Amid ongoing disruptions from the Middle East war that began February 28, 2026—including over 37,000 flight cancellations and airline recoveries—French travel bookings have plummeted and airfares risen due to oil price surges. Agencies urge suspending trips to nine Persian Gulf nations until March 31, while Air France and KLM impose 50-euro long-haul surcharges.
The Middle East war, escalating since US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on February 28, 2026, continues to roil French tourism. Following initial global aviation chaos with mass cancellations and airspace closures, bookings have now dropped sharply, per travel agencies and tour operators. Economy Minister convenes videoconferences every two days with tourism, energy, and transport sectors.
Oil prices have spiked, with kerosene at 168 dollars per barrel on March 11 (Platts index) and Brent exceeding 100 dollars. Air France adds a 50-euro surcharge on economy long-haul tickets issued from March 11 (e.g., Paris-Los Angeles, Paris-Shanghai). KLM matches with a 50-euro round-trip economy increase. Others like SAS, Cathay Pacific, Air India, and Qantas follow suit; Transavia holds off.
Entreprises du Voyage (EDV) and Syndicat des entreprises du tour-operating (SETO) advise halting departures to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, and Qatar until March 31 for safety. SETO's Patrice Caradec notes alignment with airline policies; agencies prioritize postponements. Ripple effects freeze sales to Egypt and Turkey, though existing trips proceed. Overall tourism sales lag 10-15% year-over-year, offset by gains in southern Europe, Caribbean, and Cape Verde. Gulf hubs critical for Asia/Indian Ocean routes remain volatile, with Emirates at 80% capacity.
