Tour operators say it’s too soon to tell what impact the situation in the Middle East will have on prices and availability for the Easter and summer 2026 holidays, but it is almost certainly going to put a squeeze on capacity to other destinations.
With Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Cyprus – all popular destinations at Easter – temporarily out of bounds, families will be looking for alternatives.
However, the suspension of regular flights in and out of Middle East hubs, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar, means less capacity on routes to onward destinations, including the Indian Ocean, the Far East and Australasia.
Airlines offering alternative routes are reportedly putting up fares, which are also likely to increase due to longer flights to avoid Iranian air space and an increase in oil prices due to the ongoing conflict.
Travelpack Sales and Marketing Director Vishal Patel said: “It’s too soon to see price changes yet from our suppliers, we will have a better picture of this in a week or two.
“It is difficult to predict demand, but I would expect demand for last-minute bookings for Easter to significantly drop for the Middle East.”
Vishal said prices for holidays in the Middle East were likely to fall ‘once things settle down’, but the cost of travel to onward destinations will rise the longer airlines such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar are unable to operate from their major hubs.
Travelpack bookings were down 30% yesterday (2 March), but Vishal said this was in part due to staff and agents focusing on re-booking existing clients, as well as consumer demand.
Advantage Chief Executive Julia Lo Bue-Said: “It is simply too early to say where things will stand for the region by Easter, or to speculate on prices and availability at this stage.
“What we do know is that consumers are continuing to plan and book travel for Easter, and for those seeking greater certainty, looking at alternative destinations right now would be a sensible consideration.”
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