PERTH- Qantas Airways (QF) was rerouted and turned back two of its long-haul international flights following a sudden military escalation in the Middle East, disrupting global air traffic.
The disruption came after Iran launched missile strikes targeting a US military base in Qatar, forcing several airlines to divert or suspend operations through the affected airspace.
Qantas flight QF33 from Perth (PER) to Paris (CDG) carrying 216 passengers returned mid-flight to Western Australia. Meanwhile, QF9, which departed from Perth for London (LHR), was diverted to Singapore (SIN) while crossing over Sri Lanka.
According to the Daily Mail, the situation has led to widespread travel disruptions and triggered urgent responses from airlines and authorities alike.
Photo: QantasQantas Flight Rerouted
The rerouting of Qantas flights comes amid rapid airspace closures across key Middle Eastern transit zones. The airline confirmed it is working with government bodies and aviation authorities to support affected passengers and restore services once airspace reopens.
Qantas also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and other major hubs to manage passenger recovery operations.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged travelers to monitor airline updates and follow official government advisories, warning that escalating tensions could severely impact global air connectivity.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), via Smartraveller, elevated its travel advisory for Qatar, encouraging travelers to exercise a high degree of caution due to regional instability.
Passengers aboard QF33 and QF9 were provided overnight accommodation in Perth and Singapore, respectively.
However, these diversions will impact the return legs—QF10 from London to Perth and QF34 from Paris to Perth. Qantas’ Sydney–Singapore–London routes (QF1/QF2) remain operational for now.
Qatar Airways (QR) announced a temporary suspension of select services due to the regional airspace shutdown.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysVirgin Australia Flights Diversion
Virgin Australia (VA), which operates flights to Doha (DOH) through a wet lease with Qatar Airways, reported that VA1 (Sydney–Doha) was diverted to Bengaluru (BLR) and VA15 (Brisbane–Doha) to Muscat (MCT).
Both aircraft landed safely, with Qatar Airways coordinating guest recovery and onward arrangements.
These disruptions come just days after Virgin Australia resumed international long-haul flights in partnership with Qatar Airways, reintroducing services on Sydney–Doha and Brisbane–Doha routes.
Photo: By Robert Myers (CC-BY-SA 3.0 AU), CC BY-SA 3.0 au, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99671465Australian Government Travel Warnings
Australia issued an urgent travel warning for those flying to or transiting through Qatar, highlighting risks of sudden airspace closures, flight cancellations, and escalating regional tensions.
Demonstrations and sudden changes in local security conditions remain possible, with experts advising against participation in protests.
Australian aviation expert Keith Tonkin explained that countries can close their airspace without warning, often impacting vast airspace corridors. Current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Ukraine, and South Asia are significantly limiting global flight paths.
Insurance specialist Tim Bennett of Finder advised that travel insurance premiums are likely to rise for itineraries involving Middle Eastern stopovers. Travelers are urged to review their policy coverage, especially post-alert issuance, as insurers may apply claim exclusions for newly booked policies.
Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, cautioned travelers against premature cancellations. “If the airline cancels, you’re guaranteed a full refund,” he said, assuring that agents or airlines will initiate contact regarding rebookings or refunds when necessary.
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