HOLIDAYS ON HOLD

>>> Drop in demand >> 3 airlines signal fares have to go up for Turkey & Greece

- BY GRAHAM HISCOTT [e-mail]

SPOOKED holidaymakers are putting travel plans on hold or are being forced to abandon their favourite hotspots because of the Middle East crisis.

Leading holiday firm On the Beach yesterday revealed a significant drop in demand from families for getaways to normally popular Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt.

The firm said: “The timing of when the conflict will end and the shape of recovery in demand to these destinations are unknown.”

A spokeswoman for budget airline easyJet said: “We have seen some switching to destinations in western Europe, such as Spain and Portugal, and away from Egypt and Cyprus.”

There are already warnings elsewhere that fares could jump after a spike in jet fuel prices.

Cathy Pacific, Air Asia and Thai Airways are among carriers preparing to hike fares as a result.