The ongoing conflict in Iran has caused widespread travel disruption, leaving many Kiwis stranded in foreign countries as airspaces close and airports in key connecting hubs sustain damage. What do you need to know if you have upcoming travel plans through or to places like Dubai and Doha from New Zealand, or are already overseas and due to return home? The Herald answers some common questions from those travelling or looking to travel over the next few days and weeks, from safety and security to logistics and insurance. What’s the latest? As of Wednesday, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates were all listed as Level 4 (Extreme risk to safety, security, or life) on SafeTravel’s travel alert list. Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are at Level 3 - Avoid non-essential travel. For those travelling to the United States (Level 2), MFAT’s advice is to still exercise caution and expect travel delays. On Wednesday, an MFAT spokesperson confirmed it had activated a Coordination Centre in response to the developing situation in the Middle East. New Zealanders requiring urgent consular assistance should continue to call the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20. “If it is safe and possible to do so, New Zealanders should leave the region now,” an MFAT spokesperson said. “We recognise that won’t be possible for everyone given significant airspace closures remain in place elsewhere. For New Zealanders in locations where this is the case, or where the security situation remains unsafe, we continue to recommend sheltering in place.” Echoing statements from the Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, MFAT said it was “exploring all options to support New Zealanders in the region and are in close contact with other governments on their plans.” It also stressed the quickest way for New Zealanders to return home would be commercial flights once they resume. Emirates has posted an update on its website, saying all flights leaving and arriving at its Dubai airport hub remain suspended until 2359 UAE time on March 4, which is 8.59am on March 5, NZ time. It’s operating a limited number of repatriation and freighter flights today, accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority. They advise travellers to only go to Dubai airport if they have been notified directly by Emirates or hold a confirmed booking for the repatriation flights. The latest updates will be published on the Emirates website and they advise customers to check flight status and their emails for any notifications about changes or cancellations. Qatar Airways flights remain suspended due to the continued closure of Qatari airspace. The airline advises passengers to monitor the latest flight information via its website or mobile app. Both airlines are experiencing high call times, so they request travellers to only call if you’re travelling within the next 48 hours. Emirates customers affected by flight cancellations have two options - rebook on an alternate flight, or request a refund. However, refunds are currently only being offered for bookings on or before March 10. Qatar Airways customers with confirmed bookings on or before March 10 are entitled to complimentary date changes of up to 14 days from the original travel date, or a refund of the unused value of your ticket. “The New Zealand Government is in contact with airline representatives in the UAE and Qatar to seek urgent confirmation of the planned resumption and status of flights to New Zealand,” MFAT’s SafeTravel advisory stated on Wednesday. “All airlines and airports are stressing that passengers should not proceed to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their specific flight is operating. This reinforces the need to stay in regular contact with your airline and travel agent.” As of Wednesday, one Qatar Airways 777 and two Emirates A380s were parked at Auckland Airport. “Auckland Airport is supporting those airli...