Could the UAE and Qatar return to a 'do not travel' warning? What Aussies need to know
'Being prepared is far better than being surprised.'
The Australian Government has used tougher language in its latest travel advice for travel and transit through the United Arab Emirates and Qatar - but will it lead to a reinstated "do not travel" warning?
Since military conflict heightened in the region only days ago, Smartraveller has updated its advisories with tougher language about the risks for travellers. But they have stopped short of changing the travel advice level.
Current advice level unchanged
"We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel due to the unpredictable security situation in Qatar and the Middle East region," the advice states. This part remains unchanged.
The previous advice stated: "There remains a risk of military action."
But the new advice is somewhat tougher: "Military strikes and reprisal attacks have occurred in a number of locations in the Middle East in recent days, including directed towards targets" in the UAE and Qatar.
They continue to warn airspace may close at short notice.
So what does this mean for travellers who were about to travel, or are considering travelling, through the Middle East in the near future?
At this stage, the travel advice remains the same, at "reconsider your need to travel". This means Australians can obtain travel insurance to travel through these hubs.
What the experts recommend
For those with trips booked or who are about to book, advice from the experts is mixed, considering the volatile and unpredictable nature of the conflict.
Dr David Beirman, Adjunct Fellow in management and tourism at the University of Technology Sydney, and a member of the DFAT consular consulting group, says he wouldn't personally book transit through the Persian Gulf states right now.
"If it was up to me as a travel consultant, I would be suggesting that they try to change their tickets if they possibly can, because the situation at the moment appears to be that we're heading back to a conflict situation," Beirman told Explore.
"The [Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding] has practically been put in the garbage bin, so if I had tickets and I could change them to go via either Asia or Turkey or places that are outside the actual conflict zone, that would probably be a good idea, if you can do it."
Professor Daniel Gschwind from the Griffith Institute for Tourism said given the "almost daily" changes in military negotiations it is "extremely difficult for DFAT or anyone else to make long term predictions".
He advised travellers "stay in close contact" with their travel agent or airline and have a "plan B".
"Being prepared is far better than being surprised," Gschwind told Explore.
He advised travellers who are thinking of booking their tickets to Europe to consider all available information, including the conditions of the ticket and other bookings.
"You also need to assess how much potential disruption or delays in your travel plans you would be willing to accept," he said.
He added: "Minimising your financial risk is something you have some control over, so read ticketing conditions very carefully, consider using a travel agent for additional support and cover yourself with appropriate insurance."
Professor Gabby Walters, Professor in the School of Business at University of Queensland, said while the volatile situation "may be of concern, it shouldn't cause panic".
She recommended travelling through Asia if travelling for a wedding, cruise or another event with no flexibility, in case things flair up.
"While the Asian routes might be slightly more expensive, purely due to supply and demand, I would consider flying with one of the many airlines that avoid the airspace over the middle east. This would be the most dependable travel option and carry the least risk and uncertainty," Walters said.
"For those who prefer to travel via the middle east, noting air lines such as Emirates, Qatar and Etihad tend to have better access to a broader variety of European destinations, then perhaps postpone if possible until things settle, or be sure to purchase a flexible fare option."
Dr Garth Lean, Senior Lecturer in tourism and heritage studies at the University of Western Sydney, said a return to "do not travel" is "increasingly likely if the current escalation continues".
"If attacks continue, DFAT may decide that the current advice no longer reflects the level of risk. The commercial impact would be significant, but DFAT is likely to err on the side of caution," Lean told Explore.
People with existing tickets should not panic-cancel, he warned.
"Most will have booked with highly reputable airlines operating under very strong safety systems, and flights will be rerouted, delayed or suspended if conditions are determined to be unsafe," he said.
"Cancelling voluntarily can leave travellers worse off by giving up refund or rebooking rights that may become available if the airline changes or cancels the service. The better approach is to retain the booking and watch for updates from the airline, rather than surrendering those rights prematurely.
"Travellers can contact their airline or travel agent to clarify fare conditions and available rebooking or refund options."
For those about to book, he suggested considering alternatives "that avoid transit through the Gulf".
My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.
Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
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