Why Aussie travellers should avoid cancelling flights independently
It comes after Iran launched what it called its 'mighty and victorious' response to US air strikes on its nuclear sites, on Monday evening, local time.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard said 'Operation Besharat al-Faith' saw missiles fired at the US' Al Udeid air base in Qatar. It is the US' largest air base in the region.
The skies across Qatar's capital Doha – familiar to many Australians who fly through on the way to Europe – were streaked with antimissile interceptors and explosions.
The State of Qatar closed the airspace but has since reopened it.
Flights in and out, however, have been impacted as global airlines scramble to accommodate passengers.
Hamad International Airport located to the east of the capital, Doha, is considered one of the best airports in the world.
According to Flightradar24, it currently has 24 cancelled flights and 30 delayed flights.
'Don't cancel flights'
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) – the country's peak industry body – has since advised Australian travellers to remain informed about the situation in the Middle East and, 'most importantly, not to cancel their flights'.
'Travellers shouldn't panic or cancel unnecessarily,' ATIA CEO Dean Long said.
'The one thing we learned through Covid is don't cancel as it reduces the number of rights you have. Let the airline make that decision. This approach ensures your rights are protected and you get the support you need.'
He told news.com.au they're seeing growing concern from Australians scheduled to travel in the next 72 hours.
'This evolving situation is understandably causing increasing anxiety, especially for travellers transiting through the Middle East,' he said.
'The most important thing Australians can do right now is not cancel their flight independently.
'If your airline cancels the flight, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking. But if you cancel yourself, you could lose those rights entirely.'
He said this applies across most airlines under Australian Consumer Law, although terms may vary based on your ticket and carrier.
He explained that with 70 per cent of international air tickets in Australia booked through ATIA Accredited Travel Agents, 'our members are carrying the load, working around the clock to support affected travellers'.
'Your agent or the airline you booked with will contact you directly to advise what's happening and what your options are. That contact process starts with travellers scheduled to depart now and within the next 72 hours.'
ATIA said airlines have well-established systems in place to navigate such restrictions, and have been operating under constrained conditions since the start of the Ukraine conflict.
Route planners
Jo Lloyd, the global head at FCM – one of the world's largest travel management companies, has reassured travellers that air travel remains the safest form of transportation.
She said this is largely thanks to a dedicated group of specialists who work tirelessly behind the scenes: the route planners.
'In the complex world of airline operations, route planners are the unsung heroes who combine art and science to chart the safest paths through ever-changing airspace conditions,' Ms Lloyd said.
'Their role, essential to everyday travel, becomes even more critical amid geopolitical tensions that may restrict certain airspaces or alter established routes.'
She said people can remain confident in their journeys, thanks to the meticulous efforts of route planners who employ sophisticated technologies and data analytics.
'They use GPS systems, real-time data feeds, and artificial intelligence tools to craft routes that navigate potentially risky areas while maintaining travel efficiency.
'Their work is underpinned by a deep understanding of international airspace regulations and geopolitical developments.'
'Be patient'
Mr Long added there are robust, methodical systems in place to manage these disruptions.
'It's critical that you don't make the decision to cancel without first speaking to your agent or airline. Please be patient and wait to be contacted especially if you're not travelling in the next couple of days as there's a tremendous amount of work to be done helping those immediately impacted.'
Airlines such as Qantas, Virgin, Qatar Airways and Emirates have all felt the impacts with the carriers forced to cancel or reroute flights due to the changing nature of the situation, including the closure of airspaces.
'Travellers on Middle Eastern carriers like Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Emirates are certainly feeling the impact more directly because those carriers operate out of hubs in the region. But concern extends to other airlines too,' Mr Leong said.
'With airspace closures and rerouted paths into Europe, delays and changes are affecting the broader network, not just the Middle East-based carriers.'
Mr Leong said the key concerns they're hearing are around flight cancellations, rebooking difficulties, getting stranded mid-journey, and not knowing if they're entitled to a refund. 'That's why we're reinforcing this message: don't panic, don't cancel. Your accredited agent or airline will contact you if you're affected.'
'Making your own cancellation could void your refund rights.'
ATIA has also advised travellers to monitor official travel advice, particularly via the Smartraveller website.
The site is run by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and as of last week raised the advice level for Qatar to 'exercise a high degree of caution'.
'You will be contacted, your accredited travel agent or airline, will prioritise impacted travellers of delays and cancellations,' the statement continued.
It asked travellers not to contact their travel agent or airline unless they are travelling in the next three days so that the needs of those travelling immediately could be accommodated as a priori
'There is an increased chance of delays so be prepared that you maybe spending some time airports as a result of schedule adjustments.'
ATIA is the peak body representing Australia's $69 billion travel industry.
It represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators and wholesalers.
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