Canberra, March 2: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Monday that over 100,000 Australian citizens are currently stranded in the Middle East due to flight cancellations stemming from U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.
Wong stated in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the government plans to initiate special repatriation flights for citizens trapped in the region. However, this will depend on the resumption of regular commercial flights in the affected areas.
“There are many people in this region, so if we can assist them in traveling via commercial flights, they can return home as quickly as possible,” she said.
In a statement released on Monday, Wong advised Australian citizens against traveling to Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. She also urged individuals to reconsider travel plans to Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
For Australians already in the Middle East, the government recommends monitoring the situation and local news closely. Citizens are advised to confirm their travel plans directly with airlines or travel agents, check their travel insurance, and stay updated with the latest information.
Wong revealed that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has established a center to assist Australians currently in the Middle East.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety of approximately 100 defense personnel deployed in the region.
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