Summer Travel 2026: Unrest and Climate Impact Travel
The summer peak season is traditionally the busiest time of year for SOS International’s alarm centre. This year, the season is marked by geopolitics, climate conditions and changing travel patterns, placing new demands on handling and coordination.
In practical terms, geopolitical tensions, capacity challenges in aviation, heatwaves and major international events are increasingly influencing how the alarm centre must navigate the summer period.
Geopolitics and aviation fuel may affect repatriation
The current situation in the Middle East has created uncertainty around the supply of aviation fuel and has impacted global air travel.
Although no acute shortages are expected in Europe in the coming months, the market has already reacted with rising prices and reduced capacity among certain airlines.
For SOS International’s alarm centre, this may have tangible consequences during peak season:
Longer waiting times for repatriation due to limited capacity
Increased need for alternative solutions, such as extended ground transport to other airports
More complex case handling
“We are continuously working to mitigate the consequences, but uncertainty regarding access to aviation fuel creates a complex situation. At present, forecasts are fortunately reasonable,” says Karin Tranberg, Executive Vice President, Travelcare at SOS International.
El Niño driving heatwaves
In addition to challenges in the transport sector, climate conditions are playing an increasingly significant role for travellers.
El Niño (a climate phenomenon that affects global weather patterns) increases the likelihood of hot summers across large parts of Europe. This year, more frequent and prolonged heatwaves are expected in popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Greece and Italy.
This is likely to be reflected in travel assistance through an increase in enquiries related to dehydration and heatstroke. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and children have greater difficulty regulating body temperature.
FIFA World Cup requires attention
Major international events such as the FIFA World Cup do not necessarily have a significant impact on overall travel activity. However, with both Norway and Sweden having qualified, more Nordic spectators are expected, particularly in the United States, where a number of the group-stage matches will be played.
This may lead to localised pressure and increased demand for assistance in and around host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Potential issues include:
Higher risk of petty crime in crowded areas
Situations involving unrest or conflicts linked to matches and celebrations
Temporary logistical challenges due to security measures or demonstrations
SOS International is therefore prepared for situations that may require rapid coordination and advice.
Digital self-service to ensure smoother processes
In connection with the FIFA World Cup, SOS International is expanding the use of its digital self-service solution, “Find a Medical Facility”, which is now available in the United States, including host cities.
The solution enables travellers to quickly locate nearby, relevant, quality-assured treatment providers. However, it remains important that travellers contact SOS International prior to seeking treatment to ensure proper coordination:
“We provide digital self-service so that travellers can easily find and be directed to an appropriate treatment provider near their location. During the same process, the case can be reported digitally, enabling rapid assistance, coverage assessment and payment guarantee, and helping patients avoid having to pay large amounts upfront,” says Karin Tranberg.
The United States is a market with high treatment costs, where correct triage is crucial - both for the customer experience and for keeping claims costs under control.
The “Find a Medical Facility” solution is already available in several other countries, including Spain, Greece, Turkey and Italy.
Experience shows that the solution creates the greatest value when integrated into insurance companies’ own platforms, becoming a natural part of the customer journey.
Strong preparedness in a complex summer
SOS International is entering the summer season with robust preparedness and a focus on ensuring stable and efficient operations in a season marked by increased complexity.