Reports suggesting Australians should cancel their travel plans for the next six months are being dismissed by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), which says international travel remains safe and accessible.
ATIA CEO Dean Long said that while some flight routes may be affected, airlines across Asia and the Middle East are continuing to operate and provide reliable alternatives for travellers heading to Europe.
“There are plenty of safe ways to get to Europe and the aviation sector has and will continue to adapt,” Mr Long said. “Asia is open and operating. We have flights coming out of the Middle East. There will be some delays and a bit more disruption than what we’re used to, but no one in the travel industry is going to put you in a place where it’s unsafe.”
Mr Long urged Australians not to panic or cancel their trips prematurely.
“Importantly, do not cancel,” he said. “Whether you are booked to travel in the next weeks or planning to travel in coming months. If you’re booked to go shortly via the Middle East, it is critical that you do not panic-cancel but rather wait for your airline to cancel, as otherwise you are erasing all of your rights to a refund or rebook. If your trip is in the next couple of months, talk to your accredited travel agent or tour operator as there are plenty of alternates.”
Etihad and Emirates are flying today, while major Asian carriers such as Singapore Airlines and several Chinese airlines are operating normally. Travellers may experience slightly longer flight times, but Europe remains accessible.
Mr Long said the industry has successfully managed similar disruptions before. “Twelve months ago, a 12-day conflict in the Middle East caused disruption and the travel industry resolved it quickly,” he said.
ATIA has issued practical advice for travellers:
-Check your airline’s app and the “Manage My Booking” tab before heading to the airport.
-Register with Smart Traveller at smartraveller.gov.au.
-If you’re already in the Middle East and want to return home, register with DFAT. Middle Eastern carriers are repatriating Australians at no extra cost.
-If you’re booked to travel soon, don’t panic-cancel.
– If you’re travelling later in the year, speak with your accredited travel agent about alternative routes.
ATIA represents Australia’s $69 billion travel industry, including more than 1,100 accredited members and 28,000 employees nationwide. Its members handle the majority of international air and corporate travel bookings, supporting nearly 17 million Australian travellers each year.
