Middle East airspace closures 

Issued: 24 June 2025 

Background

Middle East airspace closures were made around 1.30am AET 24 June 2025. This was in response to missile attacks in Qatar. Qatar airspace was closed temporarily, reopening more than five hours later. Other countries in the region, including Bahrain and Kuwait, also closed their airspace for a brief period.  

Airspace closures and subsequent congestion through the Middle East are causing disruptions to the global air travel network with cancellations and diversions. Significant delays to many flight schedules are anticipated and there is no indication how long the flow-on impacts will last.  

Impacted countries are Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon, Iran and Israel.    

We advise all customers travelling in and around the affected areas to stay up to date with the latest advice on Smart Traveller from the Australian Government.

Please do not hesitate to contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team on +61 2 9191 1180 if you need help. (If you’re unable to call us, alternatively you can email us on emergency@sctihelp.com).

Policy coverage

For policies purchased before 2am (AET) on 24 June 2025

For all customers who are either travelling or are yet to start their travel, please note the war and violence policy exclusion applies. 

For policies purchased after 2am (AET) on 24 June 2025

Policies purchased after this time will not have cover for anything related to this event, as it would not be considered an unexpected event under their policy, due to the level of media coverage by this time. Our insurance policies only provide cover for events which are unexpected.  

We’re here to help

For more than 40 years, we have supported customers through travel disruptions. Our team is here to provide expert care and support if these recent events have impacted your travel.

If you are travelling and;

  • you need emergency medical assistance
  • an unexpected event stops you from returning to Australia 
  • you need to source alternative transport arrangements

Please contact our 24/7 emergency assistance team on +61 2 9191 1180 or email us on emergency@sctihelp.com.

When you need to make a claim 

The quickest way to submit your claim with us is through our online portal, My SCTI.

Please keep all your receipts and invoices for any payments you have made. You can upload these when you submit your claim.