Military conflict in the Middle East has caused widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions both in the region and across the globe. There are also global fuel supply challenges causing widespread travel impacts.
Your travel plans may be affected even if your destination is not in the Middle East.
Fuel supply shortages
There are global fuel supply challenges, with many countries introducing fuel restrictions and local measures to preserve fuel supplies.
If you travel overseas, your plans may be impacted. There may be delays or cancellations to flights and local transport, changes in availability of food, water and medicines, venue closures or impacts on essential services.
New measures may be introduced at short notice. Read the travel advice for your destination and follow the relevant Australian Embassy on social media.
Transiting the Middle East
‘Do not travel’ advice also applies to transit and layovers in affected locations. Even if you don’t plan to leave the airport, do not transit through these countries.
The regional conflict is likely to escalate further.
Airports, hotels, roads, bridges and other locations have been struck with missiles.
Airspace may close at short notice. Flights can change or stop suddenly. Borders can close.
If you travel to or transit through a ‘Do not travel’ country, you may be unable to leave. Your safety will be at risk.
If you have no other option – for example, following an unplanned landing or if you are already in a ‘Do not travel’ country and can only leave by travelling through another - think carefully about your security. Stay as short a time as possible, minimise time spent in high-risk locations and eliminate unnecessary activities. The threat environment could change at short notice.
What you should do
Read the travel advice for your destination and all transit points, and subscribe for free updates.
If your trip includes a transit or stop in a ‘Do not travel’ country, contact your travel agent or airline about alternative routes, re-booking or refunds. Do not cancel your flights until you get professional advice.
Check your travel insurance policy for coverage of flight delays, cancellations and changes to travel advice levels.
If your trip does not include a ‘Do not travel’ country, still confirm your flights with your travel agent or airline 48 hours before you travel. Monitor your flight for updates until you leave for the airport.
Airline and insurance call centres are currently under pressure. You may experience long wait times.
While you're travelling
- Prioritise your safety, monitor developments closely and follow local authorities’ advice, including any warnings to avoid areas deemed to be at high risk of targeting.
- Monitor local and international news and be aware of current affairs where you're going.
- Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places or mass gatherings.
- Avoid locations that could be at higher risk of terrorist attacks.
- Report anything suspicious to the police.
- Keep in touch with your travel agent, airline and travel insurance policy provider in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or increased travel advice levels.
Do Not Travel locations
In the Middle East region, the Australian Government advises Do Not Travel to:
Australian embassies and consulates in Israel and the UAE remain closed, while others in the region may be operating on limited hours due to security concerns. These offices may alter their opening hours at short notice. Check the embassy website for details.. Non-essential Australian officials have been directed to leave:
- Israel
- Lebanon
- the UAE
A small number of Australian officials remain in these locations to provide essential consular services. Most dependants of Australian officials have left the Middle East.
Global safety and security
Conflict in the Middle East could impact safety and security elsewhere. There is a heightened risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation. Protests and civil unrest may happen globally. The risk of terrorist attacks can increase, particularly around:
- places of worship
- shopping malls and markets
- public transport and transportation hubs
- bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants
- hotels and residential compounds
- embassies
- government facilities, police stations and locations of security forces
- festivals and concerts
- stadiums and sporting venues.
There is growing concern about increased risk of attacks on Israeli, Jewish and US interests globally. Avoid Israeli and US diplomatic missions and locations associated with Israeli, Jewish and US interests.
Read more
Read our advice about: