Booking a holiday right now? These are the least disrupted routes

If you’re in the midst of planning a getaway, you may have noticed slight changes to flights, particularly around routes, stopovers and perhaps even cost. Escalating conflict across parts of the Middle East has led to significant airspace closures, forcing airlines to reroute journeys that once cut neatly through key corridors. Flights that previously stopped over in Dubai or Doha are now diverting entirely, often adding time and complexity to routes that felt effortless a year ago.*

“As if enough airspace wasn’t already closed due to global conflict, we’ve now added huge swathes of the Middle East to that picture,” says travel expert Laura Cannon. “That means airlines have had to find different corridors, and that adds time and complexity to a lot of routes, not to mention fuel costs, which are rising as a direct result.”

With over half of British adults predicted to be planning travel abroad in 2026, it’s a fair question to ask, what does this actually mean for your holiday?

Reassuringly, for most travellers, not a huge amount. Flights are still operating, destinations remain accessible, and holidays are going ahead as planned. The difference is usually logistical rather than disruptive, a slightly longer journey, or a different stopover than you might have expected a year ago. Glance at Flight Radar and you’ll see it clearly, large gaps in the sky where planes are actively avoiding airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria and Lebanon, alongside other ongoing no-fly zones like Ukraine.

Which routes are still running smoothly from the UK?

Plenty of routes are still running efficiently, and if you’re booking now, these are among the most reliable options (at the time of publication):

• Europe remains the easiest option, frequent flights, short journey times and multiple airlines. Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece are all seeing strong demand, as travellers opt for ease and flexibility.
• Southeast Asia – Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – remain well served, typically routed through Asian hubs like Singapore or Bangkok, both excellent for transiting through.
• Japan and South Korea are operating steadily, often via European or polar flight paths like Finnair’s northern routes via Helsinki.
• Australia and New Zealand remain consistent, usually via Singapore or other Asia-Pacific hubs, with plenty of airline options.
• West Coast USA and Canada, like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver are largely unchanged, with strong direct connections from the UK.
• The Caribbean is still very accessible via direct routes, or straightforward connections through the United States.

What these destinations share is a reliance on established flight paths and well-connected hubs away from affected regions, that make them more predictable.

“While global events can influence certain flight routes, the vast majority of popular holiday destinations are still operating normally,” says Jaymin Borkhatria, Chief Commercial Officer at Away Holidays. “Many travellers are still booking long-haul holidays, especially to destinations perceived as safe, open and stable.”

Where might you notice changes? Including fare prices

Some journeys are simply taking longer. Stopovers may look different, Singapore instead of Dubai, Helsinki rather than a Middle Eastern hub. Behind the scenes, the system has less flexibility than it did. “If something fairly routine goes wrong, a technical fault, for example, it’s much harder to resolve,” says Cannon. “Finding replacement aircraft or rerouting passengers takes longer when everything is already stretched.” And while disruption is not widespread, it can be significant when it does happen.

It’s not just longer flight paths that might see air fares rise; it’s fuel itself. Fuel is a significant part of what you pay for a flight, and right now, those costs are rising. Much of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and with regional disruption ongoing, energy markets have taken a hit. Longer rerouted flights burn more fuel, compounding the issue. Qantas and Air New Zealand have raised fares, KLM and Thai Airways have flagged increases ahead, while Reuters reports United Airlines has begun trimming less profitable routes altogether.

Closer to home, the picture isn’t as bleak. British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair, lock in fuel prices months in advance (known as fuel hedging), which is why fares don’t spike overnight. But those protections don’t last indefinitely, and if costs remain high, increases are likely to filter through over time, even into 2027.

Best options if you’re booking now

Interestingly, people aren’t cancelling holidays in large numbers. One recent report found only 2% of Brits have scrapped trips entirely, while roughly 40% are adjusting plans, whether that’s booking later, switching destinations, or sticking closer to home. Long-haul sunshine is still very much on the agenda, particularly the Caribbean, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

“What we’re seeing is not a drop in demand, but a shift in how people book,” says Borkhatria. “Travellers are prioritising reliability and flexibility so they can travel with confidence.” If you’re planning a trip in the coming months, direct flights are your safest bet. If you do need to connect, look to hubs outside the Middle East, like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

If you’ve already booked, here’s what to do

If you’ve already got a trip lined up, there’s no need to panic. Most holidays are going ahead as planned, and changes are usually communicated ahead of time. “The disruption is mainly affecting people who are abroad right now, or who have existing bookings routed through the Middle East,” says Cannon. “Future travel should mostly be absolutely fine.” That said, flexibility is worth building in wherever you can, looking at refundable fares, comprehensive travel insurance and routes that straightforward.

Cannon also advises checking the fine print. “Most standard insurance policies exclude war-related disruption, so it’s important to read the details carefully.” If booking through an agent, choosing one that is ABTA- and ATOL-protected can offer additional reassurance and support if plans change.

While flight paths may be changing and costs may rise, it’s worth remembering the bigger picture. The ability to travel freely, to take time away, explore and switch off, is a privilege not everyone has, particularly in moments of global uncertainty.

That doesn’t make the cost or complexity of a holiday any less real for those who save hard for it. But it does put things into perspective. The most important thing, wherever you’re heading this year, is to travel thoughtfully, stay informed, respect local advice and conditions, and above all, stay safe.

*Information correct at time of publication