Perth Airport Chaos as Airlines Ground Flights Amid Middle East Conflict
Travel plans have been thrown into chaos across the globe as major airlines ground flights amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Perth Airport has confirmed that nine flights have been cancelled since Saturday, with more cancellations expected on Monday as the situation develops.
Airspace Closures Force Major Disruptions
Qatari airspace was swiftly closed on Saturday just hours after Israel and the United States launched a missile attack on Iran. This airspace closure forced Qatar Airways to temporarily suspend all flights to and from Doha. Meanwhile, Emirates has suspended all operations to and from Dubai after the international airport was targeted in Iran's retaliation attack.
The impact was immediately felt at Perth Airport, where crowds gathered outside the terminal on Sunday night after services to Doha and Dubai were impacted. An airport spokesperson urged passengers to contact their airlines directly for further information and updates regarding their travel arrangements.
Government Issues Travel Warnings
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has revealed that approximately 115,000 Australians are believed to be in the Middle East region currently. She urged those abroad to check their travel insurance policies to understand what coverage they have during this crisis.
"Australians overseas should be prepared for serious travel disruptions in the days ahead due to the conflict in the Middle East," Wong stated. "We understand this will be a challenging time for many people."
Expanded 'Do Not Travel' List
Smarttraveller — Australia's government travel advice website — has added twelve locations to its 'Do Not Travel' list since the conflict began:
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Iraq
- Israel
- Lebanon
- Yemen
- Syria
- Palestine
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
The government also advises Australians to reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia. People with plans that involve travelling to or through the Middle East have been warned they may be unable to leave if the conflict escalates further.
Consular Support Activated
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region. This move comes as travel disruptions are expected to continue affecting thousands of passengers worldwide.
Full List of Perth Airport Flight Cancellations
28 February 2026:
- VA021 Perth - Doha
- QR901 Perth - Doha
- EK421 Perth - Dubai
1 March 2026:
- VA022 Doha – Perth
- VA021 Perth – Doha
- EK420 Dubai – Perth
- EK421 Perth – Dubai
- QR900 Doha - Perth
- QR901 Perth - Doha
The situation remains fluid with airport authorities advising passengers to stay in close contact with their airlines for the latest updates as the Middle East conflict continues to impact international air travel.
