The Australian government has sent fresh warnings for travellers to the Middle East, amid fears regional instability could spread as Iran’s leadership grapples with its most serious domestic unrest in years.
The advice came as Iran temporarily closed its airspace to all flights except international ones to and from Iran with official permission, according to a notice posted on the Federal Aviation Administration’s website.
The prohibition is set to last two hours but could be extended, the notice said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued updated travel advice on Thursday via its Smartraveller platform for people in or heading to the region, warning of the risk posed by missiles and drones launched from neighbouring countries.
DFAT also cautioned that widespread civil unrest, including demonstrations and protests, could erupt across countries near Iran, increasing the danger to foreign nationals.
The unrest, driven by dire economic conditions and swiftly widening into demands for political change, represents the most significant internal challenge to Iran’s rulers in at least three years and comes amid intensifying international pressure following Israeli and the United States strikes last year.
Where do the travel warnings say?
DFAT issued updated warnings advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution or avoid travel altogether to the following places: Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen, Lebanon, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Lebanon, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Australians are being told “do not travel” to Iraq, Yemen or the occupied Palestinian territories, “reconsider your need to travel” to Lebanon and Israel, and to “exercise a high degree of caution” regarding the other states.
“The security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable,” the Thursday update states.
“Conflicts in the Middle East could lead to in an increase in tensions elsewhere in the region and may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice.”
Some regions have ongoing warnings about the threat of terrorism.
Airlines to ‘bypass’ Middle East
Flight tracking website Flightradar24 confirmed airspace disruptions on Wednesday.
“Iran is closing its airspace to all flights except international flights to and from Iran with permission,” the website said.
Germany’s Lufthansa airline said on Wednesday its flights would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace “until further notice”.
The group, which includes Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover, Eurowings, Swiss and ITA Airways, said in a statement it was bypassing the airspace “due to the current situation in the Middle East”.
Lufthansa said it would operate its routes to Israel and Jordan as daytime flights from Thursday to Monday next week, with its crews not having an overnight stay, and that other flights would be cancelled.
Air India said flights over the region are being rerouted or cancelled and warned this could cause delays.
— With additional reporting by Agence France-Presse
