The ongoing conflict and instability in the Middle East are causing increasing concern for Australians planning international travel. Several Middle Eastern carriers have suspended operations from Australian airports, while others continue limited services from key hubs such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar—but not at full capacity.
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Travel Insurance Exclusions
Most travel insurance policies explicitly exclude coverage for war, armed conflict, or political instability. The Insurance Council of Australia has stated:
“War and armed conflict often occur unpredictably, making them uninsurable. These events are therefore excluded from standard travel insurance policies.”
Additionally, if a country is classified as “Do Not Travel” by Smartraveller, any losses incurred while travelling through that country are not covered. However, if a portion of the trip is completed without incident, the entire policy is not automatically voided.
Should You Cancel Flights?
Experts advise against pre-emptively cancelling flights. Voluntary cancellations are generally treated as a “change of mind”, which may result in losing most refund, credit, or rebooking options.
Airline Policies
Current airline policies for affected regions are summarised below:
| Airline | Travel Dates | Policy Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Until 31 March | Full refund or rebooking if travel disrupted |
| Qatar Airways | 28 Feb – 28 Mar | Full refund or free rebooking |
| Etihad Airways | 28 Feb – 21 Mar | Refund or free rebooking, valid until 15 May |
| Lufthansa, British Airways, United, Singapore Airlines, Wizz Air | Until 15 Mar | Full refund or rebooking options |
| Qantas | Ongoing | QF9 Perth–London operational; refuelling in Singapore |
Experts recommend contacting your travel agent or airline directly to confirm the exact conditions for your booking.
Travel Insurance Availability
It is still possible to purchase travel insurance for trips via the Middle East, but policies will not cover war-related losses. Typical coverage remains for:
Medical emergencies
Illness or accident
Theft or loss of baggage
Personal liability or unexpected incidents
Safety and Travel Planning Tips
Do not panic-cancel flights: Refund and rebooking options remain valid if the airline cancels.
Consider alternative routes: Travelling via Asia or North America may be safer.
Purchase flexible tickets: Ensure your tickets allow cancellations or changes.
Book refundable accommodation: Prioritise bookings that can be cancelled.
Use reputable travel agents: They can assist with rebooking and provide accurate guidance.
Stay updated: Regularly check airline apps, DFAT advisories, and Smartraveller alerts.
With the situation evolving rapidly, it is essential for travellers to remain cautious, choose appropriate insurance, and keep informed about airline policies. Current policies for Middle Eastern travel do not cover losses related to conflict, underscoring the need for thorough planning and flexibility.