Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, revealed that approximately 115,000 Australians are currently stuck in the Middle East due to flight cancellations amid US-Israeli actions against Iran. The government is monitoring the situation to resume commercial flights before organizing repatriation flights for citizens. Wong emphasized the importance of facilitating commercial flights for a swift return of individuals to Australia.
Wong issued a statement advising against travel to several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. She also suggested reconsidering travel plans to Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Australians in the region are urged to stay informed, verify travel arrangements, review insurance coverage, and follow updates from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
DFAT has activated its Crisis Center to assist Australians in the Middle East, ensuring consular support during these challenging times. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, highlighted measures taken to safeguard approximately 100 defense force personnel stationed in the region.
