Half-Empty Flights Return to Australia from Middle East Amid Escalating Conflict
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has voiced her disappointment as flights from the Middle East are returning to Australia with many empty seats, despite over 100,000 Australians remaining stranded in the conflict zone. Senator Wong confirmed that the government will intensify efforts to work with airlines to ensure every available seat is filled on evacuation flights.
Government Pledges Enhanced Coordination with Airlines
In response to reports of half-empty flights, Senator Wong stated, "I'm disappointed with that. We want every seat filled. So, we are seeking to work even more closely with the airlines to try and coordinate that." She emphasized that Australia is doing everything possible to bring back its citizens, with more than 115,000 Australians estimated to be in the region and approximately 11,000 traveling through it on international flights.
Senator Wong added that her counterpart from the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, contacted her overnight to confirm four additional flights are expected to depart for Australia on Friday. The UAE claims to have negotiated a civilian air corridor with Iran, allowing around 48 flights per hour to leave from the major global transport hub.
Opposition Criticizes Government Response
Opposition leader Angus Taylor called on the Albanese Government to take stronger action, saying, "They should be doing everything they can to help people to get back. It's a time of great uncertainty for those people who are caught in the Middle East, but also their families back here in Australia." He questioned why flights are returning half empty and urged the government to use all available resources to assist stranded Australians.
Senator Wong acknowledged the stress faced by those affected, assuring, "We know that people are very stressed, can I assure you we are working as hard as we can around the clock, including with the airlines and the governments to try and get people home as quickly as possible." She noted that a fourth flight has recently landed or is about to land, marking a small but positive step in the evacuation efforts.
Background on the Crisis
The situation arises amid ongoing global instability and domestic pressure for Australia to increase defence spending. Senator Wong is set to meet her US counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington this week to discuss these issues. The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted travel, with airports cancelling flights and the conflict spreading, leaving many Australians unable to return home.
As the government works to coordinate with international partners and airlines, the focus remains on maximizing evacuation opportunities and providing support to those stranded and their families in Australia.
