Travel agents offer crucial advice to flyers

Do you have a flight booked to Europe via the Middle East? 

With escalating tensions impacting global aviation routes, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is advising Australian travellers to remain informed and not to cancel their flights.

Airspace closures over Iran, Israel and Russia have significantly narrowed flight corridors into Europe, with delays and route diversions common particularly for passengers transiting through Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. 

Major carriers continue to operate with adjusted flight paths, and travellers using Singapore Airlines, Qantas or Cathay Pacific are experiencing minimal disruptions via Singapore and Hong Kong, ATIA says.

Airlines have well-established systems in place to navigate such restrictions, and have been operating under constrained conditions since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Travellers should expect some delays, but not panic.

ATIA says travellers will be contacted by their accredited travel agent or airline of delays and cancellations. 

It urges flyers to not contact agents or airlines unless they are travelling in the next three days. That enables those travelling immediately to be assisted. 

There is an increased chance of delays so travellers should be prepared that they may be spending some time airports as a result of schedule adjustments.

Avoid cancelling flights independently. When an airline cancels your flights you are entitiled to a full refund.

ATIA urges flyers to monitor official travel advice, particularly via the SmartTraveller website.

It says the evolving situation "reinforces the importance of booking through an ATIA accredited travel business as accredited agents and businesses are best placed to manage disruptions, rebook flights and ensure clients receive their full entitlements under Australian Consumer Law.

“Australians flying to Europe via the Middle East should be prepared for some delays, but it's important to know that global airlines have systems in place to manage these disruptions," says ATIA CEO Dean Long. 

"We’ve seen this before, and the travel ecosystem is built to respond.

“The closure of airspace is not new. Airlines have been rerouting around Russia and Ukraine for more than two years, and are now adjusting again. The airlines that fly to Australia have world leading safety protocols and route management.

“Travellers shouldn’t panic or cancel unnecessarily. The one thing we learned through Covid is don’t cancel as it reduces the number of rights you have. Let the airline make that decision. This approach ensures your rights are protected and you get the support you need.”

See www.atia.travel

Image: Kaydir Mumyakmaz, Scop.io

Disney unveils new Middle East theme park

The Walt Disney Company has unveiled a new theme park development in the Middle East - its first new park announcement for 15 years.

The Disneyland Abu Dhabi resort marks the company’s entry into the region, travel news hub Travel Mole reports. 

The company announced details after its second-quarter earnings call.

It will team up with Miral, which will develop and build the theme park resort on Yas Island.

Miral also developed several other resorts and attractions there, including SeaWorld YAS Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World.

The Disney location is in Abu Dhabi’s main entertainment and amusement park hub.

Yas Island is 20 minutes from central Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai.

Disney says the Abu Dhabi park, which will be directly on the waterfront, will be its most technologically advanced.

It is the first Disney announcement of a new park since 2010 when it unveiled plans for Shanghai Disneyland.

The company said it will not invest capital in the project but will benefit from a royalty licensing arrangement.

No specific details about park attractions have been disclosed yet but stayed tuned. Disney has said its will "combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines and breath-taking architecture.”

Disney’s six other parks, including Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Shanghai Disney Resort are all owned and operated by Disney.

“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro.

“Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique - anchored by a beautiful waterfront - which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways."

Someone please tell him that something is either unique, or it is not.

Luxury hotel brands offer new experiences in Dubai

Dubai, the always-evolving heartbeat of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the arrival of five major hotels arrivals in 2025
. 

Dubai’s tourism industry continues with the opening of a suite of accommodation options catering to families, luxury travellers, and visitors seeking affordable stopover stays, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) says.

 

The newcomers will be: 

Ciel Dubai Marina

Rising above Dubai Marina, the upcoming Ciel Tower (top image) will be the world’s tallest hotel. Stretching over 80 floors, this architectural gem will house over 1,000 rooms and suites, along with 10 diverse dining options. Guests will enjoy an exclusive Observation Deck on the 81st floor with views of the city, as well as a luxury spa, high-tech fitness centre, and sophisticated guest lounge. 

Mama Shelter

Recently opened, the affordable Mama Shelter brings a playful, design-led brand to Business Bay. Geared towards modern travellers, this lifestyle hotel has four stylish swimming pools, one featuring a semi-submerged bar, an outdoor cinema, and a rooftop DJ lounge. One for the young, or young at heart. Mama Shelter boasts a co-working space with five private ateliers. 

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

The brand new Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is the latest chapter in Jumeirah Group’s ultra-luxury evolution. The property features 386 rooms and suites, 82 luxury residences, an 82-berth superyacht marina, 11 dining experiences and a TALISE spa. Panoramic windows frame views of the Arabian Gulf and the iconic Burj Al Arab, while four sparkling outdoor pools provide leisure oases.

Delano Dubai

The Delano brand's Miami origins give a different accent to the Delano Dubai, which arrives in the UAE with 251 rooms and 84 suites; many designed with secluded balconies, high ceilings, and wellness-driven details. Set along 250 meters of beachfront, the Delano offers views of the Arabian Gulf and guests can unwind at the oceanfront pool, indulge in a range of retail, dining and entertainment options. 

Mandarin Oriental Downtown

Opening in June 2025, Mandarin Oriental Downtown will mark the brand's second hotel in Dubai and third in the UAE. Located in the striking Wasl Tower, this 303-meter skyscraper boasts the region’s tallest ceramic façade. Inside are 259 elegant rooms and suites, along with 224 residences. Guests can enjoy dining at Tasca by José Avillez, unwind in the 25-meter pool, or skip traffic with transport from the hotel’s helipad. 

Bookings open for Virgin Australia/Qatar Airways partnership flights

Flyers can now book flights that are part of the new partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways that provides opportunities to travel to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

As of this week, you can book Virgin Australia's new services to jet directly from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha for travel from June 2025, with Melbourne to join the party later in the new year. 

The flights will be operated by Virgin Australia using Qatar Airways' spacious Boeing 777s, including the Qsuite business class. 

The deal replaces Virgin's former alliance with Etihad. 

Key benefits and launch sale offers include fares on sale from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth via Doha to multiple European destinations with fares starting from Perth to Paris in economy return from $1,791. 

Sydney to London economy starts from $1,982 return. 

Frequent flyers can rack up to 20,000 bonus points on business return flights and 10,000 bonus points on economy return flights when booked on an eligible Virgin Australia international long haul flight by January 20, 2025 for travel between June 21 to September 30. 

The Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways partnership, pending final regulatory approval, is being promoted as "delivering increased competition, improved connectivity, and enhanced customer choice".

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka said the new airline partnership is a game-changer. 

“This is a huge win for Australian travellers which brings more value and choice for passengers wanting to fly internationally," she said. 

"Through this partnership Virgin Australia becomes stronger, improving our ability to compete domestically - which is great news for Virgin Australia, our people and consumers.” 

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said that, if approved, the investment will support a collective ambition between the two airlines to deliver the best service and value to Australian customers.

“We are proud to support Virgin Australia with their ambition to return to long-haul international flying, a crucial next step in their successful transformation program,” he said.

Airlines switch flight routes amid Middle East Tensions

Planning to fly to/from or over the Middle East? Prepare for schedule changes, delays or cancellations.

Qantas is just one of several major airlines to announce the re-routing of its international flights to avoid airspace over the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region.

The decisions come in response to growing concerns over the safety and security of air travel following Israel's ongoing bastardry (sorry, murderous self-defence tactics).

In addition to Qantas, airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways and British Airways have also made adjustments to flight paths.

Qantas has said it will re-route its flights between Australia and Europe to avoid flying over the Persian Gulf and Iraq.

British Airways has announced that it will temporarily suspend flights to and from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qantas's direct Perth-London flights will now stop in Singapore for re-fuelling.

This is due to the extra distance required to avoid "at risk" airspace in the region. Qantas says it could add several hours to the total journey time.

SWISS, meanwhile, announced that "in view of the latest developments in the Middle East, we have decided to suspend SWISS flight operations to and from Tel Aviv Airport (top) until further notice. At SWISS, the safety of our crews and our passengers always has paramount priority.

"We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East as closely as possible. Our specialists are constantly assessing all the available information, and are also in close and regular contact with all the relevant authorities both locally and in Switzerland."

The US, UK Canada and Australia have all issued advisories urging their citizens to stay vigilant and monitor developments closely.

The UK Foreign Office issued an urgent travel warning for more than a dozen countries in the southern Mediterranean and Middle East region.

”There is rising tension between Iran and Israel. Any military action could escalate quickly and could pose risks for the wider region,” it said.

“If you are in the region, or considering travel to the region, monitor news updates and continue to check FCDO travel advice.”

The travel warning covers Dubai, Morocco, Qatar, Egypt and Tunisia. Also included are Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Oman and Lebanon.

In the United States, the State Department issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Israel.

Virgin Voyages backs out of Australian commitment

Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady was launched in Australia and the Pacific with much fanfare just a few months ago. 

But Virgin has made the decision to withdraw Resilient Lady from its Australian deployment in 2024-25, Cruise Weekly reported. 

The cruise line said concerns about potential escalations in the Red Sea region over the next 12 months were the reason, but some industry experts expressed scepticism. 

Virgin said events in the Middle East had made conditions for repositioning to Australia too unsafe - but there are other ways to get a boat to the southern hemisphere. 

The cruise line had originally committed to a second season in Australia. 

"To say that we are disappointed to have come to this tough conclusion is an understatement," Virgin said in a statement.

The cruise line said it is currently working through options to return to Australia and the Asia Pacific region once repositioning opportunities become more tenable. 

Instead, the ship will relocate from Europe in late 2024 to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a new Caribbean season offering 7, 8, 10 and 11-night voyages.

It will visit St Maarten, St Vincent, Colombia, and Dominica.

Emirates to add second daily Perth-Dubai flight

Emirates is boosting its already high profile in Australia by announcing that it will launch a second daily flight from Perth to Dubai later this year.

The new service - to start from December - will be supported by the Western Australian Government in partnership with Perth Airport.

It will will bring more than 129,000 new inbound seats to Western Australia every year.

The new flight will operate on a 777-300ER alongside Emirates' existing A380 daily service.

This returned service will provide further flight options for travellers from Western Australia's priority tourism markets, including Europe, the UK and US, during Western Australia's summer season.

Latest figures show Perth's international aviation capacity has now recovered to 94% of pre-Covid levels with the state on track to restore aviation capacity before the end of the financial year.

Western Australia is the only Australian state or territory with non-stop aviation connections with the UK and Europe with services between Perth and London, Rome, and a soon-to-launch Paris service.

For more information visit emirates.com/au

Middle East travel warning issued

Thinking of a holiday in the Middle East? Maybe think again.

The UK Foreign Office has urged travellers to stay clear of most of the Middle East region and regions beyond, Travel Mole reports.

As the UK and US started bombing raids on Yemen, the FCO issued new travel advisories for 18 countries spanning from Syria to several East African countries including Somalia and Eritrea.

The countries are: Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

“Military activity is currently underway," the travel advisory said. "While the area of activity is limited, there is a possibility that travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice.

“You should continue to monitor travel advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.”

The government now considers the UK and British nationals abroad targets with a ‘high threat of terrorist attack.’

“You should remain vigilant at all times,” it said.

“The Royal Air Force has carried out targeted strikes against military facilities in Yemen.”

So travellers pay the price for the US and UK being unable to mind their own business and wanting to police the world.

Australia's current SmartTraveller advisory for Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is stark and it advises against any travel to Lebanon or Yemen.

"We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall due to the volatile security situation, including the threat of terrorism, armed conflict and civil unrest," it said.

"We continue to advise do not travel to Gaza, border areas with Gaza, border areas with Lebanon closed by Israeli authorities and the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem), due to the volatile security situation."

The situation has also forced Silversea Cruises to end Silver Moon’s current Red Sea cruise itinerary in Jordan and cancel the next scheduled cruise.

It was scheduled to end in Muscat, Oman, but will now have additional port calls in Egypt before returning to Aqaba, Jordan, where it will end.

“In addition, due to circumstances beyond our control, we made the difficult decision to cancel the next voyage,” Silversea said.

Image: Sanaa, Yemen. UNESCO

Tourists warned they could be terror targets

The US wants to be the world's policeman.

But the global arbiter of what is good and evil - and the country that is what war more often than any other - has admitted that its politics put its citizens at increased risk around the globe.

The US State Department this weekend issued a global travel warning for all Americans abroad.

It advised all US nationals around the world to "exercise increased caution because of tensions in various locations around the world".

Increased tensions have the potential for ‘terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, it said.

So look out loud, gum-chewing, baseball hats on backwards types. You are easy to spot.

The warning came as a response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and terrorist group Hamas.

State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said: “We take a number of factors into consideration when making the determination.

“It’s not necessarily any one thing but everything that we’re watching around the world."

Travel advisories for Lebanon and Israel are currently at the highest level, with non-essential government staff and their families are asked to leave, Travel Mole reports.

Global travel warnings are fairly rare but the State Department issued a similar worldwide advisory last year when al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed.

US citizens are advised to "stay alert in locations frequented by tourists".

Australians - whose government has taken a strong pro-Israel stance - have been issued with a similar warning from the government's SmartTraveller app. 

"We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories overall due to the volatile security situation, including the threat of terrorism, armed conflict and civil unrest," it said over the weekend.

"We continue to advise do not travel to Gaza, border areas with Gaza and border areas with Lebanon closed by Israeli authorities. We now also advise do not travel to the West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem) due to the volatile security situation.

"The situation is highly challenging and rapidly changing. Australians who want to leave are strongly encouraged to take the first available option. Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport remains open and commercial flights are available."

Chinese tourists ready to take flight

After several years of restrictions, an increasing number of Chinese are expected to embark on outbound journeys with Thailand, New Zealand and the Maldives among their most popular destinations.

The Middle East and Europe are also set grow in popularity for Chinese tourists, the China Daily newspaper reported.

After three years of Covid-19 disruptions, China downgraded its pandemic response measures and re-started quarantine-free cross-border travel in January.

Chinese tourists have shown an increasing willingness to explore unconventional destinations, the newspaper said.

The Middle East is expected to emerge as a key tourism destination as more Chinese have shown a growing interest in traveling to the region.

On March 10, China, Saudi Arabia and Iran issued a joint statement in Beijing, stating that Saudi Arabia and Iran had agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and missions within two months.

Currently, there are direct flights available that connect Chinese mainland cities with Tehran in Iran, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

China has resumed outbound group tours to 60 countries, and most of them have cancelled the requirement to provide negative Covid tests.

The first list of 20 countries was unveiled in early February, followed by the second list of 40 destinations in March. Travel agencies and online tourism service providers can offer group tours to these destinations, the tourism ministry said.

"Many overseas destinations in the second list boast huge potential to attract Chinese travellers," said Li Peng, director of long-haul outbound tourism at Tuniu Corp, a Nanjing-based online travel agency.

"In the past month, we have received a large number of inquires about travel to Iran and other countries in the Middle East. Demand for group tours to Vietnam, Nepal and Latin American countries is also on the rise.

"With further recovery of the market and outbound tourists' emerging demand, travel agencies have more preparations to make in order to develop more travel products and resources, and raise the quality of their services,"

The tourism segment is on track to a faster recovery given the trend of further opening-up, experts told the China Daily.

Tongcheng Travel, a Suzhou-based online travel agency, said demand for overseas trips had been rising.

Tongcheng Travel also found that Chinese tourists have shown a big interest in going on group tours to the Middle East.

Airlines are beefing up flight schedules to meet demand.

"We have attached significance to the China market and are confident in its growth potential," said Chan Cheong Eu, Qatar Airways' senior manager for North Asia.

"This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar, and we will further contribute to the trade, cultural and personnel communications between the two countries."

Beijing is the fifth Chinese city to be served by Qatar Airways after the pandemic. The other four are Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Hangzhou.

"With China's reopening and the restart of the aviation and tourism industries, we are very glad to see the long overdue move of our scheduled services to Beijing Daxing, which will further strengthen our commitment to the country's aviation market development and Chinese travellers," said Arik De, chief revenue officer of Etihad Airways.

Image: Rubie Ann Agcol, Scop.io

Which country now has two airlines - both as national flag carriers

Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new national airline.

To Middle Eastern powerhouses Emirates, Etihad, Saudia, Qatar Airways and Oman Air add newcomer Riyadh Air.

The new airline will be led by CEO Tony Douglas, an ex-Etihad executive, and is wholly owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF.

The Saudi airline is aiming to operate to more than 1000 destinations by 2030, Travel Mole reports.

It is predicted that Riyadh Air will generate up to $US20 billion for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP growth through tourism and trade, state news agency SPA said.

The airline will be based at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the new carrier, which will operate alongside head of state-owned Saudia while serving different destinations.

Saudi Arabia is now home to two national airlines, both serving as the kingdom's flag carriers.

A Wizz bang future for budget airline?

Many Australians may not have heard of low-cost airline Wizz Air, but it could soon be a familiar flight option. 

Hungarian-based Wizz is considering launching non-stop flights from the UK to the Middle East and, potentially, to Asia, Travel Mole reports.

Marion Geoffroy, managing director of Wizz Air UK said future destinations could include the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Saudi Arabia, using longer-range A321XLR planes. 

Asian destinations could be reached with a stop in the UAE via its joint venture Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, which currently flies to the Maldives.

“The macroeconomic environment forces everyone to be very rational about capacity,” Geoffroy said, adding the airline will not enter the ultra-competitive transatlantic market.

Wizz serves many cities across Europe and has the largest fleet of any Hungarian airline.

A taste of Tel Aviv to touch down in North Bondi

Looking for a warming winter dining experience at the beach?

North Bondi Fish has announced a collaboration with Kepos Street Kitchen, creating Middle Eastern-inspired North Bondi Kepos, a pop-up taking up residence within the seaside eatery and bar throughout winter.

“North Bondi Kepos is a celebration of shared food, drinks and fun around a table with friends and family," says Solotel CEO Elliot Solomon

"We’ve drawn inspiration from the vibrancy of Middle Eastern restaurants like the famed Ha Salon in Tel Aviv and New York, that sweep you up in the atmosphere and generosity of spirit that you feel as soon as you walk through the door.

“We want North Bondi Kepos to be a place where dinner parties often feel like dance parties, particularly as the live music kicks off in the evenings”.

North Bondi Kepos will debut on June 30, with Matt Moran and Kepos Street Kitchen’s chef Michael Rantissi overseeing the kitchen.

The promise is a "showcase of the flavours of modern Israeli food using best in-class local produce".

The lunch and dinner menu is split into five sections: mezze, raw, from the grill, mains and sides.

Think dishes like swordfish skewers with homemade barbeque sauce; and wagyu flank steak with hazelnuts, burghul and balsamic glaze) or perhaps baby rainbow trout with muhammara and spring onion.

"The venue is known for having the best view in town, alongside the freshest seafood and delicious cocktails, so we’ve embraced that when creating the menu through dishes such as swordfish skewers, oysters with a Middle Eastern chimichurri and our take on classic NBF cocktails such as the figorita," says chef Rantissi.

NBF might mean New Best Friend, or Nothing But Fun. Or maybe just North Bondi Fish. The hippest of readers will doubtless know.   

Brunches will also be available of Saturdays and Sundays.

North Bondi Kepos will operate Wednesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. North Bondi Fish will trade as normal until June 26, returning in time for the warmer months.

See www.northbondikepos.com.au

Images: Steven Woodburn