Dhaka, March 19 -- The Australian government has clarified that its 'Do Not Travel' warnings for several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, also apply to transits and layovers, not just direct travel to those destinations.

The government's travel advisory platform, Smartraveller, has issued the warnings amid ongoing regional conflict, cautioning that airports, hotels, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure have been struck by missiles.

"Airspace may close at short notice. Flights can change or stop suddenly. Borders can close," Smartraveller warned, adding that travelers transiting through a 'Do Not Travel' country risk being unable to leave and face safety threats.

Travelers with upcoming itinera...