While airline and travel chaos continue across the globe, as a direct (and indirect) consequence of the latest conflict in the Middle East, Australian travel advisors have shared what they’re seeing (and doing) with Karryon. Indeed, Aussie travellers have been heavily impacted, leaving agents scrambling to help stranded clients around the world.
But beyond that, advisors are also managing concerns and expectations of those yet to travel, with peak holiday periods coming in April and into the northern summer. The most common thread seems to be the uncertainty around what may transpire.
“My clients are concerned [but] more about the delay or airspace closure, not so much about the conflict. It seems more about disruptions and uncertainty,” luxury travel advisor Geoff Currie tells Karryon.
“Most of my European traffic is starting from April onwards, so those departures are more concerning.”
The vast majority of Currie’s European bookings are also with Emirates or Qatar Airways, both of which are currently entirely grounded.
As such, the travel advisor predicts a possible shift towards other airlines, even in the longer term.
“Looking at all of my European bookings yesterday… I gauge 85%-90% are on Emirates or Qatar Airways… because of their connections, services, onboard product,” he says.
“We direct most of our European and African traffic via the hubs of Dubai and Doha… [so] is this something we need to reassess, especially when the region is volatile?”
“I predict a shift to the Asian carriers or Turkish Airlines, all of which avoid a transfer in the Gulf States.”
Mobile travel advisor Fiona Gent shares similar concerns, especially for travel down the track.
“The conflict in the Middle East is causing heightened concern among travellers, with many anxious about safety and potential disruptions, even for those without imminent travel plans,” says Gent, who is part of the Mobile Travel Agents (MTA) group.
“It will mean a significant increase in additional workload as we monitor flights, adjust itineraries and provide reassurance amid the ongoing uncertainty.”
Advisor advantage
Chris Watson, of Chris Watson Travel, says the crisis has “caused an increase in worry for clients who have not travelled yet, with numerous calls wanting to delay, change or cancel bookings”.
However, he flags the importance of booking with a trusted travel advisor.
“The conflict in the Middle East has again show the value of booking with a travel agent, as we work through the night and weekends to ensure our clients are safe and able to get them to their destination,” he explains.
“On a more personal note, I love how agents are all working together to assist each other with numerous online groups having questions and answers.”
With many clients stuck in the Middle East, luxury travel advisor Jo Kennedy echoes Watson, saying that “more than ever, [having] a trusted advisor by your side is important”.
“I have a group of four clients in Jordan, stranded, a number of clients in spots around Europe, and then clients diverted back to Australia on their first [outbound] flight,” she tells Karryon.
“Travel Associates Australia have been available for all our clients and the changes that need to be made, and assistance.”
“We have been liaising with airlines, on the ground support (DMC and onsites) in Jordan, and also with the clients to help them feel connected.
“I have personally worked since Saturday afternoon until midnight each night and up very early Sunday.”
The Runway Traveller’s Vanessa Tokatly was travelling on the day Qatar airspace was closed in 2025, so she has firsthand experience of what travellers are going through right now.
“I understand firsthand how unsettling that experience can feel,” she says.
“Having navigated it myself, including Doha airport during the complete airspace closure, I can confidently guide clients through their options calmly and clearly.”
Like Kennedy and Watson, Tokatly stresses the importance of having a good travel advisor on your side at difficult times.
“In situations like this, experience really matters. Understanding airline fare rules, rebooking policies and operational procedures allows us to act quickly and secure the best possible outcome,” she explains.
“Right now, my role is part logistics expert, part strategist, and part reassurance provider, and having been in that exact position myself, I can genuinely help ease concerns while navigating the practicalities.
“The key message for travellers is that safety remains the priority, airlines are highly responsive in these situations, and with the right support, disruptions can be managed effectively.”
Updates on Karryon
Keep up to date with all of the latest news out of the Middle East and beyond, on Karryon’s rolling updates. Also, stay tuned to Smartraveller for the latest travel alerts.
For more reasons to book with a trusted travel advisor, check out our story on Australia’s Southern Sky Junior ice-skating team, whose travel plans were turned upside down by the Middle East crisis before their Flight Centre travel expert came to the rescue.
