DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – UAE airline Emirates is warning passengers traveling to and from Australia on Monday they could face delays as Australian immigration and border protection employees plan to walk off the job.
โEmirates advises passengers arriving into Australia or departing Australian airports on the morning of Monday, August 3 to expect some delays clearing customs due to planned industrial action,โ said an airline spokesperson in an emailed statement on Sunday.
Workers at Australiaโs seven international airports are planning mass strikes this week from Monday in the latest move of an ongoing dispute between the public sector and Australian federal government over pay and conditions.
Emirates is also recommending its passengers departing from Australia on Monday to arrive early to the airport and allow for extra time for processing through customs.
The airline flies to Australiaโs five major cities, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
The industrial action may also affect Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways passengers, who fly daily to multiple points in Australia.
On Thursday, a spokesperson from Etihad said the airline is assessing its contingency plans in case there is a disruption.
โIn the event of disruption to Etihad Airways services, plans will be made for alternate travel and affected guests will be advised accordingly,โ the spokesperson said last week.
A Qatar Airways spokesperson said last week any changes to its Australian schedules will be posted on the airlines travel alert page. The website has not been updated.