Navigating the Storm: Business travel in uncertain times
When flights shift, your plan shouldn't fall apart.
What's inside
Everything you need to manage travel risk right now
This is a sharp, practical read built for growing South African SMEs navigating one of the most disrupted international travel environments in recent memory.
Inside, you'll find:
Six things to do right now
You don't have to wait for the white paper to get started. Here's the short version:
Who this is report for
If any of these sound familiar, our guide is for you:
- You manage business travel for an SME and the budget pressure is real
- You've had trips disrupted since February 2026 and you're not sure how to plan ahead
- You're watching international airfares climb and need a clearer picture of why… and what to do
- You want to understand your duty of care obligations when disruption hits
- You're building FY27 travel budgets and need clear data to work from
What you’ll walk away with
By the end, you’ll have a clearer handle on:
- what’s shifting in the market
- where fuel prices are heading in 2026
- how to respond without overcomplicating things
- how to protect both your travellers and your bottom line
Think of it as your practical recipe for steadier travel decisions when the heat is on. Clear data. Practical guidance. Real stories from the field.
Still have questions?
Your travel programme should be built to adapt.
Talk to Corporate Traveller. We'll show you how to move smarter, spend more carefully and keep your people safe…whatever's happening out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I manage business travel disruption?
Start with early booking, real-time travel alerts and buffer time built into itineraries. Flexible business fares give you room to rebook without penalty. A good travel management company can also help you respond faster - and smarter - when flights change at short notice.
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Why are international flights more expensive in 2026?
A combination of factors is pushing up international airfare increases in 2026. Conflict in the Middle East has caused airspace closures and disrupted major hubs. Fuel prices have more than doubled since February. And with fewer viable routes available, airlines are repricing constantly. South African businesses are feeling this acutely, with average international fares up 25.8%.
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Which are the best airlines for South Africa to Asia routes right now?
With Gulf carriers still recovering, airlines like Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Ethiopian Airlines have absorbed much of the demand on Asia routings from South Africa. The best option depends on your route, timing, visa requirements and how much flexibility you need built in.
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How do I protect my travel budget during disruption?
Book early and pay promptly: fares on hold can shift within hours. Choose flexible business fares where possible, as rebooking costs and stranded staff quickly outweigh the premium. Work with a travel management company that has the supplier relationships and 24/7 support to act fast when things change.
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What is a travel management company?
A travel management company - or TMC - is a specialist partner that helps businesses plan, book and manage travel. Beyond bookings, a good TMC provides real-time travel alerts, duty of care support, fare strategy, policy management and round-the-clock help when travel disruption strikes.