With a fresh calendar in hand and travel plans taking shape, 2026 is already off to a busy start. The aviation industry is bracing for impact as another potential government shutdown looms, threatening staffing and safety. Meanwhile, Celebrity River Cruises is betting big on the future of small-ship sailing, announcing 10 new vessels by 2031. And in a new study from Google and Alvarez & Marsal, experts predict travel could inject $11 trillion into the global economy by 2050 (if the industry can keep pace with demand).
All of that and more awaits in this week’s Smart Travel, where we cover the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.
Airlines Warn of Disruption as Government Shutdown Looms
As another potential government shutdown approaches, U.S. airlines are raising concerns about major disruptions to the aviation system if federal workers such as air traffic controllers are forced to work without pay. In a Forbes report, airline executives emphasized that staffing shortages, low morale and attrition could mirror the 35-day 2018–2019 shutdown that snarled flights across the country.
Airlines for America, which represents major carriers including Delta, American and United, issued a clear warning: “The ramifications of a government shutdown would be felt across the country,” said President and CEO Nicholas Calio. “We saw firsthand in 2019 how disruptive it can be when the aviation system is stretched to its limits.”
Although critical personnel such as TSA agents and air traffic controllers are considered essential and would remain on the job, they would do so without pay, adding stress to an already strained workforce. FAA hiring and training programs would also be paused, compounding longer-term impacts on staffing.
The warning comes at a time when the FAA is already dealing with a shortage of fully certified controllers, with some major facilities operating at staffing levels below 60%. While flight operations would continue, airlines and federal officials alike are bracing for increased delays, cancellations and logistical hurdles if funding lapses.
Report Predicts Travel Will Add $11 Trillion to Global GDP by 2050
A new study by Google and Alvarez & Marsal projects that global travel could contribute $11 trillion to the world economy by 2050, nearly doubling its pre-pandemic economic impact. The report, “The Power of Travel 2050,” underscores how sustainability, personalization and infrastructure investments will be essential to growth.
The study estimates 2.4 billion international arrivals by 2050, driven by demographic shifts, middle-class expansion and evolving travel behavior. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for nearly half of global arrivals by 2050.
The study also shows that nearly 40% of incremental growth is expected to come from destinations outside today’s top 50 most visited cities, highlighting a shift in traveler preferences and the need for broader geographic investment.
“The future of travel is inclusive, sustainable and data-enabled,” the study notes. “Governments and travel providers that modernize infrastructure and create welcoming, seamless experiences will capture a greater share of this global opportunity.”
Other key findings include:
- Infrastructure will need to expand at scale, including up to 1,000 new airports and 1 million additional hotel rooms by 2050
- Sustainability efforts, including carbon reduction and overtourism management, will be vital for long-term success
- Digitization, particularly in visa processing, transit and itinerary planning, will shape how, where and how often people travel
According to the report, leaders who embrace collaboration and tech-forward strategies “can unlock a new era of global connection and economic resilience through travel.”
Talma Travel Names Five Trends Reshaping Corporate Travel in 2026
Talma Travel Solutions has outlined five key trends shaping corporate travel this year, with technology, transparency and evolving traveler behavior taking the spotlight. The insights come out of the company’s North American Client Advisory Board and reflect a wide range of client and partner feedback.
Among the top changes is the continued rise of New Distribution Capability (NDC), which is making flight bookings more streamlined and customizable by allowing travel management companies to offer bundled options like Wi-Fi and seat selection directly at the point of sale. At the same time, artificial intelligence is being used for practical tasks like routing emails and surfacing traveler preferences.
Talma also emphasized the growing importance of integrated data dashboards that tie together booking behavior, payments and unused tickets. These tools help organizations optimize travel spend and strengthen policy compliance.
“Advances in content distribution and access, such as NDC and platforms like Spotnana, have the potential to transform corporate travel at every level,” said Talma CEO Iya Magen. “Our role is both provider and advisor, leveraging technology to deliver intelligence, information and choice to our global clients.”
Talma also noted a shift in the purpose of business travel. Rather than transactional trips, companies are increasingly investing in travel to foster culture, collaboration and innovation among distributed teams. These shifts are expected to continue shaping program strategy throughout the year.
PS Expands Luxe Private Terminal Experience to More Major Airports
PS, the luxury private terminal concept already familiar to travelers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), is expanding its footprint to Miami and Dallas, with service already available in Atlanta.
Since debuting at LAX in 2017, PS has built a loyal following among flyers looking to avoid the crowds, chaos and stress of traditional airport terminals. The experience allows guests to arrive at a private terminal, relax in The Salon or a fully appointed Private Suite, clear TSA and then be driven directly to their commercial aircraft on the tarmac. Upon arrival, the process is reversed, skipping the terminal entirely.
The brand offers two levels of service: The Private Suites, complete with residential-style spaces and full privacy, and The Salon, a social lounge for solo travelers or small groups. Both include access to spa services, gourmet food and beverage options, private security screening, and concierge-level support.
Celebrity River Cruises Expands Fleet and Opens 2028 Bookings
Celebrity River Cruises has announced a major expansion, with 10 new ships joining its European river fleet by 2031. The company also opened bookings for its 2028 season, which will feature more than 160 sailings and an 80% increase in destinations compared to its debut 2027 season.
The expansion begins with Celebrity Compass, the brand’s first river ship, now under construction. By 2028, five ships will be in operation, including Celebrity Seeker, Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer, and Celebrity Boundless.
“Our inaugural 2027 season sold out in under six minutes,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “To meet this extraordinary demand, we’re thrilled to open 2028 sailings featuring 80% more European destinations.”
The 2028 itineraries will span iconic rivers such as the Rhine and Danube, with new stops in cities like Bucharest and Strasbourg. Highlights include tulip season sailings between Brussels and Amsterdam, holiday market cruises and journeys through the Iron Gates gorge.
Celebrity’s entry into the river market complements its broader portfolio, offering premium experiences on smaller vessels. Jason Liberty, CEO of parent company Royal Caribbean Group, said the growth “strengthens our connected vacation ecosystem,” giving guests more ways to explore Europe while enjoying the service and style associated with the Celebrity brand.
