Travelers book holidays later but still travel despite Iran war

The summer travel season is seeing a surge in spontaneous decisions, with many people still opting for vacations despite the war in Iran. The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, initially caused widespread travel disruptions, stranding thousands of passengers and impacting air traffic globally. Routes through major Middle East hubs like Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, which handle about 20 percent of East-West long-haul traffic, were particularly affected. Many travelers canceled trips, especially those requiring transit through these hubs.

However, the situation has since stabilized, easing concerns that had peaked around Easter. Tourism economists like Oliver Fritz from Wifo observe that people are determined not to let the conflict spoil their holiday plans. Current data shows flight booking levels slightly above the previous year. Travel agencies, such as Restplatzbörse, experienced significant booking hesitancy from March to May but have recently seen a pickup in reservations since early June.

This renewed travel enthusiasm is accompanied by a demand for additional security and flexibility. Many travelers are opting for flexible cancellation policies, a trend that has become more common since the COVID-19 pandemic. These options, often available for an extra fee, allow customers to cancel trips without providing a reason. The Ruefa Travel Compass survey indicates that 90 percent of Austrians plan to travel this year, with an average planned expenditure of 2290 euros per person. While summer remains the peak travel season, only 29 percent of Austrians tie their holiday plans to school breaks.

Despite the initial booking delays, the situation has led to some price reductions in hotels, according to Restplatzbörse. This has created opportunities for travelers seeking bargains in popular destinations. The overall willingness to travel remains high, as evidenced by the fact that 76.7 percent of Austrians undertook trips in 2025, a figure consistent with pre-pandemic levels, excluding the 2020 and 2021 dip.