Monday, June 23, 2025

Against the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran, the travel industry was heavily affected in the last few days. On last Saturday evening, the United States bombed three nuclear facilities of Iran, a rising tension that brought world attention.

As the situation remains increasingly volatile, several airlines reported cancellations and rescheduling of flights to major Middle East hubs of Doha and Dubai. Travel plans being uncertain have had people guessing what effects it will have on travel plans, more so for Australians who are preparing for their summer holidays.

With the Middle East at the center of geopolitical unrest, airlines have started making immediate adjustments to their flight schedules. Passengers traveling to popular Middle Eastern destinations now face a higher likelihood of cancellations and rerouted flights. The disruption comes at a time when European summer travel is at its peak, with many Australians preparing for long-haul flights to Europe.

Skroo Turner, a leading figure in the Australian travel industry, expressed his concern about the situation, telling Travel Weekly, “It’s obviously a worrying time for travel agents, their customers, and airlines, particularly if the hostilities get worse, more active, and more widespread.” This reflects the uncertainty that both travelers and travel agents face as they try to navigate through rapidly changing circumstances.

Turner emphasized that although airlines are still operating flights through the Middle East, disruptions are inevitable. He urged travelers to stay informed about their flight status and check with travel agents or airlines directly before departure. While some airlines have cancelled flights, others have rerouted them, and the situation continues to evolve.

Flight Centre, one of Australia’s largest travel agencies, is closely monitoring the situation, according to Turner. “Today will give us a good indication of what the issues are going to be,” he said. “We’ll know whether we’re going to get a spate of cancellations from people worried about traveling; I’d be surprised. I think most of the long-haul travelers will be okay.”

Turner’s optimism reflects the cautious hope that the disruptions will not be as extensive as during past crises. However, he acknowledged that the situation remains unpredictable, particularly as the conflict unfolds. “We’re pretty hopeful that things won’t be totally disrupted and may return to a level of normalcy in a week or two. That’s what we expect at the moment. I just hope I’m not wrong,” Turner added.

In discussing how this current crisis compares to previous travel disruptions, Turner pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic remains the most significant and disruptive event in his years of experience in the travel industry. “The Gulf War in 1991 was very disruptive for maybe a few weeks to a couple of months—there were a lot of cancellations for that, and the second Gulf War and September 11, but nothing, nothing, nothing like COVID, in terms of being in the travel industry,” Turner said. The COVID-19 pandemic set an unprecedented level of disruption, with global travel coming to a halt for months.

This comparison is particularly pertinent as the travel industry continues to recover from the pandemic’s long-term impacts. While the Middle East conflict adds a layer of uncertainty, the industry’s resilience and adaptation are helping travelers manage these latest disruptions.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has been proactive in educating travelers about their rights during times of conflict. Dean Long, CEO of ATIA, advised customers to avoid panicking and, more importantly, to refrain from canceling their flights unnecessarily. “The closure of airspace is not new,” Long explained. “Airlines have been rerouting around Russia and Ukraine for more than two years and are now adjusting again.”

Long’s advice centers on the importance of letting airlines make decisions about cancellations or rebookings, as canceling flights independently could jeopardize travelers’ rights. The lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic remain relevant. He emphasized that cancellations often reduce travelers’ rights, and it is better to allow airlines to handle these situations directly.

Long also highlighted the benefits of working with an ATIA-accredited travel business. These agencies have direct access to airline systems, allowing them to assist travelers in navigating delays, diversions, or cancellations more effectively. “Having an ATIA-accredited travel business on your side makes all the difference,” Long said. “They have the expertise and the resources to secure rebookings or refunds, ensuring travelers don’t have to handle the disruptions alone.”

As the Middle East conflict continues to impact the global travel landscape, travelers and agents should brace for possible disruptions, particularly as airlines adjust their routes to avoid conflict zones. Australian travelers heading for Europe or the Middle East should remain vigilant and maintain regular communication with their travel agents and airlines.

Despite the immediate concerns, experts like Turner remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that the disruptions will be short-lived. The travel industry, although temporarily shaken, is resilient. As airlines continue to adapt and reroute flights to ensure the safety of their passengers, travelers should trust in the industry’s ability to navigate these challenges.

In these uncertain times, being informed is of utmost importance to visitors, most particularly those who intend to travel to or depart the Middle East by air. Travel agents, most particularly those who are members of ATIA, are best positioned to give visitors the most exact and latest information, thus empowering visitors to adjust their plans accordingly. As the geopolitical scene remains unstable, visitors can rely on industry experts to be better prepared and better positioned for these possible disruptions to set in.

References: ATIA Official Website