Escalating tensions between Iran and the United States are impacting global travel, potentially leading to longer flight routes, higher airfares, and altered vacation plans.
Impact on Travel Plans
More than 52,000 flights have been cancelled since the conflict began on Feb. 28, according to aviation data provider Cirium as of March 13. Travelers in Singapore face increased uncertainty for long-haul trips, particularly those routed through Middle Eastern airspace.
Shift to Regional Destinations
Travel experts report a growing trend of holidaymakers choosing closer, regional destinations. Lightfoot Travel saw a 35 percent increase in new bookings for trips within Asia between early February and early March, as travelers seek safer and more accessible options.
In Singapore, bookings decreased by 25 percent between the first and second weeks of March, but trip inquiries only fell by 2.5 percent year-on-year for March. Popular destinations for Singaporean travelers include Japan, China, Indonesia, and Thailand.
According to travel metasearch platform Skyscanner, top regional destinations currently being searched by Singaporean travelers are Tokyo, Bangkok, Seoul, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur.
Lessons from the Pandemic
Lucy Jackson Walsh, co-founder and managing director of Lightfoot Travel, notes that travelers are demonstrating composure, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are delaying decisions until the situation stabilizes while maintaining their interest in travel.
Flight Route Adjustments and Costs
Flights from Singapore to major European hubs like London, Paris, and Frankfurt typically pass through Iran, Iraq, and Gulf states. Avoiding these airspaces due to the conflict will likely add up to three hours to non-stop flight times.
Airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and AirAsia, have announced new fuel surcharges to cope with rising fuel prices, partly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage for roughly a fifth of the world’s oil consumption.
Individual Travel Disruptions
Diyanah Afendy, a Singaporean user-interface and user-experience designer living in Australia, is facing disruptions to a planned road trip due to diesel shortages linked to the conflict. Her year-long “Big Lap” of Australia, scheduled to begin in September 2025, is now uncertain due to rising fuel costs, reaching A$3 (S$2.70) per litre compared to A$1.80 previously.
Opportunities and Alternative Destinations
Despite the challenges, some opportunities are emerging. Favorable rates are appearing in destinations like the Maldives, which rely on Middle Eastern hubs for passenger traffic. Other potential destinations include Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka.
Japan as a Safe Haven
Michiyo Kawabe, chief executive of travel agency Michi and Co, anticipates increased travel to Japan in the coming months. “My clients are prepared to travel in the East rather than the West. For many Singapore travellers, Japan remains a safe and familiar destination with attractive currency exchange rates,” she said.
The trend of exploring lesser-known cities in Japan beyond the traditional “Golden Route” may also accelerate.
Diversification of Travel Patterns
Ryo Ijichi, director at French luxury cruise line Ponant for Japan and South Korea, suggests travel patterns may further diversify if the conflict continues, mirroring shifts observed during the pandemic, with increased interest in staycations, cruises, and regional destinations.
Human Impact and Resilience
Bala Selvam, regional security director at International SOS, emphasizes that while leisure travelers can adjust plans, the impact is most severe for those living or working in affected regions. He notes that despite conflicts, travel demand generally remains resilient.
Travel experts recommend concerned travelers consider alternative routes, closer destinations, or delaying long-haul trips until the situation stabilizes.
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