BKNG · 10-Q · 2026Q2 · Full report

Middle East Conflict Impact

Booking Holdings Inc. · 2026-08-04 · Importance 39 · Surprise 50

The Middle East conflict slowed global room-night growth to 5% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2026 from 6% in the first quarter. Although direct travel impacts within the region largely normalized during June, elevated flight ticket prices, reduced capacity on certain international routes, and weaker long-haul demand continued to affect international travel. Higher fuel costs associated with the conflict contributed to higher average flight ticket prices, while domestic and short-haul regional travel remained relatively healthy and partially offset the decline in long-haul travel.

Key facts

• The sequential slowdown in room night growth from 6% in Q1 2026 to 5% in Q2 2026 primarily reflected the continued impact of the conflict in the Middle East throughout the second quarter. source
• During the second quarter, the conflict in the Middle East caused elevated flight ticket prices, reduced flight capacity on certain international routes, and decreased long-haul international travel demand, while domestic and short-haul regional travel remained relatively healthy. source
• Higher average flight ticket prices in the second quarter were driven in part by higher fuel costs associated with the conflict in the Middle East. source