<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The escalating conflict in the </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/middle-east" rel="" target="_blank" title="Middle East"><span>Middle East</span></a><span> has thrown travel plans into chaos, with thousands stranded at major </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/airports" rel="" target="_blank" title="airports"><span>airports</span></a><span> in the region as airspaces are shut and flights grounded.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>With </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/dubai" rel="" target="_blank" title="Dubai"><span>Dubai</span></a><span> and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Doha in </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/qatar" rel="" target="_blank" title="Qatar"><span>Qatar</span></a><span> being key stopovers for </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/australia" rel="" target="" title="Australians"><span>Australians</span></a><span> travelling to </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/europe" rel="" target="_blank" title="Europe"><span>Europe</span></a><span>, many who have upcoming trips planned are questioning their flight plans.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Given the uncertainty surrounding travel through the Middle East region, here are some stopover points to use to get to Europe, and what people with flights coming soon should do.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>LIVE UPDATES:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-attack-iran-live-updates-donald-trump-latest-world-news-headlines/95e0f1d7-cdf4-42ad-866d-569779885e71" target="_blank"><strong><span>Trump says the 'big wave' is yet to come in war with Iran</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><span>Should I cancel my Europe holiday?</span></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Despite the current uncertainty, experts say Australians should not cancel their European holidays or their flights through the Middle East if they are booked.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long told nine.com.au that people who cancel their flights jeopardise the chance of getting a refund or a cheaper or free rebooking.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/world/how-to-fly-to-europe-from-australia-without-stopping-over-middle-east-explained/f9f0fe00-fa2d-48e8-853b-95e843c617ff" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Do not cancel your trip, you will lose the consumer rights that you have available to you, such as a full refund," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-attacks-iran-conservative-commentators-lash-donald-trumps-decision-to-attack-iran/ba98ba21-78ba-428b-bfa9-ad23844cba82" target="_blank"><strong><span>Conservative commentators lash Donald Trump's decision to attack Iran</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>He said travellers should wait for the airline to make a call - essentially, let them cancel the flight, meaning it is then their responsibility to offer adequate compensation in the form of a refund or travel credit.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"You'll have to check individually with those airlines where you can get a full refund or a change to the end of March for no fee, but people should go to the relevant airline app or the travel agency app to look at those options before doing anything," Long said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"You will be out of pocket if you do it the wrong way."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><span>How can I fly to Europe without flying over the Middle East?</span></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>While the Middle East is a key hub between Australia and Europe, there are a number of alternative options available.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In terms of price and practicality, several airports in Asia remain the best options for Australians who are still looking to travel to Europe amid the uncertain situation at major hubs like Dubai and Doha.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Singapore is one of the biggest international hubs in the world, and offers flights to London from Sydney and Melbourne.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/us-terror-threat-level-iran-israel-strikes-what-is-it-explained/0ef6e153-f786-4ef2-9aaa-85a0e7d131bb" target="_blank"><strong><span>US 'on war footing' as Iran's chilling vow for revenge stokes domestic terror fears</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur airports all serve destinations in Europe as well as major cities in Australia, whilst multiple Chinese airlines offer flights to Europe at a lower price than other carriers.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Long did warn fares were increasing as demand for these regions grew.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We have seen substantial fare increases at the moment, anywhere between 20 and 80 per cent on average across all of the Asian hubs for the next two weeks," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><span>Is it safe to fly through the Middle East right now?</span></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Some flights have started to fly through the Middle East region in the last 24 hours, especially as countries look to repatriate stranded citizens.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>An Emirates flight from Dubai to Sydney took off this morning, carrying around 200 passengers, and is due to land at around 10.30pm.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Flights have resumed to other parts of the world, though mass cancellations are continuing, with a large backlog expected for some time.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-israel-attacks-iran-richard-marles-confirms-australian-military-personnel-safe-after-strike-on-dubai-air-base-uae/7a5628dc-c4d2-4779-9bff-18567dc026a1" target="_blank"><strong><span>Australian military personnel safe after Dubai air base hit, defence minister confirms</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Long said airlines would never jeopardise the safety of their passengers, but travellers needed to prepare for disruptions if they are unable to alter their trip.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"You need to have an understanding that there will be an increased risk of disruption," he said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Qatar Airways and Etihad Airlines flights remain suspended, though the latter could resume flying tomorrow.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><h3><span>What are the latest travel warnings?</span></h3></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Australian Government is urging Australians not to travel to most countries in the Middle east, with all but three countries in the region having the highest travel warning of 'do not travel' in place.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>This includes the UAE and Qatar, as well as Iran and Lebanon, which have borne the brunt of the damage so far.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Israel's travel rating was also upgraded after it was on the end of retaliatory strikes.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Saudi Arabia, Oman and Jordan all sit at 'reconsider your need to travel', with these countries all having their warning level upgraded in recent days.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><ul><li><em><strong><span>NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all 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