Flights through DXB
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: se england
Regarding the size of the world as discussed above . Aviation shrank the world but when these kind of events happen 4000 miles can be a bloody long way not just 8 hours
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Beyond the Blue Horizon
Pax Britanica
When you are wanting to get home that little old representation of your aircraft does seem to crawl over some areas of the planet , Africa and Asia spring readily to mind on my own travels plus the big ocean crossings especially if going over the equator.
Cheers
Mr Mac
When you are wanting to get home that little old representation of your aircraft does seem to crawl over some areas of the planet , Africa and Asia spring readily to mind on my own travels plus the big ocean crossings especially if going over the equator.
Cheers
Mr Mac
Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Ferrara
Slightly off topic but my Dad was due to fly back with Qatar from Melbourne to BHX yesterday. Flights obviously cancelled but trying to rebook is impossible as you can't get through to them on the phone or via chat and it won't let me do it online. He is 83 and needs assistance so I can't just route him via multiple stops to get him home. Fortunately he can stay at my sister's for a while longer but I have to say Qatar have been terrible. The advertised telephone number to call them from Australia also doesn't work
Singapore still had availability (at a cost) - also try one of the Chinese airlines. If desperate you can reroute via the USA.
However there are a lot worse places to be stuck than Melbourne if you are 83 - English speaking, good health care, very good local transport. And its now drifting into Autumn so the weather is really quite good. Sitting it out for a few weeks might be a good option. And not cost all that much
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 98
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From: Australia
Qatar Airways rebooking
Slightly off topic but my Dad was due to fly back with Qatar from Melbourne to BHX yesterday. Flights obviously cancelled but trying to rebook is impossible as you can't get through to them on the phone or via chat and it won't let me do it online. He is 83 and needs assistance so I can't just route him via multiple stops to get him home. Fortunately he can stay at my sister's for a while longer but I have to say Qatar have been terrible. The advertised telephone number to call them from Australia also doesn't work
Qatar Airways Australian contact number
I was told Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations remain suspended until at least 17 March 2026 with a temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority for a very limited number of flights as set out on the Qatar Airways website.
This limited flight schedule will be operated by Qatar Airways from 11 March 2026 to 17 March 2026.
This schedule does not yet include Birmingham Airport (BHX) but does include Melbourne (MEL). QR989 is currently less than 30 minutes away from touching down in Doha
From 18 March 2026 Qatar Airways intends to recommence flights to many airports, including BHX. This 'intention' may very well be overtaken by 'events' in the region. Who knows.
The Qatar Airways representative apologised for the difficulties you have experienced in trying to contact the airline and the inability to make online changes to your father's reservation.
With the flight operations still currently suspended, it wasn't possible to make changes online.
From 18 March 2026, if Qatari airspace reopens, it should again be possible to make online changes.
But the representative I spoke to recommended that you call Qatar Airways directly as they want to ensure your father receives every assistance at Melbourne Airport, while in transit in Doha and on arrival at Birmingham Airport.
Alternatively, if you decide to cancel the flight and obtain a refund, there are one-way flights from Melbourne to London on United via the USA from A$1,650 on 23 March 2026 but I find navigating my way through US airports difficult enough at the best of times!
I live in Melbourne and I agree with the contirbutor who said that, of all the places to be stranded, your father could do a lot worse!
Good luck with it all
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Australia
I rang Qatar Airways today on the following number to ask when flights from MEL to BHX will resume.
Qatar Airways Australian contact number
I was told Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations remain suspended until at least 17 March 2026 with a temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority for a very limited number of flights as set out on the Qatar Airways website.
This limited flight schedule will be operated by Qatar Airways from 11 March 2026 to 17 March 2026.
This schedule does not yet include Birmingham Airport (BHX) but does include Melbourne (MEL). QR989 is currently less than 30 minutes away from touching down in Doha
From 18 March 2026 Qatar Airways intends to recommence flights to many airports, including BHX. This 'intention' may very well be overtaken by 'events' in the region. Who knows.
The Qatar Airways representative apologised for the difficulties you have experienced in trying to contact the airline and the inability to make online changes to your father's reservation.
With the flight operations still currently suspended, it wasn't possible to make changes online.
From 18 March 2026, if Qatari airspace reopens, it should again be possible to make online changes.
But the representative I spoke to recommended that you call Qatar Airways directly as they want to ensure your father receives every assistance at Melbourne Airport, while in transit in Doha and on arrival at Birmingham Airport.
Alternatively, if you decide to cancel the flight and obtain a refund, there are one-way flights from Melbourne to London on United via the USA from A$1,650 on 23 March 2026 but I find navigating my way through US airports difficult enough at the best of times!
I live in Melbourne and I agree with the contirbutor who said that, of all the places to be stranded, your father could do a lot worse!
Good luck with it all
Qatar Airways Australian contact number
I was told Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations remain suspended until at least 17 March 2026 with a temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority for a very limited number of flights as set out on the Qatar Airways website.
This limited flight schedule will be operated by Qatar Airways from 11 March 2026 to 17 March 2026.
This schedule does not yet include Birmingham Airport (BHX) but does include Melbourne (MEL). QR989 is currently less than 30 minutes away from touching down in Doha
From 18 March 2026 Qatar Airways intends to recommence flights to many airports, including BHX. This 'intention' may very well be overtaken by 'events' in the region. Who knows.
The Qatar Airways representative apologised for the difficulties you have experienced in trying to contact the airline and the inability to make online changes to your father's reservation.
With the flight operations still currently suspended, it wasn't possible to make changes online.
From 18 March 2026, if Qatari airspace reopens, it should again be possible to make online changes.
But the representative I spoke to recommended that you call Qatar Airways directly as they want to ensure your father receives every assistance at Melbourne Airport, while in transit in Doha and on arrival at Birmingham Airport.
Alternatively, if you decide to cancel the flight and obtain a refund, there are one-way flights from Melbourne to London on United via the USA from A$1,650 on 23 March 2026 but I find navigating my way through US airports difficult enough at the best of times!
I live in Melbourne and I agree with the contirbutor who said that, of all the places to be stranded, your father could do a lot worse!
Good luck with it all
...apart from your comment about being stuck in Melbourne. If he'd been really lucky, he'd have been stuck in Sydney.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 166
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From: UK
Thanks so much for the effort and help F Flyer. I am still really struggling with Qatar. You try and go on to their website/app to get a refund and it won't let you actually tick the boxes to do it. I know the situation is unprecedented but they are a shambles.
I also can't have my father hanging around Doha if he does take a flight from MEL on the off-chance that there might be a connection to BHX
PS I have just tried calling the advertised Australian number and it cuts out without ringing.
I also can't have my father hanging around Doha if he does take a flight from MEL on the off-chance that there might be a connection to BHX
PS I have just tried calling the advertised Australian number and it cuts out without ringing.
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 61
From: Australia
Difficulty obtaining refund through Qatar Airways website
It is 14.20 in Doha at the moment (22:20 AEST) so I suspect the call centre lines are busy. I called +612 8320 1015 at 14:32 AEST (6:32 Doha time GMT+3). Early morning or late evening Doha time (GMT +3) are the less busy times.
I probably have the "patience of Job" as I am familiar dealing with the Qantas customer service call centre which generally entail highly variable wait times!
I have just called Qatar now and got through on the +612 8320 1015 number. I will let them know the difficulty you are experiencing with obtaining a refund and will let you know what they suggest you do.
These are the refund steps set out on the Qatar website but I am sure the system is currently overwhelmed which is why you (and I am sure countless other Qatar customers) are experiencing difficulties.
As your father's booking falls within the above date range (28 February 2026 to 22 March 2026) there appears to be little doubt that your father will be entitled to a refund of the unused value of his ticket.
If you continue to be unable to use the Qatar Airways website ticket refund request process you might also consider contacting your bank or credit card company.
They will usually assist with seeking a refund where there has been a 'failure to provide a service' such as the cancellation of a flight.
But I have no doubt Qatar will refund you the unused portion of your father's ticket.
When my call is answered, I will pass on your difficulties and let you know what they recommend you do
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 61
From: Australia
Australia-Europe Market Share by airline June 23 to May 2024
The following chart is taken from an article found on the https://www.analyticflying.com/ website
It is 18 months out of date, but even then, just two airlines, Emirates and Qatar accounted for more than 50% of all Australia-Europe traffic.
Adding Etihad, the three largest Gulf carriers accounted for 56% of the market.
The other telling statistic (also from the Analytic Flying website) is the number of European destinations served by airlines flying from Australia
It is little wonder that the military conflict in the Middle East is having such a profound impact on global air travel including air travel from Australia.
More than 50% of the European market has been severely impacted.
It is 18 months out of date, but even then, just two airlines, Emirates and Qatar accounted for more than 50% of all Australia-Europe traffic.
Adding Etihad, the three largest Gulf carriers accounted for 56% of the market.
The other telling statistic (also from the Analytic Flying website) is the number of European destinations served by airlines flying from Australia
It is little wonder that the military conflict in the Middle East is having such a profound impact on global air travel including air travel from Australia.
More than 50% of the European market has been severely impacted.
Joined: Jul 2010
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: Asia
It can be worked around, pax may need a three sector flight and more than one airline to reach their destination but the booking sites and airline alliances will cobbled something together.
If you can get to a major European hub such as London, Amsterdam or Frankfurt, you can get pretty much anywhere from there. Whilst Qatar may offer 50 European cities, the majority of travelers from Australia are only going to a handful.
Less convenient and more expensive certainly, but not impossible.
If you can get to a major European hub such as London, Amsterdam or Frankfurt, you can get pretty much anywhere from there. Whilst Qatar may offer 50 European cities, the majority of travelers from Australia are only going to a handful.
Less convenient and more expensive certainly, but not impossible.
Paxing All Over The World
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 10,842
Likes: 328
From: Hertfordshire, UK.
Earlier this week friends were in SIN after being in NZ. Their scheduled SQ to LHR operated as normal. A slight variation on the route (and of all the others) can be seen on FR24 (and other tracking sites) Another friend is due AUK-SIN-LHR this weekend and I expect a similar result.
Just seen a report (BBC) of a couple trapped when the USA war started the day before they were due to leave DXB. They got a hotel and stayed. Their eventual hotel bill was £12,000. After 48 hours it was clear this would go on, if they had then travelled by land to a neighbouring country and bought new tickets to go East about - they would have been home for very much less money. Many routes would have been available. I know that the land txfer would have been the most difficult and not an easy journey but doable.
Just seen a report (BBC) of a couple trapped when the USA war started the day before they were due to leave DXB. They got a hotel and stayed. Their eventual hotel bill was £12,000. After 48 hours it was clear this would go on, if they had then travelled by land to a neighbouring country and bought new tickets to go East about - they would have been home for very much less money. Many routes would have been available. I know that the land txfer would have been the most difficult and not an easy journey but doable.
Last edited by PAXboy; 13th March 2026 at 14:46. Reason: added last paragraph
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Beyond the Blue Horizon
Paxboy
My young friend who came out last week contemplated Oman but I said I would recommend staying put and when she she got to DXB she noticed a London flight that was leaving before Manchester and asked if there were seats and transferred. Her rational as was she had noticed more drone attacks closer to dawn so thought getting the first out bound was a better idea and she then took the shuttle up to Manchester. She also used Air BnB in Dubai rather than hotel saving considerably on costs.
My replacement flew in earlier this week and is due out tomorrow but heading East to SIN for a few days early next week then home with SQ. When she has been some places before conflicts have either broken out or been inflamed spookily and this has happened while she has been on holiday or work and has happened we think about 4 times which is quite a bit for someone who is not yet 40 !!!
Cheers
Mr Mac
My young friend who came out last week contemplated Oman but I said I would recommend staying put and when she she got to DXB she noticed a London flight that was leaving before Manchester and asked if there were seats and transferred. Her rational as was she had noticed more drone attacks closer to dawn so thought getting the first out bound was a better idea and she then took the shuttle up to Manchester. She also used Air BnB in Dubai rather than hotel saving considerably on costs.
My replacement flew in earlier this week and is due out tomorrow but heading East to SIN for a few days early next week then home with SQ. When she has been some places before conflicts have either broken out or been inflamed spookily and this has happened while she has been on holiday or work and has happened we think about 4 times which is quite a bit for someone who is not yet 40 !!!
Cheers
Mr Mac
Paxing All Over The World
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 10,842
Likes: 328
From: Hertfordshire, UK.
Smart move. Also saw this today.
Such a pity.
British expats who fled the Gulf desperate to avoid being hit with huge tax bills after returning to London.
The tax implications of a return to the UK are ‘troubling’ expats who have flown back to the UK from tax havens like Dubai
The tax implications of a return to the UK are ‘troubling’ expats who have flown back to the UK from tax havens like Dubai
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Asia
HMRC is considered relief for those fleeing the Gulf.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/new...hange-33576345
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/new...hange-33576345
Joined: Oct 2018
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 1,649
From: Ferrara
Earlier this week friends were in SIN after being in NZ. Their scheduled SQ to LHR operated as normal. A slight variation on the route (and of all the others) can be seen on FR24 (and other tracking sites) Another friend is due AUK-SIN-LHR this weekend and I expect a similar result.
Just seen a report (BBC) of a couple trapped when the USA war started the day before they were due to leave DXB. They got a hotel and stayed. Their eventual hotel bill was £12,000. After 48 hours it was clear this would go on, if they had then travelled by land to a neighbouring country and bought new tickets to go East about - they would have been home for very much less money. Many routes would have been available. I know that the land txfer would have been the most difficult and not an easy journey but doable.
Just seen a report (BBC) of a couple trapped when the USA war started the day before they were due to leave DXB. They got a hotel and stayed. Their eventual hotel bill was £12,000. After 48 hours it was clear this would go on, if they had then travelled by land to a neighbouring country and bought new tickets to go East about - they would have been home for very much less money. Many routes would have been available. I know that the land txfer would have been the most difficult and not an easy journey but doable.
It's simple on a very modern 2-4 lane road all the way from Dubai to Muscat. Pre the war about 12 buses a day made the trip every day and a hire car or a taxi would make it easy. No the most interesting scenery until you get close to Muscat but very simple TBH.
Paxing All Over The World
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 10,842
Likes: 328
From: Hertfordshire, UK.
At a social club last night, this was being discussed. Someone said that Eastbound flights from the whole area wer selling for very high prices - if seats available.
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 61
From: Australia
For example, in Australia, Emirates has resumed a little more than a quarter of its pre-28 February 2026 schedule (21 flights per week, down from 77 weekly flights).
For the UK Emirates has resumed approximately three-quarters of its pre-28 February 2026 schedule (105 flights per week, down from 140).
Other than operating a couple of repatriation flights, both Qatar Airways (with a pre-28 February 2026 schedule of 70 flights per week) and Etihad (with a pre-28 February 2026 schedule of 17 flights per week) appear not to be providing regular services to Australia.
Australia has gone from a total of 164 weekly services via DXB, DOH and AUH which were operating pre-28 February 2026 to 21 weekly services via DXB alone. An 85% reduction in services.
Pre-28 February 2026, the ME3 overwhelmingly operated the majority of flights and carried the majority of passengers between Australia and Europe.
Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Ferrara
Emirates is now serving all its Australian destinations I think but the frequencies are down. ADL was the last to be restored and that looks like its every other day rather than daily right now
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 98
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From: Australia
From what I can see, Emirates is yet to restore scheduled flights from either Adelaide or Brisbane. The only Emirates flights from ADL and BNE since 28 February 2026 have been returning aircraft marooned in Australia since 28 February 2026.
The only Emirates flight to operate from ADL since 28 February 2026 has been the return to DXB of aircraft A6-EXN an A350-900 series, nine days after this aircraft became stranded in ADL having operated as EK440 from Dubai to Adelaide on 28 February 2026 (see below)
This aircraft arrived in Adelaide on 28 February 2026 and was stuck on the ground, along with its flight crew, until its return on 9 March 2026
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 166
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From: UK
Edit , I have just gone on to their website to try and change booking/get a refund. It now says "computer says no" as the trip has been completed. Er, no, it hasn't even started as you e-mailed to say it had been cancelled. As I said on an earlier post, they are an absolute shambles
