The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) and aviation safety expert Professor Ron Bartsch are jointly correcting media reports today that wrongly characterised his comments as a recommendation for Australians to cancel travel bookings to Europe for the next six months.
Professor Bartsch's comments, reported in The Advertiser this morning, related specifically to the operational impact of Middle East airspace restrictions on flight corridors and fuel costs - not a recommendation to cancel future bookings. That critical distinction was lost in today's headlined coverage and subsequent re-reporting..
The facts are these: Etihad and Emirates are flying today. Asian carriers including Singapore Airlines and multiple Chinese carriers are operating normally and providing reliable alternative routings to Europe. All Qantas flights to Europe continue to operate. Qantas does not fly into the Middle East.
Australians booked to travel to Europe in coming months should not cancel. There are options. Those booked to travel shortly via Middle East hubs should wait for their airline to act - panic-cancelling erases all rights to a refund or rebook. Those travelling in the next few months should speak to their accredited travel agent or tour operator about alternative routes.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO PROFESSOR RON BARTSCH, CHAIRMAN, AVLAW CONSULTING
"My comments this morning were about the operational complexities created by Middle East airspace restrictions — the impact on flight corridors, hub disruptions and fuel costs which will continue to be felt for the next 6 months. I did not advise Australians to cancel their travel plans to Europe. Aviation is an adaptive industry. Airlines are rerouting, alternatives exist, and travellers should be making decisions based on accurate information, not headlines that misrepresent what was said."
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG
"There are plenty of safe ways to get to Europe and the aviation sector has and will continue to adapt. Asia is open and operating. We have flights coming out of the Middle East. There will be some delays and a bit more disruption than what we're used to but no one in the travel industry is going to put you in a place where it's unsafe."
"Importantly, do not cancel. Whether you are booked to travel in the next weeks or planning to travel in coming months. If you're booked to travel shortly via the Middle East, it is critical that you do not panic-cancel but rather wait for your airline to cancel as otherwise you are erasing all of your rights of a refund or rebook. If your trip is in the next couple of months, talk to your accredited travel agent or tour operator as there are plenty of alternates."
ATIA's practical advice for travellers right now:
