Passengers ‘Camp on Airport Floors’ as Israel-Iran Conflict Grounds Flights — Experts Reveal What You Must Not Do Now

As tensions between Israel and Iran push the Middle East deeper into uncertainty, a fresh wave of chaos has swept across the global tourism industry — and its human cost is clearly visible at airports from Doha to Dubai.

Despite both Dubai Airports and Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority confirming reopened airspace, passengers at Doha’s Hamad International Airport remain sprawled on terminal floors, clutching their bags and phones as conflicting updates swirl online.

An exhausted Amanda Tate, an Adelaide nurse, described the ordeal as “surreal” after an airstrike hit a nearby U.S. military base just 50 kilometres from the terminal. “We started looking on the internet and seeing there had been some missiles launched. At that time, we didn’t know what had happened,” she told ABC News.

Alongside Amanda was Polly Robinson, who was en route from Dublin to Adelaide when Qatari airspace snapped shut without warning. “Everyone is literally sitting where they can find a spot, waiting for announcements that never come,” she said.

Some like Australian expat Damian Milverton were caught mid-workshop in Doha when Iranian rockets roared overhead. “It was a very large sound… bewilderment at first, not panic,” he recalled.

Should You Cancel Your Flight?

According to Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, panicking and cancelling your own booking is the worst thing you can do right now.

“If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you’re entitled to a full cash refund,” he explained. “But if you cancel yourself, you limit what the airline must do for you — from refunds to emergency accommodation.”

Insurance Insights:

Compare Travel Insurance boss Natalie Bell added that insurance providers are assessing claims on a case-by-case basis. She urges travellers to bookmark Smartraveller for updated advice and to stay close to their booking agent.

“If you’re nervous, book an extra night’s accommodation where you are — most of the time you can claim that back,” Bell advised.

What’s Next?

Although Donald Trump has claimed Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire, travellers say the skies remain tense and inconsistent. With long-haul routes still subject to sudden diversions, uncertainty is the only guarantee.

Meanwhile, weary travellers like the young Scottish backpacker Amanda mentioned — alone and confused — are the human faces behind the headlines.

Experts say: wait. Don’t cancel. Keep checking with your airline and insurance provider. And, above all, pack an extra dose of patience — the layover could be longer than you think.