As headlines about airspace closures and flight disruptions continue to dominate, many Brits are growing increasingly cautious about where they book their summer holidays amid the fallout from US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The escalating conflict has caused significant disruption to aviation across parts of the Middle East, with thousands of flights cancelled and several major travel hubs forced to suspend normal operations. Airlines have been rerouting aircraft to avoid restricted airspace over countries including Iraq, Israel and Qatar, adding to journey times, increasing fuel costs and creating delays on some international routes.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: “Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”

However, many popular holiday destinations remain accessible and are running with largely normal flight schedules. Travel experts at Away Holidays have shared the destinations currently proving the most reliable for UK travellers planning holidays this summer.

According to Jaymin Borkhatria, chief commercial officer at Away Holidays, demand for holidays is still strong but travellers are becoming more selective about where they book.

Mr Borkhatria said:“While global events can influence certain flight routes, the vast majority of popular holiday destinations are still operating normally. Many travellers are still booking long-haul holidays, especially to destinations perceived as safe, open, and stable. Those with flexible travel dates or refundable booking options remain active in the market.

He added:“What we’re seeing is not a drop in demand, but a shift in how people book. Travellers are prioritising reliability and flexibility so they can travel with confidence.

“Several regions are currently offering the most straightforward travel options for UK holidaymakers thanks to consistent airline schedules and minimal disruption.”

North America (USA and Canada)

According to the travel experts, North America remains a reliable destination to book this summer 2026. Regular direct routes from major UK airports to cities across the United States and Canada continue to operate as scheduled. Strong aviation infrastructure and high airline capacity across the region mean travellers often have multiple flight options as well.

European city breaks and beach destinations

Closer to home, European city breaks and beach destinations remain a reliable option and the travel experts at Away Holidays even say it’s ‘the most dependable option for travellers wanting minimal disruption.’ Short travel times, frequent flights and strong airline competition provide flexibility for those heading to popular destinations such as Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece.

Indian Ocean islands including the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles continue to benefit from stable airline connectivity from Europe, making them popular choices for those seeking long-haul sunshine.

The travel experts said: “Countries, including Thailand and Singapore, are operating close to normal flight capacity and continue to welcome strong tourism demand.”

Several carriers operate services that do not require a stopover in the region, instead offering connections elsewhere, including Lufthansa, Air India and Shanghai Airlines, allowing passengers to travel between Europe and Asia without relying on major Middle Eastern transit hubs. Because airlines are avoiding closed or high-risk airspace, flights from Europe may take longer routes at the moment. Travellers can also still fly directly to Thailand, with non-stop routes operated by Thai Airways and British Airways.

In East Asia, Japan and South Korea have also maintained stable airline connections and are becoming increasingly popular with travellers seeking cultural long-haul trips.

Mr Borkhatria said booking patterns show travellers are taking extra steps to protect their holiday plans, with a noticeable rise in demand for flexible or refundable airfares.

Interest in travel insurance has also increased, while many holidaymakers are also prioritising direct flights and destinations with strong healthcare systems and tourism infrastructure.

Mr Borkhatria added: “Travellers want peace of mind. Flexible fares, reputable airlines and destinations with strong infrastructure are becoming more important than simply finding the cheapest deal.

For those worried about flight cancellations and delays, Mr Borkhatria advises:

• Book flexible airfare or refundable options
• Choose reputable airlines with strong customer service
• Monitor FCDO travel advice before and during travel
• Consider travel insurance covering disruption and cancellations
• Allow extra buffer time between connecting flights
• Stay updated on airline policies for refunds and re‑booking

He said: “Being prepared reduces stress if plans change unexpectedly. Focusing on well-established destinations with strong flight networks can help ensure a smoother holiday experience.”