The Australian Government has issued a fresh travel warning for Iran as numerous airlines cancel flights amid escalating tensions in the Middle Eastern nation.
As anti-government protests in the country rise, DFAT has told Aussies in Iran to “leave now”.
The department’s overall travel advice level for the country remains at the highest level (four) of “Do not travel”.
“If you remain in Iran against our advice, you’re responsible for your own safety,” it states on the Smartraveller website.
“Be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period. Make sure you have supplies of water, food and medication.”
“Violent nationwide protests” are ongoing, with the response by security forces described as “severe”.
“Many protesters and bystanders have been injured, killed or detained,” it adds.
“Avoid public gatherings and protests. Australians, including dual nationals, are at a high risk of being detained.”
Travel turmoil
DFAT says the security situation in Iran remains “extremely volatile”, with serious implications for travel.
“Commercial options to depart are still available but becoming more limited,” it advises.
“Airspace closures and flight cancellations could happen soon, making it impossible to leave later.”
It adds that if the situation worsens that “airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruptions may occur at short notice”.
Additionally, there’s currently a “blackout of telecommunications including the internet”.
With the Australian embassy’s operations suspended in Tehran, DFAT says its ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is “extremely limited”.
“If you require urgent consular assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.”
Aviation situation
So far, dozens of flights involving numerous airlines have been cancelled or rerouted as security concerns continue.
FlightAware data shows at least 46 flights at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport were cancelled between Friday and Sunday, while many more flights were cancelled at Iran’s second-busiest hub, Mashhad Shahid Hasheminejad Airport.
According to Gulf News, this has affected services to major hubs including Dubai, Doha and Istanbul.
The impacted carriers include Emirates, flydubai, Qatar Airways, Pegasus Airlines and AJet.
“Safety remains our top priority, and we are closely monitoring developments of the situation,” said SalamAir, an Oman-based carrier that also cancelled flights.
According to Turkey’s TRT World, Turkish Airlines also cancelled nearly 20 flights late last week.
The only other European carrier servicing Iran, Austrian Airlines, also suspended flights from Vienna over the weekend.
“Developments across the entire region are being continuously and closely monitored,” an Austrian spokesperson added.
