There aren't many new tech 26" tyres coming out now. Nothing over 2.4 except the Surly ET, which actually suck for loaded touring since they are made of cheese curd and wear out quick. Makes me sad, I like touring on tubeless +26 since they can roll over pretty well anything. Closest I've found is a Schwalble Moto-X but they lack a bit of grip for gravel and are even heavier than the ET.
If you have to box your bike 26"makes for a smaller box, can make a huge difference cost wise on some airlines, if it gets you under their large luggage excess size.