Fresh warning for Australian travellers about transiting via the Middle East
Australian travellers are being warned not to even transit through most of the Middle East amid the deepening conflict.
This includes the major international hub of Doha in Qatar, which is a key stopover for Australians flying to Europe.
In its latest update, the Australian government-run website Smart Traveller advised that "do not travel" also means "do not transit".
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The Australian government-run website Smart Traveller is advising Australians not to travel to most of the Middle East, amid ongoing conflict and missile strikes. Smart Traveller
"'Do not travel' advice applies to transit and layovers," the update read.
"Even if you don't plan to leave the airport. If you travel to or transit through Qatar, you may be unable to leave. Your safety will be at risk."
The advice applies to all countries with a 'do not travel' warning, which currently includes all of the Middle East except for Saudi Arabia and Oman.
They both have a level 3 warning advising to 'reconsider your need to travel'.
The fresh warning comes as the Israeli military today revealed it is ready for at least another three weeks of attacks, with "deeper plans" for a potential three weeks after that.
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Australians are being warned not to stop over in Qatar and other Middle Eastern countries. Getty
It's the latest sign that the widening conflict is likely to kick on well beyond US President Donald Trump's initial four-week timeline, potentially throwing out Australians' travel plans for months to come.
Since flights resumed on March 4, 5,010 Australians have been flown out of the conflict zone on 38 direct flights to Australia, including two flights yesterday carrying 137 Australians.
A further four direct flights are scheduled to arrive in Australia today from Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
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