion will typically apply.
“For many insurers, coverage is limited by a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning, but it does not invalidate coverage,” Storozhev said.
“If you find yourself overseas in a location with a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning from Smartraveller, PassportCard policies will still provide coverage for unrelated reasons to the warning. So if you get sick and require medical attention, we would still look to help you get the care you need, even if there is an active conflict happening.”
Storozhev said that the more common situation right now is travellers transiting through major Gulf transit hubs, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
“Unfortunately, with the airspace closures due to the conflict, many of these disruptions will be caught up by the ‘acts of war’ exclusion,” he said.
“Encouragingly, we have just heard that Emirates is beginning to schedule a few flights.”
Smartraveller encouraged travellers to look over their insurance policies. However, they warn that most insurers do not cover war or following “do not travel” advice as a valid reason for a claim.
Acts of war and armed conflict are commonly not covered in standard travel insurance policies.
Read your PDS and call your insurer before making big, irreversible choices (like self-cancelling flights or booking expensive new routings).
Realistic alternatives from Australia
Transit through Singapore if you can. (Credit: Singapore Tourism Board)
Storozhev told International Traveller that the knock-on effects are global.
“It’s ongoing and unpredictable. Even a one-off event like the ash cloud in 2010 in Iceland. We recall that disrupted European airspace for about six days at its worst, though knock-on effects lasted weeks,” he said.
“Realistically, travellers could expect weeks of disruption, not days.”
If your itinerary is flexible, the most common workarounds travellers and agents will look at are:
Asian transit hubs for Europe-bound travel, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
Direct(ish) options: some carriers may keep operating on routes that avoid the region entirely (for example, Qantas has indicated it avoids Middle East routings in its network approach).
Note: alternatives can be pricier and involve longer travel times because global flight paths are busier.
Airlines don’t make rerouting decisions lightly. Changing a long-haul flight path means more fuel, longer flight times, crew duty issues and global scheduling knock-ons. But when conflict escalates, safety advisories can shift almost overnight, and history has reshaped how the industry approaches risk.
The most defining modern precedent is Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17). In July 2014, the Boeing 777 was shot down over eastern Ukraine while cruising at altitude, killing all 298 people onboard. At the time, parts of Ukrainian airspace remained open to civilian aircraft above certain flight levels.
The tragedy fundamentally reshaped how airlines and regulators assess conflict-zone risk. In the years since, airlines and regulators have:
Adopted far more conservative approaches to overflying active or unstable regions.
Increased reliance on real-time intelligence and conflict-zone bulletins.
Expanded coordination between civil aviation authorities and defence agencies.
Accepted higher operating costs to avoid even theoretical risk corridors.
In practical terms, this means that when airspace is closed, restricted or assessed as elevated risk, airlines will typically reroute or suspend services entirely – even if it results in mass disruption.
