It’s that time of the year again, where experts across the industry get out their crystal balls and try to predict the next game-changing developments in travel and aviation. To celebrate the imminent arrival of 2026, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the biggest trends, as forecasted by some of the world’s leading publications and brands.
Amadeus: Pet-friendly travel and innovation tourism
In partnership with Globetrender, Amadeus listed seven key trends that they think will have an impact in 2026. This includes an expansion in pet-friendly travel, as passengers become enthusiastic to bring their canine companions (and maybe even a grumpy cat) on their holidays.
Innovation tourism was highlighted as another potential theme: with the launch of autonomous taxis in the US and assistant robots in China, people are keener than ever to experience the future with their own eyes. Amadeus also noted the growing volume of narrow-body jets. The A321XLR could be transformative in long-haul, connecting destinations across continents that might otherwise only be served by short-haul flights.
Skift: Vibe coding and air taxis
In their Megatrends 2026 report, Skift foresee that the luxury bubble will only grow, but warns of the potential danger if this pops. Other trends they say to watch out for include the shift to AI search, which directly threaten online travel agents (OTAs), and unrealistic sustainability targets.
Skift name vibe coding as another huge shift that could unlock a new generation of travel startups. Meanwhile, they say that the potential debut of air taxis in 2026, as well as more partnerships with the rail industry, will revolutionise intermodal connectivity in travel.
Forbes: Luxury escapes in Asia
Forbes limited its predictions to the luxury travel sector, but also highlighted the growing popularity of train and boat travel. The expansion of cruise liners and the Orient Express brand underlines the demand for heritage travel, representing a significant opportunity for airline partnerships. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will also be a huge test for American airlines, airports, and air traffic control, with around 5 million extra visitors expected over the summer.
Asian destinations will remain at the top of the premium travel pile, Forbes says, especially as the Michelin Guide launches new editions for countries such as the Philippines.
BBC: AI admin and ultra-personalisation
BBC Travel’s trends roundup highlighted interesting developments such as culture tourism and the emergence of unplugged, digital-free ‘quietcations’,
But two points they note that will undoubtedly be transforming the aviation industry in 2026 are AI admin and ultra-personalisation. Travellers are increasingly using large-language models such as ChatGPT to plan their trips for them, which requires a real digital strategy rethink for airlines. Customers can even use AI to find niche trips and destinations that cater to all their interests, such as marriage retreats and sports holidays. As personalised experiences become the norm, the aviation industry will need to find ways to integrate personalisation into their offering to create a holistic travel experience.
Join us at World Aviation Festival 2026 to discuss the biggest industry trends.
For more like this, see:
- ACI passenger survey highlights key trends for 2026 and beyond
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- SAF production rate to slow, complicating airline sustainability plans
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