If you’re planning a trip to the Middle East or Europe, you might want to check your flight status ASAP.
Qatar’s major international airport has reopened its airspace after a temporary closure, but the travel chaos is far from over.
Dozens of flights were diverted or cancelled, and Aussie travelers are still feeling the effects.
What Happened?
The airspace was closed after an attack on a US air base in Qatar, which led to a massive disruption in air traffic.
Several airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, and FlyDubai, were affected, and flights were diverted to other countries like India and Singapore.
How Are Australian Travelers Affected?
Qantas has confirmed that several of its flights have been impacted, including QF33 from Perth to Paris, which has been turned back to Perth, and QF9 from Perth to London, which has been diverted to Singapore.
Passengers on the affected flights will be given overnight accommodation until they can be rebooked.
Other Airlines Affected
It’s not just Qantas that’s been affected. Virgin flights operated by Qatar and several Qatar Airways flights from major Australian cities have been diverted or cancelled.
Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways have also suspended services to Gulf destinations, including Dubai.
What to Expect
Qatar Airways has warned of significant delays to its flight schedule, and passengers are advised to check the airline’s website or mobile app for updates.
The disruptions are expected to have a major impact on air traffic in the region, with Qatar and Dubai being two of the biggest hubs for international travel.
What to Do If Your Flight Is Affected
If you’re traveling in the next 24-72 hours, don’t cancel your flight just yet. Your airline or travel agent will contact you if your flight is cancelled, and you may be eligible for a full cash refund.
If you don’t want to travel, you can request a refund, but if you do want to travel, the airline is responsible for putting you on another plane to get you to your destination.
The Bigger Picture
The closure of Qatar’s airspace has highlighted the importance of the region in international travel.
With hundreds of flights connecting through Qatar and Dubai every day, the disruptions are expected to have a major impact on the commercial aviation industry.
As the situation continues to unfold, travelers are advised to stay up to date with the latest information and plan accordingly.