As the war in the Middle East disrupts air transport and blocks thousands of connecting travelers, the issue of security becomes more than ever central for tourists. Several destinations appear today as safe places to travel in 2026.
The intensifying war in the Middle East is not only upsetting the geopolitical balance of the region: it is now strongly disrupting international air transport. Between air space closures, safety concerns and airline decisions, thousands of travelers find themselves stuck in airports, both in the Middle East and around the world. These disruptions particularly affect connecting passengers: many travelers heading to Asia or Africa find themselves stranded during stopovers at major European or Gulf hubs. During the first days of the war, 19,000 flights were canceled. A number that continues to grow day by day.
Destinations in the Middle East, usually very connected to the rest of the world, are among the most penalized. Cities like Tel Aviv, Doha, Dubai or Riyadh see their traffic reduced while several companies have suspended their connections. Among them, there are Ryanair, KLM, British Airways, Qatar Airways and even El Al, forced to adapt their flight programs to the risks related to the conflict. Cruise passengers have also stopped some cruises on the outskirts of the region.
The Netherlands: a safe country to travel
If the situation is obviously much more concerning for the local populations, the war in the Middle East reshapes the travel maps in 2026. Many stays planned in the coming months have been cancelled. For those who were about to book their holidays, the countries envisaged are questioned, and the security issue is more than ever a decisive factor in the choice. According to a study by Odoxa, 82% of the French say that security plays an important role.
Every year, the insurer Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection publishes a ranking of the safest countries to travel. The 2026 edition, published at the end of 2025 before the conflicts were taken into account, largely highlights European, North American and Oceania destinations. This ranking is based on feedback from travellers who have visited these countries over the past five years, complemented by several international safety indicators. The criteria assess, among other things, crime, health risks, political stability and security for different profiles of travellers.
Leading the ranking, the Netherlands establishes itself as the safest destination in 2026. The country has seen a spectacular rise from 14th place last year to first place. Travelers highlight the safety of cities, good health infrastructure and a particularly welcoming environment for all visitor profiles.
Australia, Austria, Iceland…
Just behind, Australia and Austria complete the podium. Australia enjoys high political stability and a relatively low level of crime, while Austria relies on a strong reputation for security and a high standard of living for travellers.
The ranking also includes several destinations regularly considered among the safest in the world. Iceland, despite some natural risks related to volcanoes, remains one of the most peaceful countries according to international indicators. Canada and New Zealand stand out for their low crime levels and institutional stability. Switzerland, Japan or even Ireland are also among the top safe destinations thanks to their modern infrastructure and efficient security systems.
Belgium, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom and Denmark are also cited by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
Some of these destinations may, however, involve air transits through the Middle East, notably for travellers travelling to Australia, New Zealand or Japan from Europe. These routes often pass through the major international hubs of the Gulf, even if alternative routes exist via Asia or North America according to the companies. It is therefore necessary to book a flight with a stopover outside the Middle East or a direct connection, and this for the round trip.
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Featured photo : Unsplash
