Amadeus predicts decline in Air Travel bookings amid global disruptions

Friday 08 May 2026 - 14:15

Amadeus IT Group has forecast a decline in air travel bookings during the second quarter of the year as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and airline strikes across Western Europe continue to affect passenger demand.

The Spanish travel technology company stated that booking activity remains under pressure despite signs of gradual improvement compared with previous months. Company executives noted that April showed better performance than March, although reservation levels continued to remain in negative territory.

According to finance executives at the group, several factors have contributed to the slowdown in global travel demand. The ongoing instability in parts of the Middle East has disrupted flight routes and increased uncertainty among travelers, while labor strikes involving airline staff and airport workers in Europe have caused delays and cancellations across major transport hubs.

Despite these challenges, the company reported stronger financial results than analysts had expected and decided to maintain its annual business outlook. However, executives indicated that revenue growth is likely to remain at the lower end of earlier forecasts.

Amadeus also confirmed that it has introduced cost-control measures to reduce the financial impact of current market conditions. These measures are expected to remain in place until the international travel environment becomes more stable.

The company emphasized that some positive indicators are beginning to emerge, including lower cancellation rates and the reopening of certain airspaces affected by regional conflicts. Airline operators have also reported encouraging trends in customer demand for future travel periods.

Headquartered in Madrid, Amadeus is one of the world’s leading providers of travel technology and reservation systems used by airlines, airports, hotels, and tourism agencies worldwide.

Industry analysts believe the global aviation sector continues to face a delicate recovery process as airlines balance operational costs, geopolitical risks, and changing consumer behavior in an uncertain economic climate.