The overwhelming majority of Aussie travellers are still jetting abroad despite the Middle East conflict – but they’re choosing their flight paths more carefully, a new study suggests.
A member survey by Link Travel Group found 93 per cent of clients still plan to travel internationally, although nearly every customer (94 per cent) is actively asking advisors to avoid transiting through the Middle East.
This shift is reshaping how trips are built. According to the Link study, around three in four (75 per cent) clients heading to Europe are now re-routing via Asia, Africa or the Americas instead of traditional West Asian hubs.
But this isn’t slowing bookings. In fact, two in three (64 per cent) agencies reported increased revenue since the conflict began, despite added complexity in planning itineraries.
Forward demand also remains steady. The survey shows virtually every member agency (94 per cent) is still taking enquiries for the second half of 2026, with Europe accounting for nearly half of all requests.
As the importance of alternative routing grows, airlines and agencies are relying on secondary hubs and longer itineraries to keep travellers moving. And every agency surveyed said staff have had to adapt quickly, managing route changes, availability shifts and client concerns in real time.
This, according to Link Travel Group general manager Scott Darlow, is where members have shown their true value.
“When the environment gets complicated, the best of the best don’t just manage, they lead,” he remarked.
“Our members have shown that genuine expertise, experience and knowledge, supported by high-performing peers makes all the difference in challenging times.”
Thirty-five brands took part in the survey, which was conducted in mid-April.
Link Travel Group is a joint venture between Flight Centre Travel Group, Goldman Travel Corporation and the Spencer Group of Companies.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Travellers aren’t cancelling, they’re recalibrating. For the travel trade, this is less about demand loss and more about complexity, where smarter routing and confidence-building are now central to closing the sale.
