The Australian Government has issued travel alerts for the entire Middle East region since Sunday, warning that escalating tensions in the Israel-Lebanon conflict could impact nearby countries and flight routes. 

On its Smartraveller website, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated advisories for the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, Iran and Iraq. An alert for Saudi Arabia was updated on 30 September. 

Warnings were even issued for Persian Gulf countries deemed at lowest risk, including Qatar and Oman, where travellers are still advised to “Exercise normal safety precautions”.

“The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East,” Smartraveller states in its blanket update. 

“There is an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests across the region. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. 

“The ongoing conflict may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, flight diversions and other travel disruptions across the region.

DFAT also updated its advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. 

“Overall, we continue to advise that you reconsider your need to travel to Israel due to the volatile security situation,” it states. 

“If you are in Israel, you should reconsider whether you need to remain and if not, depart when it’s safe to do so. Do not travel to Gaza, border areas with Gaza, border areas with Lebanon and the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem) due to the volatile security situation. There’s an ongoing threat of missile and rocket attacks in Israel.”

Overall, DFAT urges travellers to stay informed and exercise caution when visiting the entire Middle East region due to the evolving situation.

Leaving Lebanon 

The Government, meanwhile, says it is working with Australian citizens in Lebanon to secure seats on commercial flights as the threat of the closure of the country’s main gateway, Beirut Airport, grows. 

According to SBS, the Lebanese flag carrier, Middle East Airlines, is now the only major airline operating in Beirut.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on social media on Monday night that Aussies in Lebanon wishing to leave the country should register on the DFAT portal.

“We understand it’s a distressing time for Australians in Lebanon & their families. We know it’s a difficult decision to leave and difficult to find ways to leave with flight cancellations,” she stated. “dfat is working with airlines to assist Australians secure tickets on commercial flights.”

“There is a risk Beirut airport may close for an extended period. dfat is contacting registered Australians directly with updates. We continue to urge Australians in Lebanon to take the first opportunity they can to depart. Please do not wait for a preferred route.”

Want to know all of the countries on DFAT’s ‘Do Not Travel’ list, including those in the Middle East? Check out the full list of red zones.