UK holiday bookings up 30% as flight fears keep Britons home

**TL;DR** UK holiday park operator Lovat reported bookings up more than 30% year-on-year as travelers avoid flights amid jet‑fuel worries linked to the Iran conflict. Meanwhile, overall travel spending fell 3.3% in March, the first drop since pandemic restrictions ended, while Mintel finds 52% of Britons plan a UK break and 49% intend to go abroad.

## Context Reports of possible jet‑fuel shortages in Europe have risen after warnings tied to the Iran war. Airlines say supplies could run low by late May, prompting carriers to consider cancellations.

The EU’s new entry‑exit system is causing border delays of up to three hours for UK passengers, adding another reason to stay closer to home. Inflation, steady at 3% in February, is expected to rise as energy costs climb, further squeezing overseas budgets.

## Key Facts Lovat’s chief executive said its holiday park bookings are up over 30% compared with the previous year. In March, total travel spending dropped by 3.3%, marking the first decline since pandemic restrictions were lifted in 2021. Mintel research shows 52% of Britons intend to holiday domestically this year, while 49% plan to travel abroad.

## What It Means The jump in UK‑based bookings suggests travelers are trading overseas trips for domestic stays to avoid flight uncertainty and higher costs. Domestic holiday value is forecast to grow about 7% to nearly £14 billion, outpacing the projected 4.8% rise in overseas travel to £64.3 billion. If jet‑fuel supplies remain tight or border delays persist, the shift toward UK holidays could deepen.

What to watch next: jet‑fuel stockpile levels, the rollout of the EU entry‑exit system, and inflation trends that may further sway holiday choices.