Global airlines are bracing for more volatility due to the omicron variant that could force them to juggle schedules and destinations at short notice and rely more on domestic markets where possible, analysts say.

Many travelers have already booked trips for the Christmas period, a peak season for airlines, but since news of the variant last week, there are growing industry concerns over a pause in future bookings and further delays to the already slow recovery in business travel.

On Wednesday, United Airlines chief executive officer Scott Kirby said the new variant will have a near-term impact on bookings.