Andorrans Book Easter Trips to Europe and Beaches Despite Middle East Tensions and Fuel Surges

Andorrans continue to book Easter holidays to European capitals, cruises, beach destinations, and warmer spots like Morocco despite Middle East tensions prompting fuel surcharges from airlines next week.

Travel agencies note consistent demand for short breaks as spring arrives and winter fades. Maica Terrones, deputy director of the Andorran Travel Agencies Association (AAVA), described patterns similar to prior years: 60% of reservations for four-day medium-distance trips. Families favour Central European cities or Disneyland Paris, with cruises also popular. Morocco and Egypt attract visitors for their mild weather, the latter gaining from the recent Grand Egyptian Museum opening, though some have avoided Egypt amid the Iran conflict.

Longer getaways to the Caribbean, Balearic and Canary Islands, Asia, and Latin America hold appeal, but interest in the United Arab Emirates and Southeast Asian routes with UAE stopovers has dropped sharply. Terrones attributed this to steep fares on rerouted flights.

The regional war has prompted agencies to handle client repatriations and seek alternative paths, as the Middle East draws Andorrans during holidays for its proximity and climate. Rocío Blanco, director of Giramon Viatges, detailed arranging a return for a client stranded after a March 4 flight cancellation: a London stopover fell through, but an India-Frankfurt connection worked after nine days of coordination. Her firm reported no Easter cancellations.

Airlines informed agencies of fuel surcharges starting next week due to the conflict. Singapore Airlines will impose €100 per ticket, with some European flights rising by €20. Easter 2025 bookings sit slightly below last year, as some clients declined pricier reroutes to conflict zones, compounded by work demands, family ties, short vacations, or summer savings plans.

Most remain resolute. A young woman planning Paris said the unrest would not sway her. A South American resident affirmed he would stick to itineraries regardless of global instability. Agencies report a small minority voicing unease or fear, with travellers now monitoring world news more vigilantly. One exception involved a Lebanese resident who disregarded Giramon Viatges' warning after his Beirut flight cancellation, purchasing his own tickets two months ago to see his mother.