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ABC News
15 hours ago
- ABC News
Passengers stranded as flights cancelled, delayed amid Israel-Iran war
Stranded passengers have faced chaos and uncertainty while waiting for flights, either delayed or cancelled, due to the Middle East conflict. Routes to major cities across the world have already been cut off, including in Qatar's capital of Doha along with Dubai. Dubai Airports said operations had resumed after a brief suspension but is warning of further delays and cancellations, while Qatar's civil aviation authority said it had also reopened its airspace. Meanwhile, travellers in the air, in transit and waiting to board long-haul flights have reached out to the ABC, desperate for clarity as conflicting information spreads online and in terminals. Some passengers reported being diverted mid-air, while others were stuck on the ground in limbo. By Tuesday afternoon, DFAT had not issued any updated advice since the airspace reopened. While the head of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) expected some flights to the gulf countries to be cancelled today, he said the worst thing travellers could do was cancel their own flights. "That means you limit the number of things that an airline can … provide in terms of refunds," CEO Dean Long said. "If [passengers] are flying out today or in the next 48 hours, they will be contacted by their travel agent or airline if their flight has been cancelled." Mr Long said the most important thing was for travellers to stay calm. He said if they hadn't been contacted by their agent or airline within the next 24 hours, they should try to get in touch themselves. "Be aware that their call centres are experiencing long delay times … we may not necessarily have the answer at this time," he said. Mr Long also said people should contact their travel agency about what sort of emergency accommodation is available to them. "If they are nervous, book an extra night's accommodation where you are to give you that certainly that you will have a place to stay, and most of the time, you will be able to claim that with your travel insurance." Compare Travel Insurance managing director Natalie Bell said passengers should also pay attention to Smartraveller and speak with their insurer about any concerns they have regarding their destination. "Stay in contact with your booking agent or travel provider and make sure you know what options are available to you. Insurers will also typically assess claims on a case-by-case basis, taking individual circumstances into account, so get in touch if you have any queries," she said. Conflicting reports about cancellations and delays left many passengers at airports unsure of what to believe. An Adelaide nurse stranded at Doha's Hamad International Airport said the experience had been "surreal" after an air-strike hit a US military base about 50 kilometres from the terminal. Amanda Tate had just wrapped up a conference in Italy and was preparing to fly home when the incident unfolded. "We started looking on the internet and seeing there had been some missiles launched. At that time we didn't know what had happened," she said. She found a quiet space in the airport and was huddled there with four others. "We're like family now," she said. She described a tense atmosphere, with many travellers afraid to leave the airport. She said there were long queues at airline counters and little information about what was happening, or when flights would resume. "He looked completely discombobulated. And another young girl was crying." Polly Robinson was en route to Adelaide when her journey was disrupted by a sudden airspace closure, reportedly linked to restrictions imposed by the Qatari government. Speaking to ABC News Breakfast from Hamad International Airport, she described the confusion and frustration felt by many passengers. "Everyone is literally sitting where they can find a spot and waiting for any of the announcements," she said. "I flew in from Dublin and my flight was on the ground for 40 minutes. I was going through security when it happened. No announcements. Nothing." She said travellers had received credit loaded onto their boarding passes but had heard nothing from airline staff. Damian Milverton, an Australian expat who travelled from Paris to Doha for work, was leading a workshop when Iranian rockets zipped overhead. "It was initially a very large sound and then everyone was like, 'What was that?' We did not immediately think, 'dive under tables, we are under attack'. It was more a case of bewilderment," he told ABC News Breakfast.
News.com.au
15 hours ago
- News.com.au
Why Aussie travellers should avoid cancelling flights independently
Aussie travellers flying to Europe via the Middle East have been urged not to cancel their flights as doing so may impact refund rights. 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 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.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
Travel warning to Aussies heading to Europe: Should I cancel my flight?
Aussies heading to the northern hemisphere to escape the winter are facing flight delays and uncertainty as a result of the Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East. Europe-bound flights with layovers in the UAE and Qatar have been impacted. Qatar closed its airspace and then reopened it on Tuesday. It followed the US entering the conflict on the weekend and striking three major bases in Iran purported to contain materials necessary to build nuclear weapons. On Monday, Iran retaliated by striking a US military base in Qatar. The closure of Qatari airspace led to a Qantas flight from Perth to Paris being turned around after it passed the southwestern tip of India at about 3.30am (AWST) on Tuesday. Virgin Australia flights, operated by Qatar Airways, from both Brisbane and Sydney were heading to Doha when they were diverted to Oman and India respectively. Dubai, the world's busiest airport, has also reopened after a brief suspension. Airlines continue to navigate the best routes around long-standing conflicts in Qaza, Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. Nearby, Russia's war with Ukraine also continues. Aussie travellers are likely concerned about the rising tensions, but according to the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), there's no need to panic. ATIA CEO Dean Long spoke to Yahoo and warned Aussies flying to Europe via the Middle East should be prepared for some delays, but said it's "important to know" that global airlines have systems in place to manage these disruptions. Long said airlines are "absolutely putting safety first". "The most important thing for anyone with a cancelled or disrupted flight right now is that your agent or airline will be in contact with you," he told Yahoo. "Airlines are absolutely putting safety at the top of the priority list — that's their focus. "So while anxiety levels might be a bit higher than usual because of what's going on, travellers should know that the routes being flown are very, very safe. "If you're after that extra level of assurance, the best thing to do is check in regularly with your travel agent's website, the airline's website, and also Smart Traveller, which provides frequent updates on what's happening and what you can do to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible." When it comes to making changes to existing bookings, Long urged passengers not to cancel or reroute flights themselves. "The key message here is: don't cancel or try to reroute your flight on your own. Let the airline or your agent guide you through the process," he said. "If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you're entitled to a full cash refund, regardless of which fare class you booked. So don't think you're doing the right thing by cancelling early — you may actually reduce your Long Warning over major rule changes and fines up to $4,000 in Europe New rule at European hotspot: 'We panicked' Australia hails ceasefire, but Iran says no deal (yet) "If the airline cancels, you'll have access to either a full refund, a credit, or the option to reschedule," he said. But if you choose to cancel the flight yourself, particularly on lower fare tickets, you'll generally have fewer rights." Long said even if you don't have travel insurance, if the airline cancels your flight, you're still entitled to a cash refund. Long said the closure of airspace is not new. Airlines have been rerouting around Russia and Ukraine for more than two years, and are now adjusting again," he said. "The airlines that fly to Australia have world-leading safety protocols and route management. "Travellers shouldn't panic or cancel unnecessarily. The one thing we learned through Covid is not to 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." • You will be contacted, your accredited travel agent or airline will prioritise impacted travellers and advise of delays and cancellations. Please do not contact your agent or airline now unless you're travelling in the next three days. • There is an increased chance of delays, so be prepared that you may be spending some time at airports as a result of schedule adjustments. • Avoid cancelling flights independently. When an airline cancels your flights, you are entitled to a full refund. • Monitor official travel advice, particularly via the SmartTraveller website. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
News.com.au
17-06-2025
- News.com.au
Australian travellers abandon US, spend their money elsewhere
Australian travellers are continuing to turn their backs on the United States, new data shows. Experts issuing warnings and cases of tourists being denied entry on arrival (and at times, strip searched and thrown in prison) are spooking foreign visitors. The global tourism industry has been keeping a close eye on the impact of US President Donald Trump's strict border stance and other controversial government policies like sweeping tariffs are having on travel. Most recently there has been chaos in the tourist hotspot of Los Angeles amid huge protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement's sweeping raids in the city. Outbound travel from Australia to the United States declined by 6.2 per cent in April compared to last year, despite Aussie outbound travel overall being up 8.3 per cent, according to a new report released by the Australian Travel Industry Association on Monday. ATIA chief executive Dean Long described the trend as a 'noticeable softening' in Aussies wanting to head to the States. It comes as obtained exclusive data from a Finder survey that revealed 40 per cent of Australian respondents had either cancelled travel plans or would no longer consider the US a place to travel due to stricter immigration vetting. Millenials and Gen Z were the most likely to cancel their plans. There were 9 per cent who still had their US trips locked in and 51 per cent who had no plans to visit the US but said the enhanced vetting at the border wouldn't stop them if they did. Sarah Megginson, a personal finance expert at Finder, said perceptions of hostility and the current political climate 'could see Australia's love affair with America fade'. She warned Australians to check their travel insurance policies carefully before going to the US as many insurers would not provide cover if you are denied entry at the border. 'With tensions rising on American soil, Australians are rethinking holidays to the US at the moment,' Ms Megginson said. 'There's growing sentiment among Australians that the potential issues that could arise when visiting the US are beginning to outweigh the appeal of visiting some of our favourite cities. 'My husband recently got back from a week in Los Angeles, and he noticed a huge shift from previous visits: he was questioned in detail about all aspects of his trip and why he was travelling alone. 'It was a really hostile welcome, and if travellers feel they're being treated like suspects at the border, they'll simply take their travel dollars elsewhere. 'Now with the escalating situation in Los Angeles and huge political tension between Trump and other leaders, it doesn't necessarily feel safe to visit the United States, so it's not surprising to see so many Australians choose to spend their annual leave and their money elsewhere.' Flight Centre revised its 2025 financial year profit guidance from $365-$405 million to $300-$335 million with Mr Trump's trade and entry policies being a 'significant' contributing factor, and the one major factor that is 'outside [their] control'. Flight Centre chief executive and founder Graham Turner recently told it was an 'unsettled climate' impacting business travel, while tourists worry about passport control and others simply don't want to go to the US 'because they don't like what Donald Trump's doing'. Mr Turner said in the first three months of this year, leisure bookings to the US from Australia dropped about 12 to 15 per cent on last year, while business travel remained 'on par'. But he anticipated the decline to 'accelerate' for both leisure and business travel in the second quarter of the calendar year — April, May and June. Another Australian-born travel company, Intrepid Travel, saw globally a 9 per cent decline in US sales for the first four months of the year when compared with the same period last year. US sales for Australian and New Zealand travellers in particular were down 13 per cent. But other areas such as South America are 'booming'. As also reflected in the Finder survey results, it appears older Australians are less likely to be deterred by what is happening politically in the US, with this age group actually travelling to the States more on Intrepid trips this year than they did last year. Leigh Barnes, who is the company's managing director of the Americas, told his team had increased their focus on domestic travel within the US, promoting the right products at the right time, and increasing their brand presence. Mr Barnes relocated his family from Australia to the States for the job in March — the same month that saw the sharpest drop in Australians travelling to the US since during the height of the Covid pandemic, according to US International Trade Administration statistics. Australian visitor numbers fell 7 per cent in March this year, compared to March 2024 — the biggest drop since March 2021. Tourism Economics — which forecasts foreign traveller arrivals in the US will sharply decline this year resulting in a loss of $9 billion in spending — said decisions from the Trump administration are creating a 'negative sentiment shift toward the US among travellers'. The travel data company's April report cited Mr Trump's stance on border security and immigration as one of the factors discouraging visits. Mr Trump rejects the notion that the country's tourism industry is in any trouble — saying 'tourism is way up'. Border ordeals that are spooking travellers Security checks at US airports have garnered much attention in recent months amid Mr Trump's 'enhanced vetting' for arrivals at US airports and cases of tourists being denied entry on arrival, and at times, strip searched and thrown in prison. Former NSW police officer Nikki Saroukos is one of those people who recently travelled to the US using an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program and was deported, but first she had to spend a night in a federal prison. She said she was subjected to invasive searches and humiliating treatment for trying to spend time with her US military husband stationed in Hawaii. The US Department of Homeland Security later issued what it described as a 'fact check' on X after she went public with the ordeal, accusing her of having 'unusual activity on her phone, including 1000 deleted text messages from her husband'. Homeland Security said 'officers determined that she was travelling for more than just tourism'. But Ms Saroukos strongly denies having any plans to live permanently in the US. The Sydney resident, who married her husband Matt in January after a whirlwind long-distance romance, told she was 'in disbelief at how ridiculous' the statement was and claimed that some of the information included had been 'twisted'. Why denied tourists can end up in federal prison CBP has long had strong powers to deny entry, detain and deport foreigners at their discretion when travellers arrive in the country even if they have a valid visa or ESTA. However, what we are seeing under the Trump administration is described as 'enhanced vetting'. Australians are being warned to not assume they are exempt to more intense checks, including inspections of emails, text messages or social media accounts at the airport. Melissa Vincenty, a US immigration lawyer and Australian migration agent who is managing director of Worldwide Migration Partners, told recently that being taken to federal prison with no criminal record, no drugs or anything that is a danger to society is the reality of being denied entry to the US in Hawaii. Ms Vincenty, a dual-citizen who was a deportation defence lawyer in Honolulu before moving to Australia, explained the state did not have an immigration facility so people were taken to the Federal Detention Center Honolulu, where there was no separate wing for immigration. It meant tourists who were denied entry to the US could be held alongside those awaiting trial — or who have been convicted and were waiting to be transferred to a mainland prison for serious federal crimes, such as kidnapping, bank robbery or drug crimes. 'It's like in the movies — you go there and there's bars, you get strip searched, all your stuff is taken away from you, you're not allowed to call anybody, nobody knows where you are,' Ms Vincenty told in April after the experience of two young German tourists being strip searched and thrown in prison made global headlines. Ms Vincenty said for Australians who were denied entry to the US in other locations like Los Angeles, San Francisco or Dallas, being held in detention facilities until the next available flight home was a real risk as there weren't constant return flights to Australia — meaning you might have to wait until the next day. If not taken to a detention facility, some travellers may stay sitting for hours in what is called a secondary inspection at the airport. A secondary inspection includes further vetting such as searching travellers' electronic devices. 'That period can last from half an hour to 15 hours or more,' she said.
