Aussies Stranded in Middle East Amid Travel Disruptions

0:00On March 2nd, here's the latest out of Sydney. Australians traveling in the Middle East are facing major travel disruptions after recent hostilities escalated with United States strikes on Iran. Around 115,000 Aussies are in the region, and about 11,000 pass through its airports daily when flights run. Cancelations have hit routes to the United Arab Emirates. Qatar, Israel, and Bahrain, stranding many at key hubs. Here this week, Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned that organizing emergency repatriation flights would be tough amid closed airspace and halted services. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade now advises against travel to places like Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, and Lebanon. Opposition leaders are slamming the Albany's government for not giving stronger warnings ahead of the strikes. They argue many Aussies got caught off guard and could have left sooner. Critics like James Patterson say the government should use military flights for evacuations,

1:03similar to efforts from Lebanon last year and Israel, this year. Meanwhile, officials point out that commercial flights remain the fastest way home for most, given the huge numbers involved. Defense Minister Richard Marles notes long-standing advice to avoid Iran and leave, if safe. The situation stays fluid as tensions continue, with past rescues like the 2006 voter vacuations from Lebanon showing what's possible when. Needed, authorities urge those registered to stay ready. This episode is supported by our sponsor, see details in the description. Your pillow, your podcast, your moment made for listening in bed, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.