Industry figures suggest the twin pressures of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and new border operations are complicating both short- and long-haul travel in the run-up to one of the busiest periods of the year, even as underlying confidence in, and demand for, holidays remains resilient.
Middle East conflict and spectre of new EU border rules dampening industry's spirits ahead of summer
Middle East
Dea Jusufi
2 April 2026
War in the Middle East and the prospect of the full implementation of the EU's new border control, coupled with reports from agents of softening demand, is casting a shadow over the Easter getaway (3-6 April) with millions of Brits preparing to jet off – and the coming summer season.
(Credit: iStock / Kusska)
The situation in the Middle East (pictured: Dubai) has had wide-ranging implications for travel (Credit: iStock/Kusska)
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