As the 2026 Middle East War drags on, French overseas travel bookings have plunged, with little shift to domestic holidays, threatening the summer tourist season. Travelers are opting for nearby destinations or postponing plans, exemplified by cancellations like Anne's family trip to Vietnam.
Anne had booked Paris-Hanoi flights via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways since December for Easter. But in late March, the airline canceled their departure, offering an earlier alternative amid escalating tensions. 'We didn’t risk getting stuck,' she said, opting instead for family stays in France this summer.
France's tourism year began positively despite economic pressures, but the war—escalated by US and Israeli strikes on Iran since February 28—has reversed this. Overseas bookings are collapsing, as reported by Le Figaro on April 19, 2026.
Domestic reservations show no corresponding surge, with French and international travelers alike holding back for deals or favoring short-haul options like camping. This builds on earlier disruptions including flight cancellations, airspace closures, and fuel-driven fare hikes, endangering France's vital summer season.
