Overview
- The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates at least $600 million in daily lost international visitor spending across the Middle East, based on a pre‑conflict 2026 forecast of $207 billion.
- Major hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain remain constrained after closures and disruptions, with Dubai authorities confirming four injuries from drone blasts near the airport before flights resumed.
- Global carriers have cancelled or rerouted tens of thousands of flights, pushing up fares and travel times as airlines add fuel surcharges and trim schedules, with travellers diverting via Asia, the U.S. and South Africa.
- Package-holiday firm On the Beach suspended its profit guidance after a sharp booking slowdown to destinations including Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt and the UAE, and its shares fell about 11%.
- Industry reports highlight knock‑on effects from the Gulf shutdowns, including pressure on Southeast Asia’s tourism flows, doubled jet‑fuel prices, warnings of fuel tightness, and delays and cost increases for aircraft parts and maintenance.