Foreign minister Penny Wong has reiterated Australia’s ‘do not travel’ advice for much of the Middle East, warning a fragile ceasefire has not reduced risks for travellers.
Speaking on ABC News Breakfast on 9 April, Wong said Australians should continue to follow Smartraveller advice, with large parts of the region still deemed unsafe despite the announcement of a two-week ceasefire.
“We would say to Australians continue to observe the travel advice,” Wong said, noting the situation remains uncertain and under close watch.
The ceasefire has been welcomed as a step towards de-escalation, but Wong stressed there is “a long way to go” and warned instability could continue to impact global markets and supply chains.
The conflict has already had a knock-on effect on travel, with airlines forced to reroute flights to avoid high-risk airspace, adding time and cost to journeys between Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Carriers including Qantas and Emirates have adjusted flight paths in recent months, in some cases adding several hours to avoid affected airspace.
Wong also flagged ongoing concerns around fuel supply, noting Australia is working with international partners to secure energy access as disruptions continue.
“We see it every time we go to the petrol station… we see it in the cost that Australian motorists are paying,” she said.
Despite the cautious official stance, some industry sources have suggested travel advisories could be reviewed if the ceasefire holds beyond the initial two-week period.
There are also tentative hopes airlines may be able to resume more direct routings if conditions stabilise, potentially reducing flight times and easing operational pressures.
For now, however, the message to travellers remains unchanged.
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