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It was all shaping up nicely—an escape from winter’s bite in Sydney or Auckland, perhaps a cheeky detour to Jordan, a luxury shopping binge in Dubai, or a camel selfie in Petra for the ‘Gram. But the travel gods, as they tend to do, have decided to lob another wrench in the works. This time it’s dressed in desert fatigues and diplomatic tension, and it’s called “Middle East Mayhem – Part Infinity.”

The latest instalment in the region’s geopolitical soap opera—starring Iran, Israel, Syria, and a few cameos from Lebanon and the Red Sea—has thrown global air travel into yet another tailspin. And, as usual, Australian, New Zealand and Singaporean travellers are left clutching their passports and Googling “how long is too long for a Bali layover?”

✈️ Qantas and the Great Circle Detour

Let’s start with our national carrier. Qantas’ fabled Perth–London Dreamliner route—known for its no-nonsense, efficient jaunt through the Middle East—is now under “review.” Translation from airline-speak? It’s best to start by familiarising yourself with the geography of Java, because that direct path is looking about as viable as an esky in the Sahara.

This isn’t the first time Qantas has had to sidestep trouble. Post-Ukraine invasion, Russian airspace has already been scribbled out in red pen. Now, with Iran, Iraq and Israeli airspace under duress, the airline is recalculating like a flustered GPS in a country town.

🚢 Cruises Cancelled, Suez Sidelined

Meanwhile, cruise lines—never ones to risk a floating buffet within missile range—have wasted no time in dropping anchor elsewhere. The Red Sea, once touted as a cradle of civilisation, now resembles a cradle of crisis. Silversea, Viking, MSC and others have begun pulling ports like magicians pulling rabbits, substituting Jerusalem for Naples and Egypt for Athens—presumably with a side of tzatziki.

One disappointed cruiser, overheard in a Melbourne travel agency, summed it up: “I booked to see the Holy Land, not Holy Moly—it’s a war zone.”

🧳 Tour Operators in Triage Mode

Back on dry land, Aussie tour operators are scribbling disclaimers faster than a used-car dealer during a hailstorm sale.

Intrepid Travel, based in Melbourne, has gone into full contingency mode. “Departures to Jordan and Egypt are reviewed weekly,” their website politely intones—though it might as well say, “cross your fingers and maybe light a candle.”

Sydneysider and travel agent Angela Carver didn’t mince words: “If the locals are running for cover, it’s not your moment for a selfie in front of the Pyramids.”

🛡️ Insurance? Yes. War Cover? Unlikely.

If you’re one of those diligent types who read the fine print on your travel insurance (bless you), you might want to revisit the bit about “acts of war” and “civil unrest.” According to nib Travel, cover for such incidents is rarer than an empty departure lounge at LAX.

“We always advise travellers to check what their policy includes,” said one nib spokesperson. “In most cases, if your plane is hit by shrapnel, you’re probably on your own—at least financially.”

Top-tier “cancel for any reason” insurance exists, yes—but like a luxury suite at the Burj Al Arab, it’s priced for royalty, not retirees.

📢 DFAT’s Advice? “Reconsider That Hummus”

Over at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Smartraveller website has had a busy week.

Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and parts of Israel are now stamped with stern advisories: “Reconsider your need to travel.” Translated from bureaucrat to bog-standard Aussie: “You probably don’t need a falafel that badly.”

Even travel to more “stable” Gulf nations like the UAE and Qatar comes with cautionary notes—not for the destination per se, but for the journey to get there. That brings us to the real fly in the ointment: the skies themselves.

🔥 Qatar Airspace: Closed, Then Reopened—but the Chaos Lingers

When Qatar abruptly closed its airspace amidst soaring regional tension, it created a logistical logjam that sent ripples across Asia-Pacific.

✈️ Impact on New Zealand Travellers

Qatar Airways, the airline that practically invented the 14-hour layover in Doha, was forced to suspend and reroute long-haul services from Auckland and Wellington.

Although no recent Kiwi-specific reroutes have been linked directly to the airspace closure, there’s precedent aplenty. In December 2024, flight QR920 (Doha–Auckland) detoured to the Maldives due to a technical glitch. In the current tense climate, similar long-haul surprises are now well within the realm of possibility.

Air New Zealand, for its part, hasn’t flagged any rerouting linked to the Qatar airspace saga—yet. But you’d be wise not to get too comfortable.

✈️ Impact on Singapore Flights

Now for Singapore—home of hawker stalls and precision timetables. Even the ever-efficient Singapore Airlines (SIA) has had to concede to chaos.

SIA confirmed cancellations of select flights to Dubai and Doha and extended flight times across European routes due to necessary reroutes via Saudi Arabia and Central Asia. That adds up to 60 minutes on average, though for some, it may feel like 600 minutes if the in-flight Wi-Fi is not working properly.

In one high-profile move, SIA grounded flights SQ494 and SQ495 (Singapore–Dubai) on June 22–23, citing security concerns. Low-cost arm Scoot has followed suit, steering clear of Iranian airspace entirely since mid-2024.

✈️ Summary for the Region

New Zealand: Qatar Airways flights to Doha suspended or rerouted; expect disruptions.
Singapore: Direct flights to Doha and Dubai cancelled; others rerouted to avoid Iran/Iraq.
Australia: Gulf stopovers under strain; potential delays for passengers using Middle Eastern hubs.

✈️ The Good News? Qatar Airways Is Back in the Air

There’s a flicker of relief: Qatar Airways has officially resumed operations following the reopening of Qatari airspace.

“We’re working closely with government authorities to restore operations and get passengers home safely,” the airline said in a statement that managed to sound both comforting and exhausted.

Additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport and key locations. Still, the airline warns of “significant delays.”

If you’ve got a Qatar Airways flight coming up, best double-check your booking—then check again.

📣 ATIA: Don’t Panic, Pack Snacks

ATIA CEO Dean Long

Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), has been Australia’s voice of travel reason during countless crises. This one’s no different.

“Australians flying via the Middle East should be ready for delays,” Long said. “But there are established systems in place. We’ve been here before—remember COVID, volcanoes, and those occasional Icelandic ash clouds?”

Indeed. The post-COVID travel ecosystem has become a versatile and adaptable framework.

Long’s advice is simple but sound: “Wait for the airline to cancel before you do. That way, you’re entitled to a refund. Cancel on your own, and you could be left with a voucher and a grudge.”

And if your travel plans were self-assembled at midnight during a sale? Consider ringing an accredited ATIA travel agent. They know their way around emergency reroutes, refund policies, and, if necessary, where to find the nearest vineyard when your Middle East trip turns into a McLaren Vale staycation.

💼 The Unsung Hero: Your Local Travel Agent

In an era of algorithmic bookings and robotic chatbots, the humble travel agent is having a renaissance. ATIA agents have been instrumental in rescuing stranded travellers, rebooking airfares, and sometimes just offering a calm voice in a sea of panic.

“In volatile situations like this,” Dean Long said, “your best bet is an accredited travel professional. They’ll save you time, money, and blood pressure.”

🧭 Final Boarding Call: Stay Flexible, Stay Smart

To sum it up? The Middle East is unpredictable, airlines are adapting, and the only certainty is change. Whether you’re flying from Melbourne, Auckland or Singapore, it’s a season to stay informed and avoid hard-and-fast plans.

Here’s your checklist:

✅ Double-check your flight status (again).
✅ Review your insurance—war cover may be optional and costly.
✅ Consider route alternatives—perhaps via Bangkok, Tokyo or even old-fashioned Frankfurt.
✅ Call your travel agent before you panic- Google your own reroute.
✅ Monitor official advice from Smartraveller, the State Department, or your carrier’s website.