The travel industry is navigating a turbulent period marked by the escalating conflict in the Middle East and significant changes to European border management. The Iran war, which began on February 28, 2026, is projected to cause daily losses of up to US$600 million for the Middle East's travel and tourism sector, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Major aviation hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have experienced operational disruptions, impacting both regional and global connectivity. Despite the severe financial impact, the WTTC notes that the travel sector has historically demonstrated a strong capacity for recovery following security-related crises, with potential rebound times of as little as two months when governments and industry stakeholders collaborate to restore traveler confidence.
Meanwhile, Europe is enhancing its border security with the full implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) on April 10, 2026. This system will replace traditional passport stamping with digitally recorded entries and exits, including the collection of biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints for non-EU nationals. The EES has already processed over 45 million border crossings during its progressive rollout and has been instrumental in identifying individuals with fraudulent documents or those posing security risks.
In addition to the EES, travelers to the Schengen Area will soon need to be aware of the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to become operational in late 2026 or early 2027. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers, costing around €20 and valid for three years, designed to further bolster security and streamline border processes.
Airlines are also actively adjusting their networks. Virgin Atlantic has launched a new route between London Heathrow and Seoul, while Air France has initiated service between Paris and London Gatwick. Delta Air Lines has extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, citing the evolving situation in the Middle East. On a more positive note for transatlantic travel, several U.S. airlines, including Delta, American, and Alaska Airlines, have introduced a wave of new non-stop routes to Europe for the summer 2026 season, aiming to enhance connectivity and traveler convenience. These include new services from Seattle to Rome, Boston to Madrid, and New York JFK to Sardinia, among others.