Thursday, June 19, 2025
Australia raises travel alert for Qatar and Israel amid Middle East unrest, urging travellers to stay vigilant due to rising threats of conflict and disruption.
Due to escalating tensions and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Australian authorities have issued a fresh travel advisory for a frequently visited stopover destination.
Australian travellers are being urged to exercise heightened vigilance when passing through a well-known transit hub, as regional instability in the Middle East continues to escalate.
A new travel advisory has been issued by the Australian Government, warning that transiting through Qatar—particularly via its capital, Doha—now warrants increased caution. The updated guidance reflects growing concerns over potential spillover effects from ongoing conflicts in the broader Middle East region.
The advisory highlights several key risks that could impact international travel, including possible airspace restrictions, flight disruptions, and unexpected schedule changes. Travellers are also being warned that localised security conditions may deteriorate without warning, raising the likelihood of demonstrations, civil unrest, or protests.
According to the alert, travellers should remain aware of their surroundings at all times and avoid large gatherings or public demonstrations, as these may quickly escalate and pose safety risks. Travellers passing through the region, particularly those with stopovers or connecting flights in Doha, are strongly encouraged to remain adaptable and well-prepared for sudden changes.
In light of the volatile situation, travellers are encouraged to monitor airline updates, review their travel insurance policies, and stay informed through official government travel platforms.
The advisory has been elevated from Level 1, which recommends standard safety awareness, to Level 2, advising travellers to exercise a high degree of caution. This change signals that the risks in the affected area are greater than those typically encountered in major Australian cities.
Travellers are urged to stay alert to evolving security developments and health concerns, keeping a close watch on trusted news sources and official updates. The revised guidance stresses the importance of being well-informed and prepared before departure.
While the advisory does not discourage travel outright, it encourages individuals to conduct thorough research, remain vigilant, and adopt added safety measures throughout their journey.
The next tier above the current advisory level for Qatar is Level 3, which advises travellers to seriously reconsider any plans to visit the destination. At the highest level, Level 4, a strict ‘do not travel’ warning is issued, indicating that anyone already in the area should consider departing without delay due to severe threats to personal safety and wellbeing.
Earlier this week, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade raised its travel advisory level for those planning to visit Israel.
Although certain regions of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, such as Gaza and border zones, were already under a Level 4 ‘do not travel’ alert, the Australian Government expanded this highest-level advisory on Friday to cover the entire country.
Amid rising instability, Australia has upgraded its travel advice for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to the highest warning level, advising against all travel.The decision reflects mounting concerns over armed conflict, civil unrest, and ongoing threats of terrorism.
The update cites a heightened risk of further violence following recent military actions in Iran, which have increased the likelihood of retaliatory attacks targeting Israel. Authorities have since declared a nationwide state of emergency, reinforcing the severity of the current security environment.
Virgin Australia, which recently began operating direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Doha through its wet lease collaboration with Qatar Airways, has confirmed that current services remain unaffected by the regional conflict.
According to the airline, flights to and from Doha are continuing as scheduled. In the event that any adjustments become necessary, both Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways will coordinate efforts to implement safe travel alternatives while keeping passengers informed of any changes to their itineraries.
Qatar Airways has announced the suspension of flights to several destinations across the Middle East in response to the growing instability in the region. However, flights operating to and from Doha, Qatar, continue without disruption for the time being.
The airline confirmed that services to Iran, Iraq, and Syria have been temporarily halted. In Iran, flights to Imam Khomeini (IKA), Mashhad (MHD), and Shiraz (SYZ) airports have been affected. In Iraq, suspended routes include those to Baghdad (BGW), Erbil (EBL), Basra (BSR), Sulaymaniyah (ISU), and Najaf (NJF). Meanwhile, in Syria, operations at Damascus International Airport (DAM) have also been paused.
Travellers are encouraged to check the latest flight schedules and travel alerts via the airline’s official website. Qatar Airways reiterated its commitment to prioritizing passenger safety and stated that ongoing assessments of the regional situation will guide any future operational decisions.
Elsewhere, similar cautionary measures have been enacted. In the United States, the government recently raised its travel warning for Israel to Level 4—the highest advisory level—citing risks related to armed conflict, terrorism, and widespread civil unrest.
The security environment in Israel, including major cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, remains highly unstable. According to an updated travel advisory, individuals are urged to stay alert and take proactive measures to enhance their personal safety, as sudden incidents—including rocket attacks, missile strikes, and armed drone activity—may occur with little or no warning.
According to recent reports, travellers have been strongly advised to avoid visiting the West Bank due to ongoing threats of terrorism and civil unrest. Additionally, all travel to Gaza is being discouraged because of persistent armed conflict and elevated security risks linked to terrorism.
The advisory strongly urges anyone considering travel to the Gaza Strip, which is under the control of Hamas, to take serious precautions. These include preparing a will, and gathering sufficient food, water, and medical supplies to last for an extended or uncertain period, as border crossings with both Israel and Egypt may be closed without notice.
This heightened warning follows a recent decision allowing the departure of family members of government personnel and select non-essential staff from the region, reflecting growing concerns over the unstable and rapidly shifting security landscape.
