We know many families are watching developments in the Middle East closely and wondering what this means for their upcoming project. We take these situations seriously, and your child's safety is the only thing that matters to us.
For the vast majority of our programs, travel and operations are continuing as normal. Where flight routes are affected, there are well-established alternatives, and our team is on hand to help arrange them.
Below, we explain:
- exactly what is happening
- what your options are
- what protections you have as a Projects Abroad family
What Is Actually Affected
The current tensions in the Middle East are primarily affecting flight paths that transit through the Middle East, which are common for Australians heading to Europe or parts of Africa. The countries where we operate our programmes remain stable and welcoming to international participants.
Airlines are already adjusting routes, and there is no shortage of straightforward alternatives. Airlines have already shifted their networks. Most participants are simply routing through major Asian hubs (like Singapore or Hong Kong) or heading East across the Pacific to reach the Americas. This is a minor inconvenience at most, not a reason to change plans.
Our Commitment to Your Child's Safety
Projects Abroad has over 30 years of experience running overseas projects for young people. In that time, we have navigated many periods of global uncertainty, and our approach has always been the same: we operate only in destinations where we are genuinely confident participants can live and work safely.
In reality, this means:
- Permanent local teams on the ground in every destination, giving us real-time updates that no news headline can match.
- Continuous monitoring of government travel advisories and airline guidance.
- Close coordination with our international travel partners.
- Established safety protocols and emergency procedures in every destination.
If conditions ever change and we believe travel is no longer appropriate, we will act quickly by adapting plans or cancelling programs where necessary. We will never ask a family to travel somewhere we would not send our own children.
Booking With Confidence: Our Guarantee to You
Our goal is simple: you should never feel financially pressured to travel if circumstances change.
We understand that booking an overseas program for your child during a period of uncertainty takes trust.
Our flexible booking policy is designed to give you complete peace of mind:
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✓ Unlimited free changes: change your program dates, duration, destination, or project as many times as you need, at no cost. ✓ Postpone for up to 24 months: if you'd prefer to travel later, you can hold the full value of your program fee and use it toward any future Projects Abroad experience. ✓ Full refund if we cancel: in the event that Projects Abroad cancels your program and the alternatives we offer don't work for your family, you will receive a complete refund of your program fees. No delays, no deductions. |
Getting There: Alternative Flight Routes
For participants traveling to Europe, Africa, or Latin America, here is how we are ensuring a smooth journey that avoids Middle Eastern airspace:
Spain
While many traditionally flew via the Gulf, reaching Spain is now most reliably done via Singapore, Hong Kong, or Bangkok. Qantas and partner airlines are also utilising a "Northern Corridor" that flies over Central Asia. Another excellent option is the direct Perth to London or Perth to Paris service, which has been rerouted to stop in Singapore.
Kenya & Tanzania
East Africa is easily reached by flying via Singapore or Johannesburg. Qantas operates direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg, providing a direct "South-South" connection that doesn't go anywhere near the Middle East. From Johannesburg, it is a short onward flight to Nairobi or Kilimanjaro.
Peru & the Galapagos Islands
For South America, we look East. The most efficient route for Australians is across the Pacific. Qantas and LATAM offer direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Santiago, often via Auckland. From Santiago, there are easy connections to Lima and Quito. This route is completely unaffected by events in the Middle East.
Other Destinations to Consider
If you are looking for the most direct travel experience right now, many families are choosing our Asia & Pacific programs precisely because the travel is so straightforward:
- Nepal: from Medicine to Rhino Conservation, it’s easily reached via a single connection in Singapore or Hong Kong.
- The Philippines & Vietnam: outstanding healthcare and community projects with simple, direct flight paths.
- Fiji: our closest destination, offering world-class shark conservation and community projects.
- Japan: ideal for those looking for a cultural immersion program with the shortest possible travel time.
- Cambodia: Cambodia remains one of our most popular and accessible destinations. Most participants fly via Singapore, Bangkok, or Ho Chi Minh City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still safe to travel internationally?
Yes.
We continue to operate projects only in destinations that remain stable and welcoming. Our teams monitor the situation constantly and adapt plans where necessary. If we ever had serious concerns about a destination, we would not be operating there.
What if the situation changes after I book?
Our flexible booking policy allows you to change your destination, project, or travel dates free of charge, as many times as you need. You can also postpone your program for up to 24 months without losing any of the money you've paid.
What if Projects Abroad cancels my project?
If we cancel and the alternative options we offer don't suit you or your family—you will be given a full refund of your project fees, straightforwardly and without deduction.
Can flights avoid the Middle East?
Yes, easily. In fact, this is already happening.
Most participants are travelling via European or Asian hubs, or simply flying across the Pacific Ocean instead. Our travel partners can help arrange the most convenient route from your departure point.
Will my child have support throughout the journey?
Yes.
Chaperoned group flights are available for many of our summer programs, and in every destination our local staff meet participants on arrival and provide round-the-clock in-country support.
Speak With Our Team
Every family's situation is different. We are always happy to talk through any concerns you have and answer your questions, whether they are about travel, safety, project options, or anything else.
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