The WOMADelaide Festival has announced a program change as several acts are unable to travel to Australia in the midst of the Middle East conflict.

The festival confirmed on Wednesday that changes have been made to the program because the acts, Alfio Antico & Go Dugong, Asmâa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou, Bhutan Balladeers, and Stan’s Café Theatre Company — The Commentators have been impacted by travel restrictions.

Over 20,000 flights have been cancelled since the escalating US and Israeli air war against Iran began on the weekend.

Iran war live updates: For the latest news on the Middle East crisis read our blog.

Last night, a plane arrived in Sydney from Dubai that had 200 Australians onboard. 

It was one of 60 flights out of the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.

The next flight from the Middle East is expected to land in Sydney on Friday after leaving Abu Dhabi on Thursday. 

WOMADelaide festival director Ian Scobie said planning logistics “have been immense”.

“In an incredibly challenging environment — due to the recent conflict in the Middle East — the logistical challenges of bringing such a large and diverse program of artists from around the globe to Adelaide have been immense,” he said. 

Ian Scobie smiles.

Ian Scobie said logistical challenges have been “immense”. (ABC News: Shari Hams)

“We are deeply grateful to our team and the hundreds of artists who have persevered to find the combination of new routes and flights to ensure these extraordinary performances reach us.

“At a time like this, WOMADelaide — as the world’s festival, reflecting the world as we would all hope it can be — is more important than ever.”

In a statement posted to social media, Italian act Alfio Antico & Go Dugong said they were “unable to find a solution” to getting to Australia in the wake of the conflict.

Black and white photo of two men sitting down

Italian act Alfio Antico & Go Dugong released a statement on Wednesday.  (Instagram)

“The trip included a stopover in Dubai and, as you can imagine, the current geopolitical situation has made it impossible for us to travel,” they said.

“We tried in every possible way, right up to the last moment, to find alternate routes.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to find a solution that wouldn’t put health, safety and the success of the performances at risk.”

The festival is due to run from March 6 to March 9.