Source : Perth Now news
A high school robotics team en-route to Turkey is among the thousands of Australians caught up in travel chaos caused by the rekindled war in the Middle East.
More than 100,000 Australians are believed to be in the region, and while many of them live there, others are facing challenges getting home.
Travel plans have been thrown into disarray after half a dozen countries closed their airspace in response to American and Israeli attacks on Iran.Among those impacted is the “Redbacks” robotics team from Sydney private school Barker College, which was in Dubai on its way to a competition in Istanbul, when Iranian missiles began raining down.
Thirteen students are on the trip from years 10 and 11, accompanied by four staff and parents.
“They have been moved to hotel accommodation and are in regular contact with the school and the Australian Embassy,” Barker College head Phillip Heath said in an email to parents.
“It is unknown how long this disruption will last in a time of rapidly changing circumstances.
“All members of the group are in good spirits despite the uncertainties of being away at such a time.”
Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have all closed their airspace.
An Iranian drone strike on Dubai’s airport – the world’s busiest hub for international travel – has also thrown travel plans into chaos.
The federal government has urged people trying to leave the region to seek commercial options when flights resume, and warned its ability to help – particularly in Iran – may be limited.
“As air travel starts to reopen, we expect that the most expeditious flights which will come online quickest will be commercial options,” Defence Minister Richard Marles told parliament.
Australian expat Glenn Bull, who lives in Dubai, said normal life in the city was continuing during the conflict.
“Things are normal in one sense, and then you hear an explosion in the background, or you get a text message from the office about what’s your decision on evacuating?” he told Seven’s Sunrise program.
“It’s just surreal. Really surreal,” Mr Bull said.
