The conflict in the Middle East has triggered significant and immediate impacts on travel activity across the region and beyond. Airspace is largely closed, with more than 5,000 flights cancelled within the first two days of the conflict. When flights resume, priority will be given to stranded holidaymakers–both within the Middle East and further afield who will…

Africa’s tourism industry was showing strong signs of recovery in early 2026. However, with rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly over airspace closures and flight cancellations, Africa’s airline industry is facing new challenges. This disruption is affecting not just airlines but also the broader tourism sector that relies heavily on international air traffic and…

Rising tensions and the ongoing war in the Middle East could threaten global tourism growth in 2026 as surging oil prices push airline costs higher and trigger airfare increases across several long-haul routes. The travel industry entered the year with strong momentum, with international travel expected to continue its post-pandemic expansion. However, the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and…

LONDON/CHICAGO/SYDNEY, March 3 (Reuters) – The airline and tourism industries scrambled to deal with the fallout from the escalating U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran, while governments rushed to bring stranded travellers home from the ​Middle East following the cancellation of more than 20,000 flights in recent days. Major Gulf hubs including Dubai, the world’s busiest international…