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 is having to 'adapt quickly' to changing traveller preferences amid the geopolitical unrest. The escalation of the US-Israeli war with Iran towards the end of February led to significant disruption and cancellations for flights bound for Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Airspace closures, combined with a decline in consumer confidence regarding travel to the region, contributed to the substantial number of affected bookings. Lastminute.com said that the total volume of travel impacted across the region currently equates to about a day and a half of its normal daily operations.
Despite the conflict influencing where and when people choose to book trips, the 'overall intent to travel remains high', according to Lastminute. Consumers have been seeking reassurance and flexibility, and early booking patterns indicate a shift in preferences towards alternative destinations such as the Canary and Balearic Islands, Sicily, Sardinia, and other European city breaks.
Lastminute’s chief executive Alessandro Petazzi said: '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 per cent jump in revenues to €361 million (£315 million) for the 2025 financial year, compared with the year before. Adjusted earnings before tax and other costs increased by a third to €55 million (£48 million). The company said it was remaining 'vigilant' against the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, but added that it was sticking to forecasts of a roughly 10 per cent increase in revenues and profits in the year ahead.
