We are closely and carefully monitoring the evolving situation across the Middle East, staying in constant contact with our airline and global partners. For our most up-to-date information, read below.
June 17, 2026
Travel Advice Lowered for Major Middle East Transit Hubs
Updated: Wednesday 17 June 2026
The Australian Government has lowered its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from Level 4: Do Not Travel to Level 3: Reconsider Your Need to Travel.
This change applies to key Middle East transit hubs including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, providing greater certainty for travellers connecting through the region.
Travel advice has also been lowered for Israel, Bahrain and Kuwait. Lebanon remains at Do Not Travel.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised that it will continue to closely monitor the situation, and travel advice may change again if conditions deteriorate.
Travellers should continue to check Smartraveller before booking and before departure, ensure they hold appropriate travel insurance, and carefully review their policy wording and Product Disclosure Statement.
Why this matters for your business
Over recent weeks, the Level 4 advisory created uncertainty for many travellers transiting through the Gulf. While major hubs continued to operate, the advisory affected insurance availability and added concern for travellers and travel managers.
The move to Level 3 provides greater confidence for organisations using these important international transit routes, while still reinforcing the need for travellers to stay informed and make considered decisions based on their individual circumstances.
What changes for travellers
With advice now at Level 3, travel insurance may again be available for many travellers transiting through the UAE and Qatar, subject to individual insurer terms, conditions and policy wording.
The return of greater certainty around these routes also supports travellers and organisations reviewing upcoming travel plans through Gulf carriers and major transit hubs.
For the latest official update, read the Australian Government’s Middle East travel advice release.
If you’ve been holding off on finalising your travel plans, now is the time to get in touch with the CT Connections team. Our experts are closely monitoring the situation and can help ensure your travel arrangements, airline options and insurance coverage are aligned with the latest advice.
CT Connections is an ATIA-accredited travel management company, committed to keeping our clients informed, supported and travelling with confidence.
June 5, 2026
Airline Operational Updates
Emirates (EK)
Key updates include:
- Adelaide
Currently operating 5 weekly services between Dubai and Adelaide on the A350-900.
Effective 19 June 2026: Daily services will be reinstated.
- Brisbane
Daily A380 services between Dubai and Brisbane continue to operate as scheduled.
- Melbourne
Effective immediately: Services will operate as two daily A380 flights between Dubai and Melbourne.
Customers impacted by the cancellation of EK404/EK405 between 19–30 June 2026 are eligible for Emirates rebooking options.
- Perth
Daily Boeing 777-300ER services between Dubai and Perth continue to operate as scheduled.
- Sydney
Currently operating two daily A380 services between Dubai and Sydney.
Effective 19 June 2026: A third daily service will be reinstated with the return of EK416/EK417, operated by a three-class Boeing 777-300ER.
- Sydney – Christchurch
Daily services between Sydney and Christchurch continue to operate as scheduled.
Greater Flexibility for New Tickets
To provide additional peace of mind, customers who booked Emirates flights from 2 April 2026 onwards for travel from 1 June 2026 and beyond are eligible for:
- One complimentary date change
- Available across all cabins
- Subject to applicable fare conditions
As always, our team continues to monitor updates and is here to support with any planning or changes.
Further updates: Current flight schedule | Emirates
May 26, 2026
Airline Operational Updates
Qatar (QR)
Stopover in Qatar – Greater Booking Flexibility
For bookings made by 30 September 2026, additional flexibility is now available for eligible customers travelling to Doha or including a stopover in Qatar as part of their journey.
This added flexibility provides greater peace of mind and support if travel plans change.
If your plans have changed, here are your options:
1. Rebook your flight
- One rebooking penalty waiver available, in line with fare rules
- Travel dates can be moved up to 30 September 2026
- Subject to applicable fare conditions
2. Request a refund
- Refund penalty waiver available for fully unutilised tickets
- Includes fares that would normally be non-refundable
Important
Applies only to bookings that include a stay in Doha, either as a destination or stopover. Does not apply to transit-only itineraries. Terms and conditions apply*
As always, our team continues to monitor updates and is here to support with any planning or changes.
Further updates: Travel Alerts | Qatar Airways
