Lo Bue-Said said customers are continuing to book Easter and summer breaks, but are increasingly opting for destinations perceived as more stable, with the western Mediterranean – including Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands – emerging as clear winners.

Her comments mirror trends seen across the sector, with operators reporting weaker demand for parts of the eastern Mediterranean such as Cyprus, Turkey and Egypt, but a corresponding uplift elsewhere as travellers switch plans rather than cancel outright.

Lo Bue-Said also pointed to a late surge in Caribbean bookings, which has resulted in airlines extending their capacity to several Caribbean islands. And while noting destinations like the Maldives remain in demand, volumes she said are being affected by airlift constraints on routes that traditionally involve transiting through or overflying the Gulf region.

Cruise, she added, is another beneficiary of the shift, with European river itineraries and sailings in Norway and the Mediterranean proving increasingly popular among customers "seeking certainty" – further reinforcing the broader trend towards "safer", more predictable travel options.

'Deeply concerning situation'

Meanwhile, Tui UK and Ireland managing director Neil Swanson said the operator was seeing some customers pause before committing to trips involving Gulf hubs such as Dubai and Doha, but stressed this was not translating into widespread cancellations. Like Lo Bue-Said, he said most customers were opting to amend their plans by switching dates, rerouting flights or choosing alternative destinations rather than cancelling.

"The situation in the Middle East is deeply concerning, and it’s completely understandable that some people are feeling uncertain about upcoming travel," he said. "Our focus is on supporting customers with clear information and flexible options so they can make the choices that feel right for them."

The comments echo concerns raised earlier this month by Jet2holidays chief executive Steve Heapy, who warned of aircraft "emptying" on some eastern Mediterranean routes as bookings to destinations such as Cyprus and Turkey slowed. 

Swanson also highlighted particularly strong appetite for direct long-haul flying, especially to the Caribbean, with the Dominican Republic and Jamaica also performing well thanks to point-to-point services.

'Encouraging signs' for travel

Closer to home, Swanson said demand for Europe and the Mediterranean remained robust, with Spain, Portugal and Greece all experiencing an uptick in bookings. Earlier this month, agents shared concerns that western Mediterranean resorts may hike prices as demand builds during the peak summer season.

The trend reflects Jet2’s experience, with Heapy stressing the company is actively cross-selling customers western Mediterranean destinations, where demand "seems to be okay". Heapy also assured agents Jet2 was in active conversations with hotel partners in the western Mediterranean to ensure they don't "get greedy" and instead keep prices competitive.

Swanson added that while global uncertainty can prompt short-term hesitation, there are already "encouraging signs" for the months ahead, with customers continuing to book for spring and summer.

"Periods of global uncertainty naturally make people pause before finalising their travel plans," he said. "We’re already seeing encouraging signs for spring and summer, with many customers still keen to secure their holidays for the months ahead."