Australia has confirmed that around 115,000 Australians are currently in the Middle East and unable to return home due to widespread airspace closures triggered by ongoing regional tensions.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the aviation halt has made it extremely difficult for both commercial and government‑organized flights to evacuate citizens from countries such as Israel, Iran, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
“We have about 115,000 Australians in the region. That’s a significant number,” Wong said. “The most effective way to bring them home will be when commercial flights can safely operate again.”
With the situation still volatile and airspace restrictions in place, the Australian government is closely engaging with international airlines to explore options, while hoping that flight corridors will open soon.
To assist those who are unable to leave, Canberra has established an online crisis portal where Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members can register their details and receive support and updates.
On the topic of the recent escalation involving US‑Israeli strikes and the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Penny Wong described it as a matter for the United States and Israel to explain. She also noted that the late Iranian leader was widely criticized for human rights abuses within his own country.
As the government works to support its stranded nationals and navigate the complex international situation, many Australians remain anxious for a safe return.
