Summer passenger bookings to date are up 6.2%

Jet2 has revealed that holidaymakers are increasingly leaving it until the last minute to book their trips since the outbreak of the Iran war, amid growing anxiety surrounding the conflict’s impact and concerns over jet fuel supplies.

The company said summer passenger bookings to date are up 6.2%, driven by expansion across both its airline and package holiday operations. However, signalling rising unease amongst travellers, it disclosed that the “booking profile has become increasingly close to departure” as a result of the Middle East war.

The firm said it has robust protection against the fuel cost surge triggered by the Iran war for the crucial summer period, adding that it is “maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply”.

The group’s load factor – a crucial indicator of how effectively it fills its aircraft – has held steady year-on-year throughout its first quarter thus far. That said, it noted the conflict has left limited visibility for the peak summer months and beyond.

The update came after Heathrow airport issued a separate warning on Wednesday that it anticipates passenger figures for the remainder of the year will be affected by developments in the Middle East.

Airspace restrictions following the commencement of hostilities in the Middle East on February 28 have had a substantial impact on air travel. While much of the region’s airspace has subsequently reopened, numerous travellers are steering clear of flying there owing to the ongoing conflict. A number of European airlines have also recently raised concerns about looming jet fuel shortages in the coming weeks, due to disruption affecting their primary supply route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Approximately three quarters of Europe’s jet fuel provision originates from the Middle East and passes through the vital shipping corridor.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Leeds-based Jet2, said: “Clearly, we continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East but remain focused on our medium-term goals.”

The group indicated it anticipates reporting a decline in operating profits to between £435 million and £440 million for the year ending March 31, down from £446.5 million in 2024-25, though stated this aligned with market expectations.

It has expanded its summer schedule for 2026 by 7.7% to 19.9 million passenger seats.

Motor Show 2026 saw record 130,000 bookings, driven by EV demand and shifting consumer priorities. Growth relies on imports, highlighting the need for domestic EV production, supply chain development, and fair competition.

Key Takeways

🚗 Booking Trends

• Record 130,000 car bookings, the highest ever.
• Driven by strong demand for electric vehicles (EVs), boosted by high oil prices from Middle East conflict.
• Chinese automakers gained significant market share, reflecting shifting consumer preferences.

👥 Consumer Behavior

• Buyers now prioritize value for money and technology over brand loyalty.
• EVs often chosen as second or additional household cars, making consumers more open to new entrants.

📉 Conversion & Risks

• About 70% of bookings expected to convert into deliveries, lower than the 75–80% average in 2022–2025.
• Tight credit conditions for EVs (high down payments, shorter loan terms).
• Risk of cancellations due to new model launches or long delivery times.

Record High Bookings at Motor Show 2026

Motor Show 2026 achieved a record-breaking 130,000 car bookings, driven largely by the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and changing consumer preferences in Thailand. Chinese automakers gained significant market share as consumers prioritized “value for money and comprehensive technology” over brand loyalty. Rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict further accelerated the shift toward EVs, often chosen as a second vehicle, leading to increasing interest in newer automakers entering the Thai market.

Delivery Rates and Economic Impact

SCB EIC estimates about 70% of bookings at the Motor Show will convert to actual deliveries, slightly lower than previous years due to tighter credit approvals and high down payments for EVs. Consumer cancellations may increase with new model launches and long delivery times. Despite growing vehicle sales, the economic impact on Thailand remains limited because most cars sold are imported, highlighting the need to strengthen the domestic supply chain and EV infrastructure.

Supporting Thailand’s EV and Automotive Industry

The EV transition is progressing rapidly, but support for traditional automakers must continue. Investment in domestic EV production and the parts manufacturing network should increase alongside efforts to create a competitive, fair market for both established and new players. This would enhance economic value, reduce import reliance, and ensure sustainable growth for Thailand’s automotive industry.

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NEW YORK — Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on Thursday, November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, marking the latest delay for one of the most anticipated video games in history as the studio prioritises quality and polish.

The announcement, made via Rockstar’s Newswire on November 6, 2025, pushed the game back from its previous May 2026 target. In a brief statement, the studio apologised to fans for the additional wait but emphasised that the extra months would allow them to deliver the level of refinement players expect. “We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realise has been a long wait,” Rockstar wrote, “but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.”

The news comes after an earlier delay from the original autumn 2025 window. Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, first revealed the May 2026 date in May 2025 before adjusting it again six months later. Industry analysts suggest the repeated delays reflect the immense technical and creative ambition behind the project, which features a massive open-world recreation of Vice City and surrounding areas in the state of Leonida.

Rockstar has remained characteristically tight-lipped about specific gameplay details since the second trailer dropped. However, leaks, insider reports and official teases point to significant advancements over Grand Theft Auto V. The game is expected to introduce a more dynamic world with advanced AI, improved physics, and deeper storytelling elements. The return to Vice City — a sun-soaked, satirical take on Miami — has generated enormous excitement among fans nostalgic for the vibrant setting of GTA: Vice City.

The November 19, 2026 release date positions GTA 6 for the lucrative holiday season, traditionally one of the strongest periods for major game releases. Take-Two has repeatedly expressed confidence in the title’s potential to break records, with some analysts forecasting first-year sales exceeding $2 billion. The game is widely expected to become one of the best-selling entertainment products of all time, potentially rivaling or surpassing its predecessor.

For PC players, the wait is likely to be even longer. Multiple reports suggest a PC version could arrive in early to mid-2027, following Rockstar’s traditional pattern of releasing console versions first. This staggered approach has drawn criticism from some fans but remains standard practice for the studio to optimise performance across platforms.

The long development cycle for GTA 6 has been the subject of intense speculation and leaks. Rockstar faced internal challenges, including a major data breach in 2022 that exposed early footage. Despite these setbacks, the studio has maintained a reputation for delivering exceptionally polished products. Red Dead Redemption 2, released in 2018 after years of development, is still regarded by many as one of the finest open-world games ever made.

As anticipation builds toward the November 2026 launch, Rockstar is expected to ramp up marketing efforts. A third trailer is widely predicted for summer 2026, potentially during major gaming events or as part of a dedicated showcase. Pre-order details and edition information are also likely to emerge in the coming months.

The cultural impact of GTA 6 is already significant. The first trailer, released in December 2023, shattered viewing records and generated billions of impressions across social media. Fans have spent years analysing every frame, speculating about new mechanics, characters and the evolution of the series’ signature blend of satire, storytelling and open-world freedom.

For Rockstar and Take-Two, the stakes could not be higher. Grand Theft Auto V remains one of the best-selling games of all time, with ongoing revenue from GTA Online helping to fund development of the sequel. The company’s stock has fluctuated with each delay announcement, reflecting investor sensitivity to the project’s timeline and budget.

Gamers worldwide have mixed reactions to the latest delay. While many express disappointment at waiting longer, others appreciate Rockstar’s commitment to quality. “I’d rather wait another six months for something amazing than get a rushed game,” one popular comment read on social media following the announcement.

As development enters what appears to be its final stages, the focus shifts to ensuring GTA 6 meets the extraordinarily high expectations set by its predecessors. With November 19, 2026 now locked in as the target date, the countdown is officially on for what many believe will be a landmark moment in gaming history.

The next 18 months will likely bring a steady stream of official updates, trailers and marketing campaigns as Rockstar prepares to launch its most ambitious title yet. For millions of fans, the wait — though longer than hoped — promises to be worth it when they finally step back into the neon-drenched streets of Vice City.

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