Travel Agent: West Asia Conflict Hits Tens Of Thousands Of Bookings

LONDON, April 2 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Travel agent Lastminute.com said the conflict in West Asia has impacted some 17,000 bookings, while holidaymakers are shifting towards alternative destinations like the Canary Islands and Sardinia, reported PA Media/dpa.

The website, which offers holiday packages to destinations including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, said it was having to “adapt quickly” to travellers changing their preferences in light of the conflict.

The United States (US)-Israeli strikes against Iran, which the two nations started at the end of February, have led to disruption and cancellations of some flights to Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The airspace closures, coupled with consumer sentiment when it comes to travel taking a hit, affected approximately 17,000 bookings, Lastminute revealed.

It said the total volume of affected travel around the region is currently the equivalent of 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 the preferences of travellers.

It noted increased demand toward alternative destinations such as the Spanish archipelagos, the Canary and Balearic Islands, Italian islands Sicily and Sardinia, and other European city breaks.

Lastminute’s chief executive Alessandro Petazzi said: “We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia, 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 (US$416 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 (US$64 million).

The company said it was remaining “vigilant” against the geopolitical situation in West Asia but added that it was sticking to forecasts of a roughly 10 per cent increase in revenues and profits in the year ahead.

-- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa