Can I still travel to Asia this summer?

Planning a trip to Thailand, Bali or Vietnam this summer? Before you book, here’s what you need to know about flights, safety and rising travel costs.

18/04/2026

Can I Still Travel to Asia This Summer? Flights, Iran Conflict, Fuel Prices and Flight Changes Explained Here

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Indonesia or anywhere else in Asia this summer, you’ve probably seen the same headlines everywhere: rising flight prices, route changes, airline delays, and concerns about the conflict involving Iran.

A lot of travelers are asking the same question right now: can I still travel to Asia this summer?

The short answer is yes. Flights to Asia are still operating, major destinations remain accessible, and most summer travel plans can still go ahead. But there are important changes happening behind the scenes that can affect your route, ticket price, stopovers, and flexibility.

This article is purely informational and based on currently available public information. It is not travel advice, financial advice, or airline advice. Airline policies, routes, and prices can change quickly, so travelers should always check directly with their airline, airport, and official government travel sources before making decisions.

Here’s what is actually happening.

Why Are Flights to Asia Getting More Expensive?

The main reason is fuel.

When geopolitical tensions affect major oil routes or airlines need to avoid certain airspace, airlines often face two immediate problems:

Jet fuel becomes more expensive
Flights become longer due to rerouting

Both increase airline operating costs.

Reuters reported on April 21, 2026, that fuel pressure linked to the Iran conflict has added an estimated average of around €88 extra fuel cost per passenger on long haul flights from Europe, and several major airlines warned that these higher costs may be passed on to travelers through higher ticket prices.

This does not mean every Asia flight will suddenly become unaffordable. But it does mean flights to Asia this summer are generally less predictable in pricing than usual.

Especially for popular summer destinations like Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam, waiting too long to book can create more risk than usual.

Are Airlines Cancelling Flights to Asia?

This is where most confusion starts.

There is a big difference between:

Specific route disruptions
Complete travel shutdowns

Flights to Asia are not being stopped entirely.

What is happening is that some airlines are changing routes, avoiding certain airspace, adjusting schedules, or cancelling specific flights that depend heavily on Middle East flight paths.

For example, KLM confirmed that it is avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel, and several Gulf countries, and that some routes have been suspended or adjusted as a result.

For travelers, this usually means:

Longer flight times
Different layover airports
Higher ticket prices
Last minute schedule adjustments

It does not automatically mean your Asia trip is cancelled.

Will My Flight to Thailand, Bali or Vietnam Be Cancelled?

There is no universal answer because it depends entirely on:

Your airline
Your route
Your stopover location
Your departure airport
Your travel dates

A direct Amsterdam to Bangkok route may be affected differently than a flight with a Doha or Dubai stopover.

Flights with stopovers in the Middle East may currently face more uncertainty than routes using different hubs.

Some official travel sources in the Netherlands also note that flights involving stopovers in the Middle East may experience cancellations or changes depending on the route and airline.

That means travelers should focus less on “Is Asia cancelled?” and more on “How stable is my specific route?”

That is the better question.

Should I Still Book My Asia Trip Now?

This is probably the biggest question travelers have.

The honest answer is that nobody can predict exact pricing movements.

But what we do know is this:

Summer demand is already active
Fuel costs are under pressure
Airline rerouting increases operational costs
Some routes have reduced flexibility

Google has also reported that summer travel planning is already in full swing, with travelers increasingly using smarter search strategies to compare flights and plan ahead.

This means prices are more likely to stay volatile than suddenly drop significantly.

This article does not recommend whether someone should book or wait, but from an information perspective, travelers with fixed dates often face less route flexibility later in the season.

Are Flights from Europe to Asia Still Running Normally?

Mostly yes, but “normally” is doing a lot of work here.

Flights are still running, but normal operations may include:

Longer routes
Adjusted departure times
Different transfer hubs
Airline schedule changes
More expensive fares

Some travelers may also notice that flight availability changes faster than usual, especially during peak summer weeks.

This is particularly relevant for backpackers, long term travelers, and remote workers who often rely on flexible one way bookings.

A cheap route available today may disappear much faster than during a standard summer season.

Why Does the Iran Conflict Affect Flights to Asia?

Because aviation depends heavily on both fuel and airspace.

Even if your final destination is Thailand or Bali, your flight may pass through or near regions affected by geopolitical tensions.

There are two main effects:

1. Fuel market pressure

Oil market instability can push jet fuel prices higher, which affects airlines globally.

2. Airspace restrictions

Airlines may avoid certain regions for operational or safety reasons, forcing them to reroute flights.

Rerouting means:

More fuel burn
Longer flight duration
Different stopover logistics
Higher operating costs

This is why a conflict far from your destination can still affect your trip.

Are Flights to Asia Becoming More Expensive Because of Fuel Shortages?

Not exactly because of a direct fuel shortage.

Reuters also reported that while concerns around fuel supply increased, European authorities stated there was currently no confirmed broad jet fuel shortage in Germany, and supply chains were being monitored closely.

The bigger issue is fuel pricing pressure, not a complete lack of fuel.

That distinction matters.

The current situation is more about rising costs and route adjustments than airports running out of fuel.

What Should Travelers Check Before Booking?

This is not travel advice, but there are a few factual things people should verify before purchasing flights during uncertain periods.

Check your airline’s route flexibility

Some airlines handle rerouting and schedule changes much better than others.

Check stopover locations

Routes depending heavily on Middle East hubs may currently behave differently than other routes.

Check fare conditions

Refund policies, rebooking rules, and cancellation terms matter more when volatility is higher.

Check official airline updates

Do not rely only on social media rumors. Airline statements are far more useful.

Check official government travel updates

Government travel platforms often include practical notices around route changes and flight disruptions.

The goal is not fear. The goal is clarity.

Is This a Good Time for Backpackers and Remote Workers to Travel?

For flexible travelers, Asia is still very much possible this summer.

The bigger challenge is not access. It is predictability.

Backpackers who normally book one way flights last minute may notice:

Faster price increases
Less route stability
More transfer risk

Remote workers may care more about:

Reliable arrival times
Stable long haul routes
Less disruption around stopover

This does not make travel impossible. It just makes planning more important.

Final Answer: Can You Still Travel to Asia This Summer?

Yes.

For most travelers, you can still travel to Asia this summer.

Flights are still operating. Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Indonesia and other major destinations remain accessible. Airlines are adapting routes rather than shutting Asia down.

The real difference is that flights may cost more, take longer, and require more attention than during a normal summer.

The current situation is best understood as increased travel friction, not travel shutdown.

That is the key takeaway.

If you are searching whether Asia is still possible this summer, the answer is yes.

The better question is how your specific airline, route, and booking conditions may be affected.

That is where travelers should focus.

FAQ

Can I still fly to Thailand this summer?

Yes. Flights to Thailand are still operating, although some routes may be longer, more expensive, or adjusted depending on airline routing and stopovers.

Are flights to Bali being cancelled?

Some flights may be rescheduled or adjusted depending on the airline and route, but flights to Bali are still operating overall.

Will flights to Asia get cheaper if I wait?

There is no guaranteed answer. Pricing currently depends heavily on fuel costs, demand, and airline route changes.

Are airlines avoiding Iranian airspace?

Yes. Several airlines, including KLM, have confirmed route changes to avoid affected airspace.

Is there a fuel shortage causing flight cancellations?

At this time, the main issue is rising fuel costs and rerouting pressure, not a confirmed broad fuel shortage across Europe.

Is Asia travel being shut down because of the Iran conflict?

No. Flights are still operating, and Asia remains accessible for summer travel. The impact is mainly on pricing, routes, and scheduling flexibility rather than full shutdowns.