Paul Hackett, CEO of Click&Go Holidays and Vice-President of the Irish Travel Agents Association, has said ongoing disruption to aviation routes through the Middle East is prompting travellers to reconsider both routes and destinations.
With limited flight capacity across major Gulf hubs, passengers travelling between Europe and destinations such as Australia and New Zealand are increasingly looking at alternative routes.
Hackett noted that prior to the rise of the Gulf as a major aviation hub, long-haul travel to Australia typically involved multiple stopovers.
“Before the UAE opened up as a hub, Australia mainly funnelled through Singapore and Bangkok. Australia used to be a two-stop journey.”
He added that while alternatives exist, there is currently no direct one-stop replacement for many disrupted routes, meaning longer travel times for passengers.
Shift in Traveller Behaviour
Security concerns and ongoing uncertainty are influencing traveller decisions, particularly among families. According to Hackett, some passengers are now actively choosing to avoid Middle Eastern airspace altogether, even where flights are available.
At the same time, Click&Go Holidays is working closely with customers to manage disruption and provide reassurance.
“We’re doing lots of reassuring,” Hackett said, noting increased customer queries — even from those travelling to destinations unaffected by the situation.
The company has already taken steps to support impacted customers, including cancelling Dubai cruise programmes for the remainder of the month and offering alternative holiday options.
Rising Costs and Changing Demand
Reduced airline capacity and rising fuel prices are also expected to have a knock-on effect on fares, particularly for long-haul travel.
Hackett indicated that while short-haul European pricing may remain stable for now, long-haul routes are likely to see increases as airlines adjust to higher operating costs and reduced competition.
He also pointed to a potential shift in destination demand, with travellers opting for locations perceived as more straightforward and secure.
Destinations such as Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands could see increased interest as a result.
Overview