Australians stranded in Europe are facing yet another hurdle to return home after Emirates suspended outbound flights from the United Kingdom.
Thousands of Australian citizens could be affected by the decision, which came in response to the British government closing its border to the United Arab Emirates.
The key transit hub of Dubai is now off limits until further notice.
Etihad could soon follow suit, ruling Abu Dhabi out of bounds too.
Labor senator Penny Wong warned the fresh flight ban could affect many of the nearly 40,000 Australians stranded overseas.
"We have a prime minister who told people he would get them home by Christmas last year. He did not do so," she told the ABC on Friday.
"He should step up and take responsibility instead of doing what he so often does, which is when the going gets tough, he goes missing."
Health Minister Greg Hunt indicated the federal government could charter extra repatriation flights if the travel bans remained in place.
"If more flights are needed, more will be provided," he told reporters.
Mr Hunt said the Australian government understood and respected the need for the UK travel bans.
