Planning a layover in the Middle East? Australia just changed its official travel advice

For millions of Australians heading to Europe, transiting through Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha just got a little less stressful.

The Federal Government has downgraded its travel warnings for both the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, dropping them from "Reconsider your need to travel" to "Exercise a high degree of caution".

But while the move clears a major hurdle for flight paths and travel insurance, tourism experts warn that passing through, or holidaying in, the Middle East still comes with hidden risks - particularly as advice for neighboring transit points like Saudi Arabia moves rapidly in the opposite direction.

Smartraveller says the revised advice levels reflects the "unpredictable security situation" in Qatar and "the threat of terrorism and the unpredictable security situation" in the UAE.

Dr Garth Lean, senior lecturer in tourism and heritage studies at Western Sydney University, says overall this is good news for Australian travellers.

He says while it makes travelling through these major aviation hubs more straightforward - and should also make travel insurance easier to obtain - the region "remains volatile, and flight disruptions and airspace closures are still possible at short notice."

"The lower advice level indicates that DFAT now assesses the situation as safer than it was, but Australians are still being told to exercise a high degree of caution," Lean tells Explore.

"Transit is more feasible, but travellers should remember that the situation can change very quickly."

Lean says while the downgrade also makes leisure travel more feasible, he would still be "cautious" about booking a holiday in either country while the regional security situation "remains volatile".

"Conditions can change quickly, including airspace closures and flight cancellations," Lean says.

Professor Brent Ritchie, an expert in tourism risk management at the University of Queensland Business School says the move signals that the Australian Government considers the risk "more manageable" than previously.

"However, it's important to recognise that a downgrade doesn't mean the risks have disappeared," Ritchie says.

"The regional security environment remains unpredictable, and travellers should continue to exercise caution."

The revised advice provides "greater reassurance" for Australians travelling through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

However, these airports remain vulnerable to disruptions from regional conflict, including sudden airspace closures and flight cancellations, he warns.

"Travellers should allow some flexibility in their itineraries and monitor developments before departure," says Ritchie.

He says leisure travel to both countries is now a "reasonable option", although travellers still need to make an informed decision.

"Both destinations have well-developed tourism infrastructure, but the main concern is the potential for a sudden deterioration in regional security," Ritchie says.

"I would encourage travellers to consider their individual risk tolerance and keep their plans flexible."

Ritchie says the lower advice level could make it easier to obtain travel insurance.

"Travel advisories are an important consideration for insurance companies, and a lower warning level may make it easier to obtain coverage," he says.

"However, travellers shouldn't assume they're automatically covered. They need to check their policies carefully, particularly exclusions relating to conflict, flight disruptions and cancellations.

"Some companies have also restricted travel due to insurance issues, so this is likely to also encourage transiting or visits by business travellers as well as leisure travellers."

Western Sydney University's Lean "Exercise a high degree of caution" destinations are usually covered by standard travel insurance.

But travellers should still check their individual policy, particularly any exclusions relating to conflict or known events, Lean warns.

Smartraveller has updated its advice for Saudi Arabia. They now advice "do not travel" to King Khalid International airport in Riyadh due to recent security incidents which are disrupting airport operations.

A missile attack killed 13 people on Saturday and injured more than 300. Another attack struck the airport, causing a fire and further injuries.

"If you choose to travel, do not depart for King Khalid International Airport until you have reconfirmed your flight with your airline or travel provider. Minimise your time at the airport," Smartraveller says.

TravelInsurance.com.au's McGowan says he expects only a small number of customers will be affected, as Riyadh isn't a main hub for Australians heading to Europe.

"Those most exposed are people connecting through Riyadh, for example on Saudia or Riyadh Air, and those visiting the city," McGowan says.

"For them, the impact is significant. Smartraveller says 'do not travel' means 'do not transit', and our exclusion applies to regions within a country, not just whole countries. Anyone who travels to or through King Khalid International while the warning stands won't be covered for losses connected to that travel."