Middle East Conflict Triggers Drastic Holiday Price Cuts to Near-Region Destinations
Package holidays to countries bordering the Middle East conflict zone are being marketed for as little as £100 per person, as travel companies scramble to attract bookings from anxious travellers. Demand for UK holidays to popular destinations like Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt has seen a significant downturn in the twelve days since the commencement of US-Israeli military actions against Iran.
Travel Industry Faces Profit Uncertainty Amid Ongoing War
Tour operators fear the decline in bookings will persist indefinitely, with no clear resolution to the conflict in sight. This uncertainty makes it challenging for firms to forecast the extent of the financial impact on their profits. In response, they have introduced deeply discounted offers to stimulate demand.
Current bargain deals include a seven-night stay at a three-star hotel in Marmaris, Turkey, with flights from Luton, priced at just £100 per person for a couple travelling next month. Similarly, the most affordable holiday to Greece is now £130 per person for a three-star hotel in Corfu, including flights from Birmingham departing on April 21 and returning a week later.
For those considering Cyprus, a week-long trip is available for £165 per person, featuring three-star accommodation in Paphos and flights from Liverpool on April 22. Return flights to these destinations are also remarkably inexpensive, with Ryanair offering a week-long return to Kos in Greece for £41 from Stansted, departing April 19.
Specific Deals and Airline Offers Highlighted
The same airline provides return flights from Stansted to Bodrum in Turkey for £49 leaving on April 18, and to Paphos in Cyprus for £50 from April 20. Egypt remains pricier, with the best package deal at £355 each for a three-star hotel with breakfast in Sharm El Sheikh, including flights from Gatwick on April 30. The cheapest return flight to Egypt is with WizzAir at £146, departing March 19.
These holiday prices are sourced from the online travel firm On The Beach, which experienced a 13% drop in its shares today after suspending its annual profit guidance due to the conflict's effect on bookings. The Manchester-based company reported a 'significant slowdown in demand following the onset of conflict in the region,' particularly affecting destinations such as Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.
Broader Implications for the Travel Sector
The war has introduced major uncertainty into the travel industry, leading to over 23,000 flight cancellations and the closure or restriction of key airports in Dubai and Doha. On the Beach CEO Shaun Morton stated that operational teams are working tirelessly to support impacted customers and facilitate returns home. He expressed confidence in the company's strategy and asset-light model as competitive advantages.
According to World Travel and Tourism Council estimates, the tourism industry is losing approximately £450 million daily in missed spending due to the conflict. Concerns about the war spreading have deterred some tourists from travelling to Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt since the Iran conflict began on February 28.
Safety Guidance and Future Price Concerns
Despite these fears, UK Foreign Office guidance indicates that most of Turkey is safe for travel, excluding the Syrian border region. Cyprus trips are not advised against, though warnings note regional escalation risks and travel disruptions, including a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri. Egypt's key tourist areas like Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh are deemed safe, while some border regions are not. Greece is considered safe after recent alerts were lifted.
Looking ahead, there are concerns about potential increases in jet fuel prices, which could lead to higher travel costs. Skyscanner travel expert Laura Lindsay noted that while carriers might raise fares to offset costs, competition will likely keep prices attractive. Energy market expert Amrita Sen warned MPs that jet fuel prices have surged dramatically, potentially causing immediate fare hikes, with airlines like Qantas already increasing ticket prices.
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary observed a significant shift in bookings, with a collapse in demand for the Middle East and a surge in European short-haul travel. Interestingly, On The Beach revealed last May that Turkey had become the top destination for British holidaymakers in summer 2025, surpassing traditional favourites like Spain and the Canaries, with bookings up 54% compared to 2023.
