Singaporean travellers are navigating a landscape of disrupted flight paths and rising costs as escalating tensions in the Middle East reshape global travel plans. The conflict between Iran and the United States, coupled with retaliatory actions impacting Gulf states, has led to widespread airspace closures and prompted a shift towards closer-to-home destinations. More than 52,000 flights have been cancelled since the conflict began on February 28, according to aviation data provider Cirium as of March 13.
The disruption isn’t just about cancelled flights; it’s about longer travel times and increased expenses. Flights from Singapore to major European hubs like London, Paris, and Frankfurt, which typically traverse Iranian, Iraqi, and Gulf state airspace, now face potential detours of up to three hours. This, combined with soaring fuel prices – partially driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route – is impacting airfares and prompting travellers to reconsider their itineraries.
Despite the uncertainty, travel experts note a resilience in demand, echoing patterns observed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lucy Jackson Walsh, co-founder and managing director of Lightfoot Travel, observed that many travellers are adopting a “wait-and-observe” approach, delaying commitments until the situation clarifies, but maintaining their interest in travel. “We observed that many travellers were holding decision-making until more news had unfolded and then they would press ahead with trips. So, while there was a pause on the decisions to commit money to travel, interest and demand were still there,” she said.
Shift to Regional Destinations
The trend towards regional travel is becoming increasingly apparent. Lightfoot Travel reported a 35 per cent increase in bookings for trips within Asia among its global clientele between early February and early March. In Singapore, while bookings dipped by 25 per cent between the first and second weeks of March, trip inquiries remained relatively stable, falling by only 2.5 per cent year-on-year. Popular destinations for Singaporean travellers currently include Japan, China, Indonesia, and Thailand, with Skyscanner data highlighting Tokyo, Bangkok, Seoul, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur as top search destinations.
Some travellers are actively seeking alternative long-haul options that bypass the affected airspace. Ms Walsh noted that clients are increasingly considering destinations like South Africa and Latin America, which avoid the Middle East conflict zone entirely. She as well pointed to potential opportunities in destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka, which may offer favourable rates due to reduced traffic from Middle Eastern hubs.
Airlines are responding to the crisis with fuel surcharges. Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and AirAsia are among those who have announced new surcharges to cope with rising fuel prices, a direct consequence of the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates roughly a fifth of the world’s oil consumption.
Impact Beyond Leisure Travel
The impact extends beyond leisure travel. Diyanah Afendy, a Singaporean user-interface and user-experience designer living in Australia, is facing challenges with a planned road trip across the country. A diesel shortage in Australia, linked to the ongoing conflict, is threatening her year-long “Massive Lap” adventure, originally scheduled to begin in September 2025. “We’re just doing our best to stay on top of the news, keep tabs on fuel availability and plan accordingly. Unfortunately, it is what it is and we’ll have to take the loss, especially with the price of diesel going up to around A$3 (S$2.70) a litre, when it was A$1.80 a litre before,” she said.
Travel agency Michi and Co anticipates a greater focus on Japan among Singaporean travellers in the coming months. Michiyo Kawabe, the agency’s chief executive, believes Japan’s perceived safety, familiar culture, and attractive exchange rates build it a compelling alternative. “My clients are prepared to travel in the East rather than the West. For many Singapore travellers, Japan remains a safe and familiar destination with attractive currency exchange rates, and is not a very long flight away,” she explained. This trend could also accelerate exploration of Japan’s lesser-known cities beyond the traditional “Golden Route.”
Ryo Ijichi, director at French luxury cruise line Ponant for Japan and South Korea, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the current crises may diversify travel demand, encouraging travellers to explore experiences closer to home, such as staycations or regional cruises.
Looking Ahead
While leisure travellers have the flexibility to adjust their plans, the human impact of the conflict is most acutely felt by those living or working in the affected regions, according to Bala Selvam, regional security director at International SOS. Still, he also noted the resilience of travel demand, stating, “War is not new. People still travel every year, and travel numbers continue to climb.”
For those concerned about travel disruptions, experts recommend considering alternative routes, choosing closer destinations, or postponing long-haul trips until the situation stabilizes. As the conflict continues to unfold, the travel landscape will likely remain fluid, requiring travellers to stay informed and adaptable.
What are your travel plans in light of the current situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
