Jun 17, 2026 – 9.48amAirfares to Europe are set to start falling after the Australian government eased restrictions on transiting through Middle Eastern hubs in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, moving them from the highest level of alert.The move to “reconsider your need to travel” – from a blanket “do not travel” – will allow Australians to transit through Middle Eastern airports on Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad without jeopardising travel insurance cover.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles