Crises are clouding Indian summer hopes for Europe. From increasing air ticket prices to in-flight diversions, this summer's travel season isn't off to a smooth start.
Geopolitical tensions, security worries following the Air India plane crash, and a quilt of airspace restrictions are compelling Indian travelers to press pause or choose alternative destinations.
Europe, once a go-to summer escape for Indian vacationers, is now facing growing reluctance from travellers.
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Govind Gaur, CEO of WanderOn, told Moneycontrol that bookings to Europe have dropped by 5–7 percent. Flight cancellations are already pushing travellers to consider other destinations.
And it’s not just about safety. It’s also about soaring prices. Gaur estimates airfares could go up by 10–15 percent due to longer routes and higher fuel costs.
Dr Vandana Singh, Chairperson of Aviation Cargo at the Federation of Aviation Industry in India, expects an even steeper jump — up to 18 percent in the coming weeks. She predicts a 10–12 percent dip in outbound group travel to Europe, especially from Tier-2 cities.
But geopolitical uncertainty isn’t the only factor giving travellers pause. Mass tourism protests in Spain and other European hotspots have made things more tense. In cities like Barcelona and Mallorca, locals have taken to the streets — some even spraying tourists with water guns.
The backlash stems from rising housing costs and overtourism pushing residents out of their own neighbourhoods. And that has Indian tourists worried too.
So while Europe remains on the map, for many Indian families, it’s no longer the top pick this summer.
Thailand, Vietnam, or a quick domestic getaway might just win instead.
