Donald Trump warns of US strikes; Israel bombs Lebanon, targets Hezbollah; Strait of Hormuz closure puts pressure on petrol, gas prices; Australia’s Al Minhad air base in Dubai hit
Some of the world’s busiest airports are struggling to manage the impact of airspace closures, with only a limited number of flights currently departing from the area.
A large airspace corridor over the Middle East remains closed as the US warns its citizens to leave the region “using available commercial travel”.
The Australian government has not committed to offering repatriation flights for stranded citizens, insisting that the best way for Australians to return home would be through commercial flights, which are yet to resume.
The government estimates 24,000 Australians are in limbo in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as war in the Middle East shows no signs of abating.
A limited number of flights were able to leave the UAE, including several evacuation flights for repatriated British nationals by Etihad Airways. The first evacuation flights for French citizens will begin arriving in Paris today, French President Emmanuel Macron said this morning.
Nearly 4,000 flights a day have been canceled across the region since the conflict began on Saturday.
Around 11,000 Australians transit through the region at any one time, which is a hub for Emirates, Virgin Australia partner Qatar Airways and Etihad.
