Hastings Hotels Survey Finds Flight Disruption Concerns Affects Holiday Choices

More than eight in 10 people planning summer holidays are concerned about flight disruptions and cancellations, while almost a fifth are avoiding overseas travel altogether, new research shows.

Commissioned by Hastings Hotels and conducted among over 2,160 adults this month in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, it found that concern around travel disruption remains high, with 83 per cent worried about delays and cancellations when travelling abroad this year – including 27% who are “very concerned”.

The findings also show that global uncertainty and rising travel costs are influencing their holiday decisions, with 19 per cent of respondents saying recent international events have “significantly affected” their travel plans and they are not travelling abroad.

A further 49 per cent said global issues and costs are having some influence their travel plans this year.

A total of 38 per cent said that a staycation will be their main holiday this year.

“People still want memorable holidays and quality experiences, but there is definitely greater focus now on certainty, ease and value,” said James McGinn, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels.

“For many people, and especially families, the appeal of shorter travel times, less planning and stress is becoming increasingly important when choosing where to holiday.”

The survey suggests staycations are evolving from being seen as a back-up option to becoming a deliberate and attractive holiday choice in their own right.

Not surprisingly, weather plays a big factor, with one in two saying consistently good weather in Ireland would make them choose a holiday here over going abroad.

Family staycations are expected to be especially strong this year, with more than six in 10 people surveyed saying they are likely to take a family break in Ireland over the coming months.

With many households continuing to watch spending carefully, consumers are increasingly prioritising holidays that offer flexibility, accessible travel and added-value experiences rather than long-haul trips requiring extensive planning and additional costs.

One in two believe Northern Ireland offers better value for money than the Republic.

The findings come amid strong growth in cross-border tourism to Northern Ireland, with recent figures showing trips from the Republic to Northern Ireland increased by 15 per cent last year, while visitor spending rose by 31 per cent to almost £317 million.

Industry figures have pointed to value for money as a driver behind the increase.

Mr McGinn said that while consumers are becoming more value-conscious, they still want quality experiences.

Northern Ireland is increasingly being recognised as offering that combination of value and high-quality hospitality, he said.

To meet growing demand for domestic tourism, Hastings Hotels is introducing a range of new packages aimed at families and short-break travellers this summer, including a City and Coast experience linking the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast with Ballygally Castle on the Antrim coast, alongside new family packages at its hotels in Belfast including the Culloden Estate & Spa, the Grand Central and Stormont.

*Survey conducted online among 2,166 adults across the island of Ireland in May 2026.