US travel-related shares tumble amid Mideast escalation

Booking Holdings

02/03/2026 20:24

Upadates

** Travel-related stocks drop as escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran disrupts global flight routes and shuts key Middle Eastern hubs, casting gloom on the sector

** Cruise operators Norwegian Cruise Line NCLH.N down ~11%, Carnival Corp  CCL.N down ~7%, Royal Caribbean RCL.N down 3%, Viking Holdings VIK.N down ~5%

** Cruise lines have halted Middle East itineraries for now, with ships adjusting routes and adjusting operations in coordination with security authorities to ensure the safety of guests and crew - Cruise Lines International Association

** NCLH monitoring conflict in Iran and broader region, but does not expect any impact, as its ships are not operating in the affected parts of the Middle East - NCLH spokesperson

** However, NCLH, which forecast muted 2026 profit, warns of uncertainties around fuel costs this year due to escalating geopolitical tensions

** U.S. airline shares also drop as Mideast escalation triggers flight chaos

 (Reporting by Neil J Kanatt and Sanskriti Shekhar in Bengaluru)

 ((Neil.JKanatt@thomsonreuters.com;))