Two of the UK’s biggest travel organisations – Jet2 and London Heathrow airport – have updated investors on the current market. Both say there is limited visibility of the peak summer as geopolitics unnerve some prospective holidaymakers.

Jet2, Britain's biggest holiday company, told the financial markets that its profits for the financial year ending in March 2026 were in line with market expectations at £435-£440m.

Forward sales for summer 2026 are up 6.2 per cent. But as capacity has grown by 7.7 per cent, bookings to date are marginally down. The Leeds-based travel firm said: “Since commencement of the conflict in the Middle East, the booking profile has become increasingly close to departure.”

The new Jet2 base at London Gatwick is performing “ahead of expectations”.

Jet2’s chief executive, Steve Heapy, said: “Our fully integrated, customer-focused and service-led business model enables growth and resilience, setting the business apart when it comes to earning customer loyalty and repeat bookings.

“Clearly, we continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East but remain focused on our medium-term goals. Jet2 is a business with strong fundamentals, an attractive product offer, and a brand synonymous with VIP customer service.

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A leading independent travel agent, Richard Slater of Henbury Travel in Macclesfield, said: “Across the market, we saw a tougher March, but April came back strongly and, in many cases, more than made up for that softer period – which aligns with Jet2 reporting results in line with expectations.

“Family bookings have been more challenging this year, with many households feeling the pinch, but we still expect a robust late market as customers hold off before committing.”

Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, posted on X: “Your holiday is only under threat from the Iran war if you don’t book one.”

Meanwhile, London Heathrow has reported a significant rise in passenger numbers during the first three months of the year – partly helped by travellers who are avoiding connecting in the Gulf.

An average of 210,000 passengers per day passed through the UK's largest airport between January and March – a rise of 3.7 per cent.

In a statement to investors, Heathrow said: “Following airspace closures in the Middle East, there was an increase in transfer passengers.”

But it continued: “While Heathrow has temporarily absorbed demand from elsewhere, passenger numbers for the rest of the year are likely to be impacted whilst there is significant uncertainty in the Middle East.”

The airport’s chief financial officer, Sally Ding, said: “Heathrow delivered a solid start to 2026 but the outlook is uncertain due to the ongoing conflict.”

Air fares for some key Mediterranean destinations in peak summer are below normal levels, with Wizz Air departures from Luton to the Greek island of Mykonos in July and August mainly priced at £55 one way.

Read more: How European airlines may cancel flights – and why passengers shouldn’t worry about holidays

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