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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has opened registrations for information or assistance to Australians stranded in the UAE and Qatar due to airspace closures.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said around 115,000 Australians are currently in the Middle East region, and that the resumption of commercial flights would be the government’s preferred method for repatriating them, given the scale of the problem.
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The UAE and Qatar have both closed their airspace after the fresh outbreak of conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, meaning flights are unable to operate from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, which are major hubs for travel between Australia and Europe.
“Obviously, at the moment, airspace is closed or only intermittently open, so flights are disrupted and flights aren’t available. As soon as things become available, we will certainly be providing that information to Australians,” Minister Wong said.
“Given the numbers, the fastest way to get people home would be if commercial flights recommence. So, we want to see whether that commences. I think that most of our like-minded are in a similar position, given the numbers of people in the region.
“We are always looking at how we might support Australians. There’s conflict in the region, we’ve seen loss of life across the region, and air space is not open. So, whether or not it is an Australian flight or a commercial flight, the flights are not able to occur.”
The news comes as Singapore Airlines, which is still able to operate between Australia and Europe via its home base in Singapore, has been accused of price gouging on fares from Europe to Australia amid the crisis.
As reported by The Australian, the carrier is charging around $4,000 for a one-way economy seat from Paris to Sydney, as well as $5,500 for premium economy and $12,000 for business from Zurich.
The earliest available Qantas flight from London Heathrow to Sydney at the time of writing appears to be on Saturday 7 March, with the lowest fare being around $3,400 for a “Flex” booking; from Paris, however, flights via Perth are still available on Tuesday 3 March at time of writing, with “Saver” fares on sale for around $1,600.
DFAT has said the situation in the Middle East is “volatile” and has updated its Smartraveller travel advice for the region.
“Smartraveller now advises Australians do not travel to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates. We continue to advise do not travel to Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Syria or Yemen. Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan,” DFAT said.
“Across the Middle East region, prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice including shelter in place instructions.
“DFAT has now opened a crisis portal for Australians in Israel and Iran. The registration portal is for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members who have right of entry into Australia.”
Australians in Iran and Israel are also able to register for assistance.
