A Qatar Airways flight grounded at Auckland Airport. Photo / Michael Craig
The ongoing conflict in Iran has caused widespread travel disruption, leaving many Kiwis stranded in foreign countries as airspaces close and airports in key connecting hubs sustain damage.
What do you need to know if you have upcoming travel plans through or to places like Dubai and Doha from New Zealand, or are already overseas and due to return home?
The Herald answers some common questions from those travelling or looking to travel over the next few days and weeks, from safety and security to logistics and insurance.
In any major overseas crisis, your first point of reference should be the Government’s SafeTravel website (run by the consular division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade). This provides up-to-date travel advice for those in countries in the midst of conflict or natural disaster.
“New Zealanders in affected areas should follow the advice of local authorities, including any ‘shelter in place’ advisories,” the website states.
Affected areas included Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
“You should leave when it is safe and possible to do so. For a number of locations, we recognise this is not currently possible.”
Only a small number of flights were leaving Dubai Airport as of Tuesday, and flights out of Doha remained grounded. According to FlightRadar, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain and Qatar have closed their airspace, while neighbouring countries are also restricting flights.
New Zealanders living or travelling overseas should also register with SafeTravel, so they can be sent live updates about the places they are in.
It also provides a point of contact and communication for emergency situations, making the Government aware of who and how many people are currently in areas of conflict.
In some cases, the Government will arrange repatriation flights through Defence Force planes, as it did during the Iran-Israel conflict last year. This is yet to be announced.
MFAT said those in the Middle East currently should “be prepared to shelter in place if you are close to conflict zones”.
“Make sure you have a sufficient supply of any daily medicines you may be taking. New Zealanders in need of urgent consular assistance can contact the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.”
Travel Agents Association chief executive Julie White told RNZ’s Morning Report this week that airlines will currently be working to rebook affected travellers.
“We encourage anyone due to travel through the Middle East in the coming days to check directly with their airline or travel agent for the latest updates. Other international flights are operating as scheduled.”
MFAT’s advisory noted that the travel disruption now extends well beyond the Middle East region.
“Airlines that normally transit Middle East airspace to connect Europe and Asia face significantly longer routes and higher fuel costs, compounded by Russian and Ukrainian airspace also being closed to most carriers.”
Allianz Partners’ sales director – New Zealand, David Wallace, said those travelling in the coming weeks should expect disruptions and may need to adjust plans.
“Travellers affected by airport or airspace closures should contact their travel agent or airline as a first step, as they are best placed to advise on changing routes and options in a rapidly evolving situation.”
Two major Middle East carriers that operate out of New Zealand are Emirates and Qatar Airways. Both have updated their travel advisories and provided information for those who booked directly through them. Those who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent.
“The situation remains dynamic and is assessed continuously. We urge all customers to check flight status, review the latest operational updates on emirates.com, and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport,” the Emirates website said.
Qatar Airways flights to and from Doha were still temporarily suspended on Tuesday due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
People flying Qatar can rebook on another flight on or before March 20 or request a refund by completing the refund form on their website.
Those with bookings between February 28 and March 10 were eligible for complimentary date changes of up to 14 days from the original travel date or a refund of the unused value of their ticket.
Air New Zealand’s website states people can make one date change to travel within the next seven days with no penalty, service fee, or a standard fare difference.
Alternatively, they can opt to hold the full value of their fare as credit for 12 months from the date of issue if they choose not to travel.
Reroutes to avoid travel through the Middle East in the next seven days will not incur a penalty fee, service fees or fare difference.
Wallace says travellers who expect possible disruption are advised not to cancel immediately.
“Instead, they should first confirm whether their plans are directly affected and speak with their travel agent or airline to understand available options, including alternative routes, credits, or potential refunds.”
As noted in official advisories, the situation is changing day by day. People should monitor their travel situation while checking the SafeTravel website and following advice from airlines and travel agents.
As of Tuesday, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates were all listed as Level 4 (Extreme risk to safety, security, or life) on SafeTravel’s Do Not Travel list.
Wallace says passenger rights following a flight cancellation depend on the airline’s ticket conditions and fare type.
“Travellers should check directly with their travel agent or airline, as they can confirm what applies in each case. Some airlines may be offering added flexibility in response to the conflict, so it’s important to understand your options before making any changes or decisions.”
He also noted that most travel insurance policies in New Zealand do not cover direct or indirect losses arising from war or warlike operations, whether war is declared or not.
For Allianz customers already overseas, the company will automatically extend cover for additional travel time, and emergency assistance remains available 24/7.
Consumer NZ CEO Jon Duffy says those who have purchased any kind of travel insurance should check their policy to see if they can make a claim under that.
“However, claims arising as a result of war, hostilities or military action are usually excluded.”
Are you a New Zealander in the Middle East?
Contact us via email: newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz.
Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald’s entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke’s Bay Today.