Middle East travel disruption

• Support section updated
• Students offshore section added (3.30pm)

As many of you will already be aware, military action is occurring in Iran and other locations in the Middle East, causing significant travel disruption, including airspace closures and flight cancellations with some airports having been directly impacted by the attacks.

The Risk Office has been advised that University travellers whose travel has been booked via Orbit (with upcoming travel scheduled to or via the Middle East) have been contacted directly by Orbit to assist with re-booking flight routes away from the conflict zone.

Travellers whose travel has been booked via a third party can email the Risk Office for assistance. Note: the Risk Office does not have visibility of any bookings made outside of Orbit, where those itineraries have not been shared with the Risk Office for uploading into our travel tracking software.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has issued guidance related to the Middle East security situation on SafeTravel.

The University’s travel insurance is directly linked to the MFAT advice levels for the travel destination, including any country or territory that a traveller transits through enroute to their destination.

Staff are advised to check the MFAT advice level(s) for their upcoming travel destinations and any country or territory that they will transit through enroute to their final destination.

If any destinations has an MFAT advice level of ‘Avoid Non-Essential Travel’ or ‘Do not travel’ staff are requested to email the Risk Office as soon as possible.

Travellers are also advised to register their travel with SafeTravel.

All travellers travelling internationally on University-approved and funded business have access to 24-hour, 7 days a week worldwide assistance and support via our emergency travel assistance provider Healix, via phone or app.

• Phone +64 9 374 1736 Note: You will will need to quote the Chubb policy number, NZBTAG08936125
  or
• 'Travel Oracle' app (download before you depart)

Student travel is managed by 360 International, the outbound mobility team who are part of the International Office. For any questions or concerns related to student travel, staff can advise students to email 360international@auckland.ac.nz.

Many of you will be watching events unfold in Iran and across the Middle East with concern. Many people in our University community have connections to the region and will be worried about the situation.

Please remember:

• Staff can access free, confidential counselling services from the Employee Assistance Programme.
• Students onshore in New Zealand can get support from Te Papa Manaaki Campus Care, and other groups listed under Personal support.

If you are currently offshore and affected by travel disruptions or regional events, we hope you are safe and able to access the support you need where you are.

Your wellbeing remains important to us. We encourage you to follow the advice of local authorities and seek support from your government’s consular services or your insurance provider where appropriate.

If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident

• Please ensure you are registered with SafeTravel so the New Zealand Government can contact you with any relevant updates.
• SafeTravel also provides up-to-date travel advice and guidance.

If you are not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident

• Please contact your home country’s embassy, consulate, or foreign affairs ministry for advice, welfare checks, or consular assistance.
• Many embassies provide 24-hour support during significant events.

If you hold travel or medical insurance

If your policy covers travel disruption, emergency assistance, or crisis support, you may wish to contact your insurance provider directly. They may be able to connect you with professional support services and advise on assistance available under your policy.