Tui Group, the world’s largest tourism company, announced on April 22, 2026, a downward revision of its annual profit forecast following a €40 million (£34.7 million) financial impact attributed to the war in Iran. The Hanover-headquartered firm reported that the costs were primarily incurred during March as the conflict necessitated the emergency repatriation of nearly 12,000 holidaymakers and staff members from the Middle East and surrounding regions.
The company has adjusted its underlying earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) guidance for the current financial year. Previously, Tui had projected an EBIT of €1.41 billion; however, management now expects the figure to fall within a range of €1.1 billion to €1.4 billion. This adjustment reflects the immediate operational costs of the conflict and the resulting disruption to scheduled itineraries in the eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf.
A significant portion of the repatriation effort involved 5,000 guests stationed on two cruise ships anchored in the ports of Abu Dhabi and Doha. These passengers, along with 1,500 crew members, were evacuated as the security situation in the Persian Gulf deteriorated. Tui confirmed that the vessels were able to exit the region through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, April 19, during a temporary pause in hostilities. The ships are now expected to reposition for their summer season itineraries in the Mediterranean, which are scheduled to commence in mid-May.
Beyond the cruise operations, Tui reported that 5,000 European holidaymakers were repatriated from land-based destinations. The company noted that its operations in Turkey, Cyprus, and Egypt were particularly affected by the regional instability. These countries, which serve as major hubs for European tourism, have seen a shift in travel patterns as the conflict impacts flight corridors and consumer sentiment regarding the safety of the eastern Mediterranean.
The geopolitical situation remains fluid, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as a critical and volatile chokepoint for international maritime traffic. Tui’s decision to reroute assets and evacuate personnel follows similar precautionary measures taken by other international transport and logistics firms operating in the region. The company stated it is working in close coordination with government authorities and maritime security agencies to monitor the safety of its remaining routes.
While the €40 million cost represents a direct hit to the current quarter's performance, Tui officials indicated that the revised forecast accounts for the anticipated ongoing volatility. The company maintains that its summer program remains robust in other regions, though the logistical challenges of the Middle East conflict have necessitated a more conservative financial outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year.