BUSINESS NEWS


President Trump declared the US-Israeli war with Iran ‘very complete’ on Monday


Travel prospects hinge on the duration of war


Analysis: Uncertainties span energy, inflation and demand, says Ian Taylor


Hopes that the war in the Middle East might be over within days appeared dead on Monday as the oil price surged and markets fell, only to be resurrected when President Trump declared the war “very complete”. How this might square with Trump’s


demand for Iran’s unconditional surrender was unclear, suggesting even a sudden end to the war might provide no certainty of peace. Prime minister Keir Starmer


conceded the longer the war “the more likely an impact on our economy” and chancellor Rachel Reeves


56 12 MARCH 2026


acknowledged “pressure on inflation”. The industry faces multiple


challenges whatever happens. First there is the issue of


repatriating customers – those on holiday in the region or in transit. Then there is the issue of bookings,


with Easter barely a fortnight away. Many travellers may no longer be able or willing to travel via the Gulf, with the Foreign Office advising against all but essential travel to the UAE. The financial consequence of


refunds if passengers can’t be rebooked elsewhere, on top of the costs of


additional hotel nights for stranded customers, could leave businesses struggling – with possibly a case for the reintroduction of refund credit notes. Then there is the impact on


demand. It seems unlikely the image of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha will be unscathed. The simple fact of disruption, unexpected costs for consumers and risks to safety must surely have an impact, while heightened uncertainty generally


Continued on page 54 travelweekly.co.uk


BUSINESSNEWS


PICTURES: Shutterstock/UkrPictures, Naeblys


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64