Online travel agent Lastminute.com has reported that approximately 17,000 bookings have been affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as holidaymakers increasingly turn to alternative destinations such as the Canary Islands and Sardinia.
The company, which offers packages to popular Gulf destinations including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, said it must adapt quickly to changing traveller preferences amid geopolitical unrest. The escalation of the US-Israeli war with Iran in late February led to significant disruption and cancellations for flights to Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Airspace closures and a decline in consumer confidence in travel to the region contributed to the substantial number of affected bookings. Lastminute.com said the total volume of impacted travel equates to about a day and a half of its normal daily operations.
Despite the conflict influencing booking patterns, the overall intent to travel remains high, according to the company. Consumers have been seeking reassurance and flexibility, with early booking patterns showing increased demand for alternatives such as the Canary and Balearic Islands, Sicily, Sardinia, and other European city breaks.
Lastminute’s chief executive, Alessandro Petazzi, said the company continues to monitor the evolving situation and that its flexible, pan-European model enables swift adaptation as travel patterns evolve. The Netherlands-based firm also reported a 15 per cent rise in revenues to €361 million (£315 million) for the 2025 financial year, with adjusted earnings increasing by a third to €55 million (£48 million). It remains vigilant but forecasts roughly a 10 per cent increase in revenues and profits for the year ahead.
