The ongoing war in the Middle East and global economic uncertainty have significantly reshaped the travel plans of passengers from Serbia for the upcoming season. According to new data from the YUTA association, overall interest in travel is currently one-third lower compared with the same period last year.
While sales of overseas vacations have stagnated, domestic hoteliers are reporting excellent results, with capacities in Serbia’s main tourist centres almost fully booked for the upcoming holidays. At the same time, one issue is worrying everyone – the future price of airline tickets.
Fuel surcharges: How much more will we pay?
One of the biggest concerns for travellers who have already booked their trips is additional fuel surcharges. YUTA confirms that such charges are highly likely. For example, it is estimated that the surcharge for Egypt could reach up to €100 per passenger.
Petar Vojinović, an aviation expert and editor of the Tango Six portal, explained the mechanism behind these increases: “Fuel surcharges vary from airline to airline. They are intended to partially offset the dramatic rise in kerosene prices. For airlines to fully compensate for this increase, they would need to nearly double ticket prices, but that would destroy demand, so they resort to smaller surcharge amounts instead. These can range from €10 to €20 on shorter European routes, up to €100-€120 on long-haul flights.”
Contracts with airlines usually stipulate that any fuel price increase of more than 2% triggers a surcharge, while travel agencies can accept up to a maximum of 8% of such additional costs.
What about refunds?
Many travellers are facing a dilemma – whether to go ahead with their booked trips or cancel due to the uncertain situation.
Marko Dragić, legal adviser at the National Organisation of Consumers of Serbia (NOPS), explained that passengers are entitled to refunds, but the process involves certain rules and costs.
He noted that no state of emergency has currently been declared in destinations where Serbian tourists are staying, despite concerns over the conflict in the Middle East. This complicates contractual arrangements, but his primary advice is to follow recommendations issued by the relevant ministry and government regarding which countries should be avoided.
What concerns the tourism sector?
After the Tourism Fair, sales of travel packages had increased by around 10%, but the outbreak of war and mounting pressures abruptly halted this trend. Although there have been no массов cancellations of previously booked trips so far, the sector is facing considerable uncertainty.
According to available information, some travel companies that previously received around 30 enquiries per day are now receiving that number per week.
“It is logical that the overall situation leads to a drop in interest. Sales were going very well, but then everything stopped. People are under pressure because of the overall situation,” explained Aleksandar Seničić, director of YUTA.
Demand for “safe havens” and flexibility
This spring, travellers are increasingly turning to closer and safer destinations. “City break” trips within Europe and the region are dominating, with a strong demand for more flexible travel arrangements.
Most sought-after European cities: Rome, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.
Regional favourites: Ohrid and Budva.
Domestic tourism: Spa resorts and mountain destinations in Serbia are seeing a huge surge in interest, with stable prices making them the primary choice for the Easter holidays.
Passenger rights
Due to fears of escalating conflict, many are unsure whether to cancel their travel plans. Under domestic regulations, passengers have the right to terminate their contract without penalty if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances – such as war – arise at the destination.
In such cases, considered “force majeure”, the travel agency is obliged to refund the full amount paid, usually within 14 days. Official recommendations from Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also a key factor – if the state issues a warning against travel to a specific country, this constitutes direct grounds for cancelling the contract without costs.
It is also noted that standard travel insurance typically does not cover expenses caused by war, making cancellation often the safest option.
(Blic, 31.03.2026)