BKNG · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report

Middle East Conflict Impact

Booking Holdings Inc. · 2026-11-03 · Importance 20 · Surprise 24

During the third quarter of 2026, the direct effects of the Middle East conflict on travel demand had largely normalized, but elevated flight ticket prices continued to weigh on long-haul international travel. The filing also attributes higher average flight ticket prices partly to higher fuel costs associated with the conflict and says the conflict negatively affected room-night growth. Management reported that reduced flight capacity on certain routes and softer long-haul demand also partly offset growth in flight tickets reserved.

Key facts

• The direct impacts of the Middle East conflict on travel demand had largely normalized in Q3 2026, but elevated flight ticket prices continued to weigh on long-haul international demand; international room nights grew more slowly year over year than domestic room nights. source
• Flight gross bookings increased 21% in Q3 2026 and 19% in the first nine months of 2026 year over year, due to ticket growth and higher average ticket prices; higher ticket prices were partly driven by Middle East conflict-related fuel costs. source
• Q3 2026 room nights increased year over year, driven primarily by growth in all key regions; Middle East conflict-related indirect impacts negatively affected long-haul international demand and overall room-night growth. source
• Rental car days declined year over year in Q3 and the first nine months of 2026, primarily reflecting lower partner volume, higher average daily rental prices, and Middle East conflict impacts on travel demand. source
• Flight tickets increased year over year in Q3 and the first nine months of 2026 due to expanded flight offerings, partially offset by elevated ticket prices, reduced capacity on certain routes, and softer long-haul demand related to the Middle East conflict. source