Business travel Daily · Wednesday, 26 August 2026

This edition highlights three major trends. First, security risks are a top concern for travel managers. The situation in eastern DRC remains highly unstable, with Goma and Bukavu airports attacked and commercial flights suspended. Protests are planned in Kinshasa on 15 September. The UK FCDO advises against all travel to several provinces and parts of Kinshasa. Companies must urgently assess employee safety, adjust travel plans, and monitor risks of border closures and flight disruptions. Second, airlines are gaining pricing power. United CEO Scott Kirby expects oil prices to remain elevated through 2027, allowing airlines to pass on higher fuel costs through sustained fare increases. Fares have already risen over 20% this year, and the collapse of Spirit Airlines has reduced domestic capacity, boosting pricing power. United is adding 10 international routes, betting on strong demand. For business travelers, this means higher travel costs but more route options. Third, Chinese enterprises are accelerating digitalization of travel and expense management. Fenbeitong and Maycur published selection guides and e-accounting archive solutions, emphasizing a shift from reimbursement tools to full-chain expense management. These cases show how technology helps reduce costs and improve compliance, but also remind companies to choose platforms that match their size and industry needs.

The key takeaway: security risks and rising costs are the main challenges for travel managers. Companies should closely monitor the situation in high-risk areas like the DRC and adjust travel policies accordingly. With airfares trending upward, optimizing travel budgets and procurement strategies is essential. Going forward, travel management will rely more on technology platforms, and companies should prioritize systems with full-chain collaboration and audit trail capabilities to meet compliance and efficiency demands.