AviationQantas reroutes Australia–UK nonstop via Singapore.

Middle East conflict disrupts Qantas' ultra long-haul flight

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Middle East conflict leaves thousands seeking flights back to UK.
Middle East conflict leaves thousands seeking flights back to UK. Photo Credit: Facebook/Changi Airport

The only nonstop flight connecting Australia and the UK, the Qantas 17-hour flight from Perth to London, has been forced to stopover in Singapore as a result of the Middle East conflict.

The Australian flag carrier said the flight path has been re-routed to avoid closed airspace in the Middle East.

The technical stop will allow the aircraft to take on extra fuel.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority, and where necessary, we may adjust our flight paths,” Qantas said.

Thousands of UK nationals are in Australia trying to secure a flight home on Gulf airlines, but options are limited - and expensive - due to huge demand for alternative flights on Asian airlines.

Related: Middle East conflict disrupts cruise sailings

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