10 Highest-Earning Australian Postcodes Revealed
It doesn't take a government report to uncover where the 'rich' part of town is, but it helps. Taking a quick drive through some of the more ritzy areas in your city is usually enough to paint a picture of where the equity boundary lines have been drawn. Still, turning to the official numbers from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reveals the highest-earning postcodes in Australia. The government body reports, among other things, the richest suburbs in Australia. Sure, you can probably picture which regions are on the list, but Double Bay wasn't the only inner-city Sydney postcode to make the highest-earning suburbs in Australia list. Let's take a closer look!
Highest-Earning Australian Postcodes at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following:
Now you've read the highlights, let's check out the complete list.
New South Head Road, Double Bay | Image: Domain
1. 2028 (Double Bay), NSW – $354,308
Number of individuals: 3,304
Average taxable income: $354,308
Median taxable income or loss: $88,066
If there's one Australian suburb that comes to mind immediately when you think about the nation's richest residents, it's Double Bay. The saying rings true, 'Double Bay, Double Pay,' as the suburb is home to the highest average income earners, with an average taxable income of $266,381. The 2028 postcode is home to some of Sydney's best high-end restaurants and cafes, but it's also known for its never-ending rows of mansions, Mercedes-Benz G Wagons, and beauty salons.
Cottesloe | Image: Supplied
2. 6011 (Cottesloe, Peppermint Grove), WA – $295,283
Number of individuals: 6,704
Average taxable income: $295,283
Median taxable income or loss: $84,217
The only Western Australian postcode to make the highest-earning list, this place is home to mining billionaire Andrew Forrest, who benefited from China's unquenchable appetite for iron ore. There are two suburbs in this postcode: Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove, which are ruly spectacular beachside regions. Score pizza and seafood at the Indiana Cottesloe Beach restaurant, a former tea house from 1910, while oceanfront pubs with beer gardens host 'Sunday Sessions' with live music. Inland, you'll find hip bakeries, designer jewellers and plenty of fashion retailers.
Wolseley Road, Point Piper | Image: Domain
3. 2027 (Darling Point, Edgecliff, Rushcutters Bay, Point Piper), NSW – $269,777
Number of individuals: 5,703
Average taxable income: $269,777
Median taxable income or loss: $87,915
Residents in these Sydney suburbs will be disappointed to know that they've dropped down the rankings of Australia's highest-earning postcodes this year. Holding onto the silver medal for years, the 2027 postcode on Sydney Harbour has dropped down to number seven on this list, with Darling Point, Edgecliff, Rushcutters Bay, and Point Piper individuals having an average taxable income of AU$269,777. Residents have included former Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond.
Toorak | Image: Domain
4. 3142 (Hawksburn, Toorak), VIC – $222,967
Number of individuals: 9,540
Average taxable income: $266,020
Median taxable income or loss: $79,919
Ahh, finally, the Melburnians can get in on the action with this top-earning Victorian postcode. Home to two of the top suburbs in the state: Hawksburn and Toorak, there's your usual array of mega-mansions amongst beautiful scenery just outside the CBD. Eddie McGuire lives in Toorak, so you know there's money here. However, this particular Toorak mansion smashed the national auction record in October 2021.
Aston Gardens, Bellevue Hill | Image: Domain
5. 2023 (Bellevue Hill), NSW – $245,728
Number of individuals: 7,108
Average taxable income: $245,728
Median taxable income or loss: $84,477
Home to the third-most expensive private boys' school in Sydney, Scots College ($50,000+ per year), the Sydney suburb of Bellevue Hill is located in the 'sweet spot' between Rose Bay and Double Bay. Here, you'll find everything you need for your family, wife, and girlfriend, including bakeries filled with sourdough and neighbourhood restaurants. It's also just a stone's throw from The Royal Sydney Golf Club, and there's a handful of tennis courts to keep your better half busy while you're out working for those school fees.
Rawson Road, Rose Bay | Image: Domain
6. 2030 (Dover Heights, Rose Bay, North Vaucluse, Watsons Bay), NSW – $230,597
Number of individuals: 9,539
Average taxable income: $230,597
Median taxable income or loss: $79,934
If you're a millionaire who wants to hide away from the hustle and bustle of Bondi, Double Bay, and Woollahra, the logical choice is to get yourself a cheeky mansion in Dover Heights. Just off Old South Head Road, the suburb has a handful of cafes and bars. However, it's better known for its eclectic groups of residents, which include everyone from alleged underworld figure John Ibrahim to Zac Efron. With views out over the Tasman Sea and Sydney Harbour, there's no better place to watch the sun go down than from your infinity pool.
Portsea Pier | Image: Visit Melbourne
7. 3944 (Portsea), VIC – $221,867
Number of individuals: 586
Average taxable income: $221,867
Median taxable income or loss: $77,610
If you're a Melbourne millionaire and you're not hanging out at your Tookrak mansion, there's a good chance you're chilling by the pool at your holiday home in Portsea, VIC. However, with less than 600 individuals permanently residing in this seaside town, it's clear there's a market for rich retirees, too. Right next to Sorrento, this expensive Victorian postcode is home to the 'Millionaire's Walk' which doesn't need explaining, and the beautiful Sorrento Golf Club. Oh, and let's not forget about the Harold Holt Memorial at Portsea Beach, 'the swim that needs no towel' is cemented in Australian history.
Unnamed Phillip Cox designed property on 2,074 sqm of waterfront land at Palm Beach | Image: Supplied / Domain
8. 2108 (Coasters Retreat, Currawong Beach, Great Mackerel Beach, Palm Beach), NSW – $216,262
Number of individuals: 1,283
Average taxable income: $216,262
Median taxable income or loss: $60,959
The global pandemic forced a large number of retirees out of the greater Sydney region. While a large portion of the Coasters Retreat, Currawong Beach, Great Mackerel Beach, and Palm Beach properties are inhabited as holiday retreats for the super wealthy, it appears many have moved from their main residences and back into these secluded retreats by the water. This has likely had an impact on the region's average taxable income, which increased to $216,262. What this has done to the price of coffee and avocado toast, we'll have to wait and see.
Woolwich's $23 million 'Vailele' | Image: Supplied
9. 2110 (Woolich, Hunters Hill), NSW – $215,456
Number of individuals: 6,062
Average taxable income: $215,456
Median taxable income or loss: $79,612
The one-way in and one-way out postcode with a sprinkling of waterfront mansions and a great pub, it's easy to see why 2110 (Woolich, Hunters Hill) has reared its head amongst the highest-earning suburbs in Australia. $215,456 is the average taxable income for the suburb, but one would imagine that those couples purchasing homes like 'Vailele,' which fetched upwards of $20 million at auction a few years ago, are likely earning a whole lot more than this. What better way to balance a multi-million-dollar property portfolio than with a schooner of Carlton at the Woolich Pier Hotel? It's all about equal opportunity!
Woollahra | Image: Woollahra Municipal Council
10. 2025 (Woollahra), NSW – $212,881
Number of individuals: 4,922
Average taxable income: $212,881
Median taxable income or loss: $86,071
While suburbs like Rose Bay, Double Bay, and Vaucluse lean heavily on the waterfront living experience, Woollahra brings all the Eastern Suburbs glitz and glamour you would hope for, but with a city-living skew. Here, you'll find everything from mega mansions to Chargrill Charlies, but above all else, it's the selection of fashion retailers that make their way along Oxford Street into Paddington and the selection of pubs that makes this suburb stand out to the millionaires. It's also near Centennial Park, which is a bonus.
Highest-Earning Australian Postcodes | Image: Supplied / ATO
Suburbs That Dropped Outside the Top of the List
Next time your mate from Melbourne complains about the price of houses in Victoria, remind them that Sydney had seven spots on the top 10 list of highest-earning postcodes. Tell him to loosen his R.M. Williams belt while he's at it. Melbourne had two cracks at the top 10, with Toorak in the city's inner-east coming in 4th and new-entrant (and retieree-favourite) Portsea landing in 7th place. However, it wasn't all fun and games for high-earners in these postcodes, as new developments in key Australian postcodes have kicked some well-known ritzy spots off the top of the list.
2088 (Mosman, Spit Junction), NSW | Image: Wikipedia
2088 (Mosman, Spit Junction), NSW – $188,234
Number of individuals: 19,706
Average taxable income: $188,234
Where most people who live in the East haven't heard of Northbridge, most people who live in Mosman probably think they live in the most affluent suburb in Sydney. However, we've got some news because, according to the data, they just fell outside the top 10 highest-earning postcodes in Australia. Spanning from Bradley's Head in the South to The Spit Bridge in the North, Middle Head in the East, and Cremorne in the West, the 2088 postcode is the largest on this list with 19,706 individuals. You'll find people from all walks of life around North Sydney's version of Rose Bay.
Northbridge Golf Club | Image: Northbridge Golf Club
2063 (Northbridge), NSW – $191,225
Number of individuals: 4,284
Average taxable income: $191,225
Most people who live in the Eastern Suburbs postcodes that dominate this list don't even realise Northbridge is in Sydney, let alone one of the highest-earning postcodes in Australia. Seriously, like everything that happens in Vegas, it seems the first rule about living in Northbridge is not mentioning Northbridge. However, they've recently fallen outside the top 10 with a sub-$200k average taxable income threshold: 'Imagine earning less than $200,000,' says someone from the East. Here, you'll find the Northbridge Sailing Club, the Northbridge Golf Club, and more cafes than you can poke a Platinum AMEX at.
You'll also like:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
State Liberals hit back at critics and launch campaign
Embattled Premier Jeremy Rockliff has hit back at growing criticism of his government's budget management as he formally launches his campaign to recapture the hearts, minds and votes of Tasmanians. The island state heads to the polls next month after parliament declared no confidence in the Liberal minority leader in early June. It will be Tasmania's second election in successive years and the fourth since 2018. Debt is the number one issue, with the dissenting opposition and crossbench lashing Mr Rockliff over his handling of the state's finances. Figures released last week by treasury forecast a worse position than estimated in the May 2025/26 state budget, with net debt to reach $13 billion in 2027/28, above the budget forecast of $10.2 billion. It called for "explicit policy choices", warning the rate of debt growth was unsustainable. Mr Rockliff will head to Tasmania's north on Sunday to officially hit "go" on his re-election bid. However, in an attempt to beat him to the punch, Labor leader Dean Winter on Saturday unveiled plans to immediately find $1 billion in savings if he wins power and to put any windfall tax revenue gains towards debt reduction. Mr Rockliff immediately dismissed the move as "a recycling of a number of policies already in existence". "His plan to 'maximise government business profits' means higher charges, including increased car rego and power prices," he said. "The truth is Mr Winter will increase taxes." The major parties also traded barbs on Saturday on support for the proposed Marinus Link project. The undersea electricity and data connector would link Tasmania's northwest with Victoria's Latrobe Valley and allow the smaller state to import surplus solar while exporting hydropower to the mainland grid where it could help reduce the risk of brownouts. "After promising the project for 11 years - and delivering nothing - Jeremy Rockliff is now unsure whether he supports it," according to opposition energy spokeswoman Janie Finley. Government counterpart Nick Duigan accused Mr Winter of wanting to "trade away" Tasmania's economic future by forfeiting a seat at the Marinus table and leaving Victoria to call the shots in any deal. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in head to the polls on July 19. Embattled Premier Jeremy Rockliff has hit back at growing criticism of his government's budget management as he formally launches his campaign to recapture the hearts, minds and votes of Tasmanians. The island state heads to the polls next month after parliament declared no confidence in the Liberal minority leader in early June. It will be Tasmania's second election in successive years and the fourth since 2018. Debt is the number one issue, with the dissenting opposition and crossbench lashing Mr Rockliff over his handling of the state's finances. Figures released last week by treasury forecast a worse position than estimated in the May 2025/26 state budget, with net debt to reach $13 billion in 2027/28, above the budget forecast of $10.2 billion. It called for "explicit policy choices", warning the rate of debt growth was unsustainable. Mr Rockliff will head to Tasmania's north on Sunday to officially hit "go" on his re-election bid. However, in an attempt to beat him to the punch, Labor leader Dean Winter on Saturday unveiled plans to immediately find $1 billion in savings if he wins power and to put any windfall tax revenue gains towards debt reduction. Mr Rockliff immediately dismissed the move as "a recycling of a number of policies already in existence". "His plan to 'maximise government business profits' means higher charges, including increased car rego and power prices," he said. "The truth is Mr Winter will increase taxes." The major parties also traded barbs on Saturday on support for the proposed Marinus Link project. The undersea electricity and data connector would link Tasmania's northwest with Victoria's Latrobe Valley and allow the smaller state to import surplus solar while exporting hydropower to the mainland grid where it could help reduce the risk of brownouts. "After promising the project for 11 years - and delivering nothing - Jeremy Rockliff is now unsure whether he supports it," according to opposition energy spokeswoman Janie Finley. Government counterpart Nick Duigan accused Mr Winter of wanting to "trade away" Tasmania's economic future by forfeiting a seat at the Marinus table and leaving Victoria to call the shots in any deal. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in head to the polls on July 19. Embattled Premier Jeremy Rockliff has hit back at growing criticism of his government's budget management as he formally launches his campaign to recapture the hearts, minds and votes of Tasmanians. The island state heads to the polls next month after parliament declared no confidence in the Liberal minority leader in early June. It will be Tasmania's second election in successive years and the fourth since 2018. Debt is the number one issue, with the dissenting opposition and crossbench lashing Mr Rockliff over his handling of the state's finances. Figures released last week by treasury forecast a worse position than estimated in the May 2025/26 state budget, with net debt to reach $13 billion in 2027/28, above the budget forecast of $10.2 billion. It called for "explicit policy choices", warning the rate of debt growth was unsustainable. Mr Rockliff will head to Tasmania's north on Sunday to officially hit "go" on his re-election bid. However, in an attempt to beat him to the punch, Labor leader Dean Winter on Saturday unveiled plans to immediately find $1 billion in savings if he wins power and to put any windfall tax revenue gains towards debt reduction. Mr Rockliff immediately dismissed the move as "a recycling of a number of policies already in existence". "His plan to 'maximise government business profits' means higher charges, including increased car rego and power prices," he said. "The truth is Mr Winter will increase taxes." The major parties also traded barbs on Saturday on support for the proposed Marinus Link project. The undersea electricity and data connector would link Tasmania's northwest with Victoria's Latrobe Valley and allow the smaller state to import surplus solar while exporting hydropower to the mainland grid where it could help reduce the risk of brownouts. "After promising the project for 11 years - and delivering nothing - Jeremy Rockliff is now unsure whether he supports it," according to opposition energy spokeswoman Janie Finley. Government counterpart Nick Duigan accused Mr Winter of wanting to "trade away" Tasmania's economic future by forfeiting a seat at the Marinus table and leaving Victoria to call the shots in any deal. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in head to the polls on July 19. Embattled Premier Jeremy Rockliff has hit back at growing criticism of his government's budget management as he formally launches his campaign to recapture the hearts, minds and votes of Tasmanians. The island state heads to the polls next month after parliament declared no confidence in the Liberal minority leader in early June. It will be Tasmania's second election in successive years and the fourth since 2018. Debt is the number one issue, with the dissenting opposition and crossbench lashing Mr Rockliff over his handling of the state's finances. Figures released last week by treasury forecast a worse position than estimated in the May 2025/26 state budget, with net debt to reach $13 billion in 2027/28, above the budget forecast of $10.2 billion. It called for "explicit policy choices", warning the rate of debt growth was unsustainable. Mr Rockliff will head to Tasmania's north on Sunday to officially hit "go" on his re-election bid. However, in an attempt to beat him to the punch, Labor leader Dean Winter on Saturday unveiled plans to immediately find $1 billion in savings if he wins power and to put any windfall tax revenue gains towards debt reduction. Mr Rockliff immediately dismissed the move as "a recycling of a number of policies already in existence". "His plan to 'maximise government business profits' means higher charges, including increased car rego and power prices," he said. "The truth is Mr Winter will increase taxes." The major parties also traded barbs on Saturday on support for the proposed Marinus Link project. The undersea electricity and data connector would link Tasmania's northwest with Victoria's Latrobe Valley and allow the smaller state to import surplus solar while exporting hydropower to the mainland grid where it could help reduce the risk of brownouts. "After promising the project for 11 years - and delivering nothing - Jeremy Rockliff is now unsure whether he supports it," according to opposition energy spokeswoman Janie Finley. Government counterpart Nick Duigan accused Mr Winter of wanting to "trade away" Tasmania's economic future by forfeiting a seat at the Marinus table and leaving Victoria to call the shots in any deal. The Liberals (14 seats) and Labor (10) face an uphill battle to reach the 18-seat mark required to govern in head to the polls on July 19.
Herald Sun
3 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Victoria: Priciest homes revealed including Toorak record-buster
New and old rich-listers splashed an eye-watering $540m-plus on Victoria's 20 most expensive homes of the past 12 months. A record-busting sale reported to fall between $115m to $135m for Toorak mansion Coonac topped the pile. It was also the nation's biggest deal for the 2024-25 financial year although industry sources indicated the transaction likely fell at the range's lower end. RELATED: Arrotex boss billionaire Dennis Bastas firming as buyer of $100m+ mansion PropTrack: Melb six months from record prices Geelong trophy home Raith on track to break record at circa $9m Other Toorak listings clocked up individual circa-$70m and $40m sales. Elsewhere, luxurious pads in Canterbury, South Yarra, Brighton and the Mornington Peninsula scored eight-figure sales. But it was the circa-1867 Italianate mansion Coonac that smashed Melbourne's $80.88m benchmark. Industry insiders linked the off-market sale to Kay & Burton managing director Ross Savas and chair Gerald Delany. While it's not been officially confirmed, billionaire Dennis Bastas was widely tipped to have purchased Coonac. Mr Bastas runs a healthcare empire through his leadership roles at Arrotex Pharmaceuticals, myDNA and DBG Health. Mr Savas said the upper end of the Melbourne market has remained resilient. 'Many are taking a generational view — prioritising long-term security, lifestyle alignment and legacy over short-term market fluctuations,' he said, 'At the same time, favourable economic conditions, including the low Australian dollar, continue to attract international interest — particularly from expatriates and global buyers looking to establish roots in Melbourne.' The luxurious six-bedroom mansion at 2-4 Macquarie Rd fetched a figure in the vicinity of $70m shortly before Christmas. Automation platform Neota chairman John Lord and his wife Sue sold the home where visitors are greeted with a sweeping marble staircase, and are likely to enjoy a dedicated basement cinema or the home's temperature-controlled wine cellar and tasting room. Forbes Global Properties' Michael Gibson handled the listing – along with another $40m Toorak pad that changed hands off market. Mr Gibson said there was often multiple buyers for homes prices at $10m to $30. 'The premier market over the past year has been as strong as ever … one thing we are short on is properties to sell,' he added. When it came to luxury features it wasn't uncommon for homeowners to want double-level basements for entertaining, exercising and storing car collections, said Forbes Global Properties director Robert Fletcher, who oversaw a $29m Toorak deal in March. 'I think people who have a large amount of cars tend to look for space for between six to eight cars,' he said. Forbes colleague, senior associate Tracy Tian Belcher said some buyers were more hesitant to buy amid uncertainty about many cuts will be made to Australia's official cash rate across the second half of 2025. Ms Belcher said that even if clients were quite well off, the 13 hikes interest rates across the nation between May 2022 and November 2023 had affected many of them – while reporting on current economic conditions could impact people's emotions. 'Last year, one of my buyers was involved in a six-month long negotiation process for a Toorak home,' Ms Belcher said. Melbourne Sotheby's International Realty managing director Antoinette Nido and colleague Max Ruttner oversaw a $25.6m South Yarra transaction in December. 'Look at me addresses' were important to many recently cashed-up buyers, Ms Nido said. 'What's notable is that a lot of young business people who have made money in IPOs are doing very well,' she said. 'People who you have never heard of will call and when you ask how much they want to spent, it can be $40m to $50m.' Marshall White group sales director John Bongiorno said demand in the Melbourne prestige market's top end had consolidated in the past 12 months as the city's population boomed. 'I think that there are more buyers in the $10m-plus category,' Mr Bongiorno said. 'The amount of people out there with substantial wealth, it's a far bigger than what it was 12 months ago, two years ago, five years ago.' Marshall White handled the $30m-plus sale of a French Provincial-inspired Canterbury house boasting a 16-car showroom, eight bathrooms, a cinema and day spa with a sauna in March, listed by agents Andy Nasr and Marcus Chiminello. Many top-end buyers were taking a long view, prioritising the security, prestige and practicality of homes over price movements, Kay & Burton Stonnington director Darren Lewenberg said. 'These aren't short-term flips, they're generational homes,' Mr Lewenberg said. Many homes that transacted had been fully rebuilt or renovated by architects and interior designers well before being listed. 'Buyers at this level don't want to lift a finger. They want to walk in and start living,' Mr Lewenberg said. Industry Insider Property founder and prestige buyers agent Andrew Date said the surge in off-market deals was one of the most notable shifts in 2024–25. 'Most of the biggest sales never hit the portals. They're done over lunch, through networks, and only involve a few key people,' Mr Date said. 'These homes are so rare, they're not just about location, but land, architectural pedigree, and lifestyle.' Mr Date said prestige demand had also crept further afield especially towards the Mornington Peninsula. Additional reporting by David Bonaddio VICTORIA'S MOST EXPENSIVE HOME SALES, 2024-25 FINANCIAL YEAR Coonac, Toorak Price: $115m-$135m Agents: industry sources linked the off-market sale to Kay & Burton's Ross Savas and Gerald Delany. 2-4 Macquarie Rd, Toorak circa $70m Agent: Forbes Global Properties' Michael Gibson Address withheld, Toorak $40m Agent: Forbes Global Properties' Michael Gibson 38 Monomeath Ave, Canterbury circa $30m+ Agents: Marshall White's Andy Nasr and Marcus Chiminello. 27 St Georges Rd, Toorak circa $29m Agent: Forbes Global Properties director Robert Fletcher 177-181 Walsh St, South Yarra $25.6m Agent: Melbourne Sotheby's International Realty Antoinette Nido and Max Ruttner 5 St Ninians Rd, Brighton $23m Agents: Marshall White's Ben Vieth and Andy Nasr 10 Struan St, Toorak $22m Agents: Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello and Nicole French Address withheld, South Yarra $21.2m Agency: Withheld 12 Lansell Rd, Toorak $21m Agent: Kay & Burton's Gowan Stubbings 7 Gawith Court, Toorak circa $20-22m Agents: Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello and Nicole French 3520 Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento $20m+ Agents: Kay & Burton's Liz Jensen and Gerald Delany 6 Macquarie Rd, Toorak circa $20m Agents: Marshall White's Marcus Chiminello and Nicole French 10 Highgate Hill, Toorak $19.3m Agent: Kay & Burton's Oliver Booth 4 Grant Ave, Toorak $19m Agent: Forbes Global Properties' Mike Gibson 8 Robertson St, Toorak $19m Agent: RT Edgar's Mark Wridgway 3786 Point Nepean Rd, Portsea $19m Agents: RT Edgar's David Gillham and Ilze Moran 11 Berkeley Street, Hawthorn $18,888,999 Agents: Jellis Craig's Perry Zhou and Elsa Li 11 Kent Court, Toorak circa $18m Agents: RT Edgar's Tim Brown and Sarah Case 14 Grandview Grove, Hawthorn East $17.5m Agents: Marshall White's James Tostevin and John Bongiorno 444 Musk Creek Road, Flinders circa $17.5m Agency: Forbes Global Properties Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Leo's Fine Food & Wine Kew sale linked to James Packer Time-capsule house of Aussie artist to the stars for sale Luxe hotel hits market for just $2 — but there's a catch
Sydney Morning Herald
4 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Most complex': Inside the 24 hours that brought Qatar's airspace to a close
Adding to the situation, some of Qatar's flight crews had exceeded their legal operating hours which restricted their movement, he wrote. That meant most of the fleet, including A380s carrying more than 450 passengers each 'were now out of position, some grounded at airports with curfews'. Other flights had to wait for clearance to re-enter restricted airspace. 'Every part of the operation had to adapt in real time – without precedent, and without pause.' Hamad International Airport in Qatar is a major hub for Qatar Airways, on the popular long-haul route that crosses from Asia into Europe via the Middle East. Flights in and out of Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest hub, were also temporarily suspended. After Qatari airspace reopened some five hours later, the diverted aircraft began returning to Doha. The number of passengers at the airport surged from 10,000 to more than 22,000 by 5.00am. More than 4600 customers were housed in about 3200 hotel rooms across Doha, 35,000 meals were distributed, as well as water, 'comfort kits, and reassurance were offered face to face, flight by flight'. On Tuesday, 390 flights operated, rising to 578 the next day, Meer said. Qatar runs nine daily flights from Australia's capital cities to Doha, four of them operated in partnership with Virgin Australia. It owns 23.4 per cent of the Australian carrier. Iran attacked the US in retaliation for a US aerial mission that aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities.
