Middle East advisory easing highlights need for stronger business travel risk planning - Travel Monitor
Australian businesses are being urged to reassess their travel risk management strategies following the Federal Government’s decision to ease travel advisories for several Middle Eastern destinations. This. . .
Australian businesses are being urged to reassess their travel risk management strategies following the Federal Government’s decision to ease travel advisories for several Middle Eastern destinations. This week, Smartraveller lowered its advice for Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from “Do Not Travel” to “Reconsider Your Need to Travel”, marking the first easing of restrictions since regional tensions escalated. While the move signals improving conditions, corporate travel specialists FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller say the change should serve as a prompt for organisations to review how prepared they are for future disruptions. Australian businesses remain highly exposedThe Middle East remains a critical aviation hub for Australian travellers, with more than 31 per cent of Europe-to-Australasia passengers typically transiting through the region. The gradual restoration of airline networks is helping rebuild confidence. Qatar Airways recently confirmed it will serve more than 160 destinations this northern summer, while Emirates has restored 96 per cent of its global network. However, businesses are being reminded that travel conditions can still change rapidly. Melissa Elf, Global COO of FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller, said travel risk management should now be viewed as a strategic business function. “The businesses that will move fastest in FY27 are those that treat travel risk management as a strategic function, not something that only gets attention when things go wrong,” she said. Business travel demand remains resilientDespite the disruption caused by the Middle East conflict, Corporate Traveller reported international bookings increased 3. 2 per cent year-on-year between March and May 2026. The figures suggest many businesses continued travelling by relying on flexible travel policies and stronger duty-of-care frameworks. Global research from International SOS found 57 per cent of business leaders believe new risks are emerging faster than their organisations can manage them, while only 35 per cent are confident they can mobilise teams quickly when circumstances change. At the same time, 70 per cent of corporate travel buyers believe travel management has become more important during periods of disruption, with greater involvement in leadership and risk-management decisions. Five questions businesses should ask before FY27FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller are encouraging organisations to review several key areas before the new financial year, including:Understanding flight overflight routes and associated risksReviewing fare flexibility and airline rebooking conditionsChecking transit visa requirements for alternative routingsConfirming travel insurance covers conflict-related disruptionEnsuring real-time traveller tracking and duty-of-care systems are in placeElf said travel remains an essential tool for business growth despite a more complex operating environment. “Business travel is one of the most powerful tools Australian companies have for building relationships, closing deals and staying competitive,” she said. “FY27 is an opportunity to make sure that tool is working as hard as it should, with the right people, the right flexibility and the right protections built in from the start. ”For more information, visitCorporate Traveller