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Flights from Australia via the Middle East have been scrambled by the conflict between Israel and Iran, with Virgin and Qantas services impacted by airspace closures.
Two Virgin flights to Doha were diverted en route after Qatar temporarily closed its airspace due to an Iranian attack on a US military base in the country, while one Qantas flight to London was diverted to Singapore, and another flight to Paris turned back to Perth.
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According to a Virgin Australia spokesperson, VA1 (Sydney–Doha) diverted to Bengaluru, India, and VA15 (Brisbane–Doha) diverted to Muscat in Oman, with both aircraft landing safely; the flights continued to Doha later on Tuesday.
The diversions come less than two weeks after the launch of the Sydney and Brisbane services, and on the same day as the airline’s planned return to the ASX. Virgin expects to launch Perth–Doha flights on 26 June.
“We are working closely with our partner, Qatar Airways to support passengers that have been impacted. Guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days are advised to closely monitor their flight information,” the spokesperson said.
“The safety and wellbeing of our people and customers is our number one priority and we are continuing to monitor the situation.”
Qatar Airways has since confirmed the resumption of its own flights after the reopening of Qatari airspace.
“Our focus at this time is to help our passengers return home or reach their onward journey safely and smoothly,” the airline said.
“We are working tirelessly with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to restore operations as quickly as possible.
“We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers by minimising disruptions and offering the utmost care and support to all customers.”
Qantas, meanwhile, saw QF9 from Perth to London (Heathrow) divert to Singapore, while QF33 to Paris (Charles de Gaulle) returned to Perth.
Passengers are being reaccommodated overnight, with the return services also expected to be impacted; however, there is no effect on the QF1 and QF2 services between London and Sydney via Singapore.
“We continue to monitor airspace availability closely and will alter our schedule as required,” a Qantas spokesperson said.
“We have a number of flight path options that we utilise for our flights to Europe and these are reviewed regularly based on factors including weather and security.
“We thank our customers for their patience and understanding.”
Qantas has previously rerouted flights from Perth–London due to concerns last year about conflict between Iran and Israel.
