Australian Government Expresses Disappointment Over Airline Ticket Costs for Middle East Repatriation Flights

The Australian government has voiced its dissatisfaction with airlines over the high cost of flights returning from the Middle East, despite some flights operating with empty seats as efforts continue to bring stranded Australians home. Approximately 115,000 Australians were affected by the recent airspace closures following escalating conflict in the region.

Government Concerns and Airline Response

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite, stated the government is “disappointed” to observe commercial flights returning with available seats, particularly given the significant number of Australians seeking to return home. He confirmed that officials within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have communicated these concerns directly to airline representatives. Yahoo News Australia

“The best available option remains commercial flights home to Australia,” Mr. Thistlethwaite emphasized. “Australians in the region, if they are offered a seat on a commercial flight, should seriously consider taking that option.”

Flight Costs and Repatriation Efforts

Currently, a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Sydney costs around $2400 in economy class, while Emirates flights from Dubai start at a minimum of $1600 per ticket. Yahoo News Australia

As of recent reports, a flight from Dubai to Melbourne carrying 151 Australians arrived on Saturday, with another flight landing in Sydney later that evening. Two further flights are anticipated to depart from Dubai, contingent on the continued openness of the United Arab Emirates’ airspace.

More than 1500 Australians have already returned home on flights from the UAE since international services resumed following the temporary closure of Dubai International Airport due to Iranian missile and drone attacks.

Support for Stranded Citizens

Australians stranded in the United Arab Emirates have praised the assistance provided by local officials, who have supplied food and accommodation. In addition to commercial flights, some Australians have been transported by bus from Doha, Qatar, to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to facilitate their return.

Industry Perspective

Dean Long, chief executive of the Australian Travel Industry Association, suggested that flights leaving with empty seats should not be a major concern. He noted that many individuals currently in the Middle East have chosen to remain due to their residency or employment. Yahoo News Australia

Ministerial Roles of Matt Thistlethwaite

Matt Thistlethwaite currently serves as the Assistant Minister for Immigration and the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He was previously the Assistant Minister for Defence and Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, holding those positions from June 1, 2022, to July 29, 2024. DFAT and Wikipedia. He has been the Labor Member for Kingsford Smith since 2013, having previously served as a Senator for Recent South Wales from 2011 to 2013. Parliament of Australia