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Holiday Bookings Plummet Amidst Middle East Conflict
12 Mar
Summary
- Holiday bookings dropped sharply due to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.
- On the Beach suspended its profit forecast due to the crisis.
- Airlines have halted flights to some Middle Eastern countries.
British holiday group On the Beach announced on Thursday, March 12, 2026, that it has suspended its annual adjusted pretax profit forecast. This decision comes as the U.S.-Israeli conflict in the Middle East has triggered a significant slowdown in holiday bookings to popular destinations including Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.
The company's operational teams have been working to support directly impacted customers in resorts. While On the Beach has limited direct exposure to the Middle East, demand for holidays in surrounding regions has dropped considerably since late last month's strikes. Analysts suggest this disruption is temporary and expect the company to recover once the situation concludes.
Global airlines have reacted to the developing crisis by suspending flights to various Middle Eastern countries. British Airways, for instance, has cancelled all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until later this year. Despite the current travel volatility, On the Beach's online model allows for lower fixed costs, enabling it to remain profitable and generate cash.
