ABC News reported on 2 March 2026 that complete or partial airspace closures across Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Israel, Iraq and Iran may persist “for weeks,” according to aviation risk analyst Dr Steven Leib. While Gulf carriers are lobbying regulators to reopen corridors quickly, foreign airlines such as Qantas and Singapore Airlines are waiting for intelligence assessments before resuming over-flights.
Sydney and Melbourne airports told the ABC that while their own operations are unaffected, the cancellation of connecting flights through Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi is creating a backlog of passengers seeking refunds or re-routing. Global distribution system (GDS) data reviewed by Flight Centre Corporate shows seat inventory between Australia and Europe is down 65 percent week-on-week.
For travellers who suddenly need alternative visas or fresh travel documents because their original routings are no longer viable, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork. Its Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) lists current entry rules for hundreds of countries and offers expedited processing, allowing passengers to secure new permits and continue their journeys with minimal disruption.
![Middle East airspace closure could leave Australians stranded for weeks, aviation expert warns]()
Dr Leib explained that airlines must complete internal risk assessments—factoring in aircraft ETOPS diversion options, insurance premiums and crew-duty limits—before dispatching flights through volatile airspace. “For some carriers a 5-hour detour adds a technical fuel stop that eliminates the economic viability of the route,” he said.
The prolonged uncertainty complicates corporate mobility plans. Employers with time-critical assignments are considering chartering aircraft via polar routes or placing staff on cargo-freighters that continue to operate under military escorts. Relocation shipments routed through Jebel Ali may also face customs delays as port operations scale back.
Travellers are urged to maintain flexible accommodation and to store digital copies of passports and visas in cloud repositories, as embassies in the region are operating with reduced staff and may be difficult to visit in person.
Sydney and Melbourne airports told the ABC that while their own operations are unaffected, the cancellation of connecting flights through Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi is creating a backlog of passengers seeking refunds or re-routing. Global distribution system (GDS) data reviewed by Flight Centre Corporate shows seat inventory between Australia and Europe is down 65 percent week-on-week.
For travellers who suddenly need alternative visas or fresh travel documents because their original routings are no longer viable, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork. Its Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) lists current entry rules for hundreds of countries and offers expedited processing, allowing passengers to secure new permits and continue their journeys with minimal disruption.
Dr Leib explained that airlines must complete internal risk assessments—factoring in aircraft ETOPS diversion options, insurance premiums and crew-duty limits—before dispatching flights through volatile airspace. “For some carriers a 5-hour detour adds a technical fuel stop that eliminates the economic viability of the route,” he said.
The prolonged uncertainty complicates corporate mobility plans. Employers with time-critical assignments are considering chartering aircraft via polar routes or placing staff on cargo-freighters that continue to operate under military escorts. Relocation shipments routed through Jebel Ali may also face customs delays as port operations scale back.
Travellers are urged to maintain flexible accommodation and to store digital copies of passports and visas in cloud repositories, as embassies in the region are operating with reduced staff and may be difficult to visit in person.
