New routes enhance connectivity
- Indonesia AirAsia will increase Adelaide-Bali flights from four weekly services to daily from March, giving corporate groups greater scheduling flexibility and onward connections across Southeast Asia.
- Virgin Australia will launch Canberra’s first non-stop international service to Denpasar, Bali, from June. The seasonal route operates three times weekly using Boeing 737 aircraft, eliminating domestic transfers via Sydney or Melbourne. The service supports incentive travel and regional conferences, with Bali’s straightforward online visa requirements.
- China Eastern Airlines has confirmed the return of Shanghai Pudong to Adelaide flights from June, operating three times weekly with Airbus A350 aircraft. The route simplifies travel for Chinese delegates and organisations with Chinese operations, reducing transit times and reliance on eastern seaboard gateways.
Middle East travel warnings escalate
The Australian government has issued comprehensive travel warnings for Middle East destinations as regional tensions intensify, with significant implications for corporate travel planning.
At the centre of the warnings is Iran, where Smartraveller continues advising Australians not to travel. Those already in-country are encouraged to leave if safe to do so. The government cites an extremely volatile security situation, ongoing nationwide protests, violent crackdowns by security forces, telecommunications disruptions and arbitrary detention risks, particularly for dual nationals.
Recent airspace closures and flight restrictions compound the challenges, while consular assistance remains severely limited following the suspension of Australia’s embassy operations in Tehran.
Beyond Iran, the government has raised or maintained “exercise high degree of caution” advice for several business travel destinations:
- Qatar faces unpredictable regional security conditions with potential for sudden airspace disruptions, flight cancellations or restricted public activity.
- United Arab Emirates reflects terrorism risks and potential impact of wider regional instability on major transit hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman carry similar warnings due to ongoing terrorism threats, possible missile or drone attacks, and risks that broader tensions could escalate without warning. Certain Saudi areas near the Yemen border remain under stronger “do not travel” advice.
- Iraq and Yemen remain classified as “do not travel” destinations due to armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and extreme security risks.
For corporate travel managers, the government warns that even countries without full travel bans may experience sudden airspace closures, flight cancellations or security incidents.
Recommendations include:
- Reassessing travel necessity for all Middle East destinations
- Reviewing duty of care arrangements and insurance coverage
- Confirming coverage for conflict-related disruptions
- Monitoring Smartraveller updates before and during travel
- Establishing clear communication protocols for travellers
The evolving situation requires ongoing assessment as regional tensions continue to impact business travel across the Middle East.
