If you’ve been holding off booking a summer holiday over fears flight prices have soared due to the ongoing jet fuel crisis, now could be the time to act.

New research reveals that it is actually cheaper to travel abroad to many of the most popular beach destinations this summer than it was last year.

Airlines and package holiday firms are slashing prices in a bid to tempt holidaymakers into booking trips after many pressed pause on their plans following the chaos caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

Return flights to Mediterranean favourites now cost almost £100 less than in 2025, while some package holiday deals are being cut by almost £1,000.

But industry experts warn this cannot last and higher fuel costs will eventually force firms to hike prices.

Holidaymakers should, therefore, act fast and snap up cheap air fares while they can.

So which destinations can you go to for the biggest discounts?

What’s happening to holiday prices?

Conflict in the Middle East has sent oil prices soaring, as the key tanker shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz has been shut by Iran in recent months.

Jet fuel prices have doubled as a result, and warnings have been sounded that airlines may start to suffer shortages.

This was expected to drive up flight and holiday prices over the summer and potentially lead to fuel surcharges being imposed on existing bookings.

But while the cost of long-haul flights has risen, the slump in demand triggered by conflict concerns has forced airlines and tour operators to slash prices.

Caspar Nelson, of tour operator On the Beach, says: ‘Almost everywhere you look prices are rising – petrol, energy, mortgages.

‘But in May, deals for holidays departing over the next three months are cheaper than last year. Our advice is simple. Now is the time to book and lock your price in while these deals are in your favour.’

What are the best deals?

Holidays are now costing less – up to 25 per cent cheaper than they were this time last year, according to On the Beach.

Bear in mind that the biggest reductions are for destinations located closer to the Middle East, where holidaymakers may also worry about safety.

A seven-day all-inclusive return trip in August to the five-star Caves Beach Resort in Hurghada, Egypt, including flights, costs £2,094 per person – £538 less than last year.

Turkey is a good option for bargain hunters. A family of four, travelling in July, can go on a seven-day trip to the five-star resort Land of Legends, in Antalya, for a total price of £4,263 – a saving of £992 on the £5,255 that the same break cost in 2025.

Even destinations far from the conflict are cheaper. The Canary Islands are usually one of the most sought-after locations for Brits, but the oil crisis has scared many holidaymakers off the four-and-a-half hour flights. 

On the Beach says you can make a 26 per cent saving on a seven-day break, with flights from Manchester to Lanzarote, to the all-inclusive three-star resort Bluesea Costa Teguise Gardens. 

This costs £667 per person in June, compared to £898 last year.

How can I bag cheap flights?

Ryanair, Europe’s biggest airline, has said that high oil prices are not yet being passed on to any of its passengers.

Boss Michael O’Leary says: ‘Europe remains relatively well supplied with jet fuel, with significant volumes sourced from West Africa, the Americas and Norway.’ 

He reports that Ryanair has supplies that will last well into July, and that it had ‘hedged’ (paid in advance to counter potential price rises) 80 per cent of its fuel needs until March next year.

Kayak travel comparison website says some of the best deals for summer flights can be found to destinations in Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Booking flights for the last week of August or the first week of September offers the best value. 

Targeting major city airports with lots of onward options can also pay off, as you can then travel on to popular holiday spots by hire car, public transport or transfer.

Kayak found the biggest summer saving was on a return economy trip to Madrid, with the average cost at £116 per person – 45 per cent less than last year.

Return flights to Lisbon over summer have a typical fare of £200, compared to £222 last year.

And a return flight to Rome from a UK airport costs an average £116 this summer, down from £137 in 2025.

What’s the best destination?

Travellers should not be put off booking but may need to be more selective with their destination of choice, tour operators say.

Long-haul flights with stopovers in Dubai have resumed, but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) still ‘advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates’.

The FCDO warnings have also had a knock-on effect on travel bookings made to other countries felt to be close to the conflict zone but considered safe, such as Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, Turkey and Morocco.

Check your travel insurance for any cover exclusions that may affect your destination.

Mags Oliver, of travel agency Travel by Mags, says: ‘The Far East may be a no-go area for many – but it should not put you off using airlines based in the region.

‘Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways may well be able to offer cheaper deals as demand has fallen off.’

Package holidays that come with flights have ATOL protection, which covers you if a firm goes bust. If you book a package trip, look for membership of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

ATOL rules also protect the contents of the package. The Civil Aviation Authority, which runs the scheme, says: ‘If there is any significant change between what you booked and what you receive, then you’re entitled to a full refund from the travel company.’

Mags Oliver believes holidaymakers should also be reassured by promises from providers such as easyJet Holidays and TUI not to add any fuel surcharges, and should check for these pledges before booking a trip.

She adds: ‘The uncertainty has thrown up lots of confusion – and bargains. Right now, it is a great time to book your travel arrangements for summer holidays.’