This was published 2 years ago
Should Australians be cancelling their Europe holidays? Russian invasion of Ukraine's impact on travel warnings, flight routes
By Katherine Scott
European countries have largely closed their airspace to commercial flights operating in and out of Russia.Credit: iStock
Russia's invasion of Ukraine may impact some Australians' upcoming European travel plans, with airlines and tour companies changing flight routes and itineraries over safety concerns.
Most European countries are now welcoming fully-vaccinated Australians, though the Australian government has updated its travel advice to parts of eastern Europe.
'Do not travel' warnings have been added for Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, but the travel advice for the rest of Europe has remained unchanged.
European countries have largely closed their airspace to commercial flights operating in and out of Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, and parts of Belarus.
Carriers are still flying to other eastern European countries as scheduled, though countries sharing a border with Ukraine, such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, all have updated travel warnings.
Australians travelling to countries bordering Ukraine, as well as countries on Russia's fringe, have been warned to "exercise a high degree of caution" (the same warning level as the rest of Europe due to COVID-19 risks).
The Baltic states that border Russia to the west – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland – are all NATO members, and protected from military advances under the NATO Pact.
Lithuania and Moldova have joined Poland in declaring a state of emergency. Poland's state of emergency applies to areas near the Belarus border, where Russian-led military exercises have been taking place since last year, and a referendum has just taken place overturning its non-nuclear status.
Airlines currently flying between Australia and Europe, including Qantas and Singapore Airlines, have not been impacted by the conflict so far, and are still operating as usual, with minimal disruption.
Qantas has updated its Darwin to London service to avoid the northern part of Russia, with the alternative route increasing the total flying time by about one hour.
"Given the current circumstances and complexities, we're opting to use one of our alternative flight paths that doesn't overfly Russia while we continue to monitor this evolving situation," a Qantas spokesperson told Traveller.
"We regularly review our flight paths and make any adjustments we consider prudent."
A spokesperson for Singapore Airlines said its European operations remain unaffected.
"Singapore Airlines does not fly near the Russian-Ukrainian border region or within Ukraine. We are closely monitoring the situation and will make the appropriate adjustments where necessary," they said.
Middle East airlines, including Qatar, Emirates and Etihad, have temporarily suspended flights to Ukraine and rerouted services away from the conflict zone.
A Qatar Airways statement said: "The airline alters routes and adjusts schedules in accordance with all mandates, directives and safety protocols, both internal and external."
Travel to Russia will be challenging for some time to come, with the west swiftly moving to isolate Russia physically as well as financially.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has recommended against any European airline flying into or out of any airport in Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus.
Major tour organisers and cruise operators have cancelled trips to Russia, in some cases for the rest of 2022.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which owns Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, has removed Russian and Ukrainian ports from their 2022 sailings.
A Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson said: "The safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority. Due to the escalated situation between Russia and Ukraine we have made the decision to alter itineraries and remove calls to St Petersburg, Russia from our 2022 sailings.
"We are currently working to confirm replacement ports and will advise all impacted guests and travel advisors as soon as possible."
Cities could see large anti-Putin demonstrations, which may impact public spaces, though rallies outside Russia have so far remained contained and non-violent.
with Michael Gebicki
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