Pilotless air travel, flooding, four-day work week: Old Moore's Almanac 2026 predictions

Eva Osborne

Pilotless commercial aircraft, flooding hitting Ireland hard, and multiple countries adopting a four-day working week are some of the predictions set out in Old Moore's Almanac for 2026.

Old Moore’s Almanac has been making predictions since 1764, and the in-house psychic has predicted that 2026 will see the aviation industry introducing the first pilotless cargo flights on major commercial routes.

The technology demonstration will apparently trigger intense debate about aviation’s future, and regulatory bodies will face pressure to establish new frameworks for autonomous flight.

Old Moore's Almanac also predicts that Ireland will experience its worst flooding in decades in 2026, with multiple weather events overwhelming coastal defenses and river systems.

There will be significant property damage, with many homes affected.

Another 2026 prediction is that multiple locations will consider a four-day work week.

Early data will show productivity remaining stable or improving. The policy will spark intense political debate in other nations considering similar measures.

2026 will see the end of traditional banking, according to the Almanac.

The traditional banking system will face an existential crisis as cryptocurrency, decentralised finance (DeFi), and alternative financial technologies reach a tipping point.

Millions of people will move their assets out of conventional banks, choosing instead to become financially sovereign through digital wallets and blockchain-based platforms.

There will be an unexpected pregnancy announcement from an unanticipated member of a royal family, creating a media sensation.

The announcement will spark renewed interest in royal traditions and generate virality. Royal watchers will dissect every detail, while the event will provide a welcome distraction during a challenging news cycle, the Almanac predicts.

Other predictions from Old Moore's Almanac include:

• A series of high-profile artificial intelligence mistakes will go viral throughout 2026, providing both comedy and concern.
• A major cruise ship issue will capture global attention. The media will stay on this one for quite some time.
• Medical tourism focused on anti-aging and youth treatments will become the fastest-growing segment of the travel industry. Traditional tourism destinations will pivot to offer wellness and longevity packages, while ethical debates will intensify around access inequality, with life extension technologies available only to those who can afford it.
• Peptide supplements will explode into mainstream wellness culture. The market will see exponential growth as people seek these compounds for everything from muscle building to cognitive enhancement to longevity.
• A major tech company will release the first truly affordable household robot capable of performing basic cleaning and simple tasks. Early adopters will report mixed results. The launch will trigger a wave of competition as other manufacturers rush similar products to market.