• Qantas and Virgin Australia flights diverted 

By KYLIE STEVENS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 22:10 BST, 23 June 2025 | Updated: 22:25 BST, 23 June 2025

Qantas has rerouted two long-haul international flights due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the airspace in Qatar. 

Flight QF33, which had departed Perth for Paris, was forced to turn back mid-journey and return to Perth. Meanwhile, QF9, the airline’s Perth to London service, was diverted to Singapore while flying over Sri Lanka. 

‘The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers, and will resume operations when the airspace reopens,’ a Qantas spokeswoman said.

‘Once usual operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule. 

‘We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers.’

Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has announced ‘temporary suspension’ of its services due to the shutdown of air traffic operations within Qatar.

‘The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers, and will resume operations when the airspace reopens,’ a statement read.

‘Once usual operations resume, we anticipate significant delays to our flight schedule.

‘The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.’

The decision has already impacted two Virgin Australia services mid-flight to Doha.

The airline has a ‘wet lease’ with Qatar Airlines.

‘Two services operated by Qatar Airways for Virgin Australia have been diverted on the way to Doha following the temporary closure of Qatar airspace,’ a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

‘VA1 (Sydney–Doha) diverted to Bengaluru and VA15 (Brisbane–Doha) diverted to Muscat. Both aircraft landed safely.

‘Guest recovery is being coordinated by Qatar Airways, including support on the ground and assistance with onward travel arrangements.

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Qantas flights sent back as conflict erupts in the Middle East – causing travel chaos

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