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.
April 20, 2026
Airline Operational Updates
Emirates (EK)
Flight Updates
1. Network Recovery Progressing
Emirates is now operating to over 100 destinations, with the network continuing to rebuild following earlier disruptions. A positive step forward, with Bahrain services resuming from 22 April.
Your options
- Rebooking: New bookings
- Customers who booked from 2 April 2026 for travel from 1 June onwards are eligible for:
→ One complimentary date change across all cabins
- Customers who booked from 2 April 2026 for travel from 1 June onwards are eligible for:
- Rebooking conditions: For impacted tickets (28 Feb – 31 May travel window):
- Up to 15 June 2026
→ Rebook in any booking class within the same cabin - From 16 June onwards
→ Rebooking must be in the original booking class
- Up to 15 June 2026
- Refunds:
Available. Conditions apply.
Further updates: Current flight schedule | Emirates
Qatar (QR)
Flight Updates
Qatar Airways has announced an increase in services from Australia, providing greater flexibility and connectivity for upcoming travel.
What’s changing?
From 16 June 2026, services will expand to over 150 destinations via Doha, with:
- Double daily flights returning to Melbourne and Sydney
- Daily services resuming from Brisbane and Adelaide
- Improved access across all major Australian gateways
This is a positive step forward, offering more choice and availability for international travel planning.
Additional support measures:
- Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) in Doha is currently 45 minutes for travel up to 15 September 2026
- Complimentary Stopover for the Purpose of Connection (STPC) remains available for eligible itineraries during this period
What this means for your travellers
With capacity increasing, we recommend securing bookings early to access preferred flight options and schedules.
As always, our team continues to monitor updates and is here to support with any planning or changes.
Further updates: Travel Alerts | Qatar Airways
April 17, 2026
Airline Operational Updates
Qatar (QR)
Qatar Airways Update – Refund Policy Change
Important update from Qatar Airways regarding refunds amid the ongoing Middle East disruptions.
What’s changed?
As of 17 April 2026, Qatar Airways has updated its refund policy:
- Full refunds are now only available for impacted flights(i.e. flights that have been cancelled or rescheduled)
- For non-impacted bookings, standard fare rules now apply (this means voluntary refunds may no longer be permitted, depending on the fare conditions)
- What this means for you
If your flight has been disrupted, you remain eligible for a full refund or rebooking options - If your flight is still operating as scheduled, flexibility is now more limited and subject to fare rules
April 15, 2026
Airline Operational Updates
Emirates (EK)
Flight Updates
1. Brisbane Services Returning
Daily Dubai–Brisbane (EK434/EK435) flights resume from 1 May 2026
Strong signal of gradual network recovery for Australia
2. Middle East Network Reopening (via flydubai)
Tel Aviv: Double-daily services resume 16 April
Iraq (Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaimaniyah): Services already resumed
These routes are now open for booking in GDS
3. Ongoing Disruptions
Beirut: Suspended through to 30 June 2026
Athens: Reduced to one daily service
Your options
- Rebooking: Applies to travel 28 Feb – 31 May 2026
- Travel up to 15 June 2026 → flexible (any booking class in same cabin)
- Travel from 16 June onwards → must rebook in original booking class
- Additional Flexibility (New Bookings)
- Bookings made from 2 April 2026 include one complimentary date change*
- Refunds:
Available. Conditions apply.
Further updates: Current flight schedule | Emirates
Etihad (EY)
Your options
- Rebooking: Applies to tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026 with original travel between 28 Feb-15 May 2026
For Cancelled Flights
- Standard schedule change policy applies
- Rebooking permitted up to 15 June 2026
For Non-Cancelled Flights (travel on/before 15 May)
- Free rebooking in same cabin (lowest available booking class)
- Travel must be completed by 15 June 2026
- Rerouting permitted, including: Return to origin via Abu Dhabi
- Alternative airports within the same region
- No fees or service charges
- Ticket must be reissued by 15 May 2026
After 15 May 2026
- Standard fare rules apply
Refund Options
- For Cancelled Flights
- Standard schedule change policy applies
- For Non-Cancelled Flights (travel on/before 15 May)
- Full refund permitted for unused tickets
- Partial refund (pro-rata) for partly used tickets
- No fees or service charges
- For Travel from 16 May 2026 onwards
- Standard fare rules apply
Further updates: Check EY flight status online | Etihad Airways
April 14, 2026
Airline Operational Updates
Emirates (EK)
Flight Status
- Emirates is currently operating a reduced flight schedule following the partial re-opening of Middle East airspace.
- Schedules remain dynamic and are being updated as the situation evolves.
Who is affected
-
Customers booked to travel between:
- 28 February and 31 May 2026
Your options
- Rebooking: (Before 15 June 2026)
- Rebook to same destination or within the same region
- Same cabin, any booking class
- Travel must be completed by 15 June 2026
- Rebooking (From 16 June 2026 onwards)
- Must be rebooked in the original booking class
- Travel to same destination or within the same region
- Within original ticket validity
- Additional Flexibility (New Bookings)
- Bookings made from 2 April 2026 include one complimentary date change*
- Refunds:
Available. Conditions apply.
Further updates: Current flight schedule | Emirates
