Lastminute.com Reports 17,000 Bookings Affected by Middle East Crisis
Travel website Lastminute.com has announced that approximately 17,000 bookings have been impacted by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The company, which offers holiday packages to destinations including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, stated it is having to adapt quickly to changing customer preferences due to the conflict.
Shift Towards Alternative Destinations
In response to the disruption, holidaymakers are increasingly shifting their bookings towards alternative destinations. Lastminute.com noted a rise in demand for locations such as the Canary Islands, Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, Sicily, and other European city breaks. This trend reflects a broader change in travel patterns as customers seek reassurance and flexibility amid geopolitical tensions.
Impact of Airspace Closures and Consumer Sentiment
The US-Israeli war has led to flight disruptions and cancellations to Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Combined with a decline in consumer confidence regarding travel to the region, these factors have contributed to the significant number of affected bookings. Despite this, Lastminute.com emphasized that the overall intent to travel remains high, with early booking data indicating a rebalancing of demand across different destinations.
Company Response and Financial Performance
Lastminute.com's chief executive, Alessandro Petazzi, commented, "We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East, with supporting our customers remaining our top priority. At the same time, Lastminute.com’s flexible, pan-European model enables us to adapt quickly as travel patterns evolve, with demand naturally rebalancing across destinations." The Netherlands-based company reported a 15% increase in revenues to 361 million euros (£315 million) for the 2025 financial year, with adjusted earnings before tax and other costs rising by a third to 55 million euros (48 million).
Looking ahead, Lastminute.com remains vigilant regarding the Middle East situation but is maintaining forecasts of roughly a 10% increase in revenues and profits for the upcoming year. This cautious optimism underscores the company's ability to navigate challenges while capitalizing on shifting travel trends.
