Iran conflict to cause ‘serious’ travel disruptions as 115,000 Australians remain in region amid cancelled flights

Government has not yet committed to repatriation flights as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways commercial operations remain suspendedFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian government says travellers should be prepared for “serious” disruptions in coming days amid the turmoil in the Middle East, saying there are limits to what the government can do to help those stranded in the region.The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said many Australians would be affected as countries shuttered their airspace amid the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran. Three major airports that connect Europe and Africa to Asia, in Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, halted operations as the latter two suffered damage during the conflict. Continue reading...