Major airlines including Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways offer refunds after flights were affected by conflict in Middle East
Prominent airlines have offered refunds and flight credits to thousands of passengers, after a deadly war between Israel and Iran caused the shutdown of Qatar's airspace, leading to flight chaos amid peak holiday season for Australians.
On Monday night Iranian missiles were launched at an American military base in Qatar in response to the United States' bombing of Iran's key nuclear sites.
The incident forced a number of airlines to cancel, reduce and divert their flights as the Qatar airspace shut down on Tuesday.
The closure only lasted a couple of hours, but it created a significant backlog at Doha Hamad International Airport, which is considered to be one of the busiest airports in the world.
Qantas, Emirates, Virgin Australia, Etihad, British Airways and Singapore Airlines were all impacted by the recent conflict, but Qatar Airways was affected the most.
Qatar Airways told customers it is currently working to restore the impacted flight schedule, but warned possible disruptions lie ahead until at least Thursday.
'Those who wish to change their travel dates may do so without paying a fee until July 15, 2025,' the airline wrote in a recent statement.
'Customers who no longer wish to travel can opt to receive a refund of the unused value of their tickets, without any cancellation fee being applied.
'Qatar Airways fully complies with international aviation regulations for safe aircraft routes. Passengers safety remains our highest priority."
The major airline has also temporarily cancelled flights to to Iran, Iraq and Syria to avoid the current warzones.
Qantas is offering customers fee-free refunds or a fee-free date change for flights through Qantas to, from or via Dubai for travel up to June 27, 2025.
'If you wish to change your booking or no longer wish to travel, we're offering a fee-free refund, Flight Credit or fee-free date change for flights booked before June 23 for travel to June 27, 2025,' it wrote in a statement.
'If you've booked directly with Qantas, contact us on 13 13 13 within Australia, or contact your local Qantas office if you're outside of Australia, for assistance.
'If you've booked through a travel agent, please contact your agent directly for assistance.'
The airline further added it is continuing to closely monitor the situation in the Middle East.
Services between Australia and Europe that were scheduled to depart on June 24 operated as planned, but the airline's Perth-Paris flight on Tuesday was diverted back to Perth, while its Perth-London flight was diverted to Singapore.
Emirates issued a statement on Tuesday confirming it had re-routed a number of flights en route to its base in Dubai, but there were no diversions.
After a thorough and careful risk assessment, Emirates will continue to operate flights as scheduled, using flight paths well distanced from conflict areas,' it said in a statement.
'Some flights may incur delays due to longer re-routings or airspace congestion, but Emirates' teams are working hard to keep to schedule and minimise any disruption or inconvenience to our customers.
'Emirates will continue to actively monitor the situation, engage with relevant stakeholders, and adjust our operations in line with the latest updates.
'We adhere to all regulatory requirements for our operations, and follow bulletins issued by the aviation authorities.'
The airline further added it would assist passengers with refunds, rebooking and alternative travel arrangements.
Virgin Australia has not announced any refunds, but are offering customers free booking changes or cancellations.
"We encourage guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days to monitor their flight information closely,' a statement read.
'We are offering free booking changes or cancellations to guests who are booked on Virgin Australia's Doha services with onward connections in the coming days (up to and including 30 June 2025) and no longer wish to travel.
'For more information, guests can contact the Virgin Australia Guest Contact Centre on 13 67 89 (within Australia) or +61 7 3295 2296 (if calling from outside of Australia).'
It is understood the airline's scheduled services to and from Doha, operated by Qatar Airways are still expected to operate on Wednesday, June 25.
Singapore Airlines has also offered refunds after it cancelled eight flights to Dubai from Sunday through to Wednesday.
"Customers affected by the flight cancellations will be re-accommodated on alternative flights or can seek a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket,'' a Singapore Airlines statement read.
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has advised passengers not to cancel their flights, despite the airlines' offerings.
''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,' ATIA CEO Dean Long said.
''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.''
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