Australian Eurovision fans face major travel disruption amid Middle East conflict

Australian Eurovision fans face major travel disruption with cancelled flights and 'do not travel' warnings for Middle East transit airports.

When attending the recent OGAE Australia Eurovision preview party, the songs weren't the only talking point.

For many fans I spoke to, their concern was travel and safety with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The airports in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are key hubs for Australians when travelling to Europe.

Some were waiting to see how it played out, and some had already changed plans to go via East and South East Asia.

As the conflict continues, flights through those key transit hubs are being cancelled and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are warning travellers not to travel through the region.

Airports have previously been hit during the ongoing conflict.

A statement from Virgin Australia confirmed services between Australia and Doha have been cancelled through to at least mid-June, with ongoing uncertainty due to the regional security situation.

OGAE Australia President Lachlan Woods was among those affected by the disruptions, with flights via Doha cancelled.

“My travel plans were disrupted when I was notified by my travel agent that my flights to and from Europe via Doha were cancelled,” he said.

“While I was able to confirm and secure a refund, I did have to rebook my flights.”

“It was tedious to do, but very grateful that my plans are now back on track.”

Others acted early to avoid the uncertainty altogether.

Aussievision’s own Joel Grace said he quickly secured backup flights that avoided the Middle East when the conflict began.

“When the war first began we didn’t know how long it was going to last, even though the news said it would only be 3-4 weeks tops,” he said.

“My original flights would’ve taken me through Doha, and I didn’t want to risk having my trip cancelled last minute and possibly missing out on Eurovision altogether.”

“So I quickly bought some fully refundable backup flights that avoided the Middle East just as an insurance policy, not really thinking I’d need to use them.”

“Turns out Qatar have cancelled my original flights so my instincts paid off, because if I had to purchase the backup tickets today they’d be quadruple the price.”

For Lachlan, avoiding the region entirely became the safest option moving forward.

“A primary step was ensuring that I rebooked flights that avoided the Middle East,” he said.

“While it has meant absorbing a higher airfare, there is some assurance that the flights will continue and not be immediately impacted by the crisis in the Middle East.”

OGAE Australia support

The situation has also prompted OGAE Australia to actively support members navigating the uncertainty.

“OGAE Australia members have been given access to a specialised WhatsApp group to connect with other members who are experiencing similar challenges, so I would highly recommend joining the group,” Lachlan said.

He also stressed the importance of following official travel advice.

“Importantly, members should be aware that at the moment, almost all countries in the Middle East are listed as ‘Do Not Travel’ on the Smartraveller website,” he said.

“This means that travel insurance companies have no obligation to support you if any incident occurs, including cancelled flights or other impacts stemming from the crisis.”

“It is still important to get travel insurance - if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.”

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the conflict has caused widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations and global fuel supply issues.

Travellers may face delays, cancellations and disruptions even if they are not flying directly through the Middle East.

They also state not to cancel without reaching out to your travel agent or airline.

"If your trip includes a transit or stop in a ‘Do not travel’ country, contact your travel agent or airline about alternative routes, re-booking or refunds. Do not cancel your flights until you get professional advice."

DFAT has warned that airspace can close at short notice, flights can stop suddenly and borders may shut without warning.

Safety is key,

For fans still planning to attend Eurovision, flexibility and caution are key.

“The situation in the Middle East is in a state of flux, with new developments every day,” Lachlan said.

“Fans should remain calm and take steps to ensure their experience of Eurovision in Vienna is a safe and memorable one.”

“It is also understandable to decide, for your own safety, not to travel to Vienna.”

“The contest will live on, and there will be events in Australia to attend, and future contests to attend in person.”

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