Shall we go to Europe? Travellers bet both ways on flights during Iran war

Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East due to the Iran war, Australian travellers are adopting cautious strategies by either booking fully refundable backup flights or waiting for potential travel discounts. Gulf carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad plan to increase flight capacity in hopes of a travel rebound in June despite a 77% drop in Australia-Middle East flights in March 2026. Some travellers are paying double to secure alternative itineraries on non-Gulf carriers, reflecting uncertainty over airspace stability and rising airfares.