The Lufthansa Group has announced a strategic optimization of its summer flight schedule across its six primary hubs: Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and Rome. Driven by a doubling of jet fuel prices following the outbreak of conflict in Iran and additional burdens from labour disputes, the Group is reducing summer capacity by approximately 20,000 short-haul flights through October. While this represents a decrease of less than one percent in available seat kilometres (ASK), the measure is projected to save over 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel. The strategy involves cancelling unprofitable routes in Frankfurt and Munich while simultaneously expanding offerings in Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels to maintain global connectivity through more efficient long-haul connections.

IMG has released the results of its 6th annual Travel Outlook Survey that gathered 1,000+ responses from IMG customers about their 2026 travel plans.

Travel Outlook Survey Findings:

International and domestic travel plans

This year’s results show continued demand for travel in 2026, with high interest in both international and domestic trips.

• 93% of respondents plan to travel internationally
• 38% of international travelers plan to take three or more trips
• 88% of respondents plan to travel domestically – a 3% increase from last year’s survey
• 53% of domestic travelers plan to take three or more trips

IMG (International Medical Group) has conducted a review of customers’ travel plans from the beginning of September to the end of November and predicts this autumn’s top 5 international destinations for U.S. travellers.

IMG (International Medical Group), an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company, has conducted a review of customer travel plans from the beginning of June to the end of August and predicts this summer’s top 5 international destinations for U.S. travellers will be:

1. Mexico
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Italy
5. Dominican Republic

As costs takeoff, shifting demographics and desire to stretch dollars are changing how Americans travel. Amid rising prices, Americans still value their travel plans, as 48% plan to travel and stay in paid lodging, on par with last year, but take fewer vacations overall this summer.

IMG (International Medical Group), an award-winning global insurance benefits and assistance services company, has conducted a review of customer travel plans from the beginning of June to the end of August and predicts this summer’s top 5 international destinations for U.S. travelers will be:

The global business travel industry has rebounded at a more accelerated rate than expected just a year ago and is now expected to surpass its pre-pandemic spending level of $1.4 trillion in 2024 − and grow to nearly $1.8 trillion by 2027. In 2022, global business travel spending rose 47% to $1.03 trillion, with strong gains continuing and 32% growth expected in 2023. These robust gains were fueled by pent-up demand after the COVID-19 pandemic, more favorable global economic conditions in 2022 and 2023 and recession risks that have yet to happen.

Most travelers are increasing their summer travel budgets in 2023, despite ongoing cost of living pressure and stubbornly high inflation. Respondents in seven of nine countries surveyed by Allianz Partners for its Summer Vacation Confidence Index plan higher travel spending this season, with those in Switzerland and the United Kingdom reporting the largest annual increases of €653 (up 31%) and €467 (up 26%) respectively. Travelers in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands also report higher spending intentions, with Austria the only country reporting a reduction in budgets. 

UK business travellers reveal their top 10 travel concerns in 2023 with travel disruption and delays (76%) topping the list, followed by catching Covid and having to isolate (69%). According to the new Opinium survey*, commissioned by World Travel Protection, a leading global travel risk management organisation, the 500 business travellers surveyed in February 2023 reveal their top travel concerns.