Lastminute.com ends the half-year in the red and cuts its targets

Lastminute.com closed the first half of the year at a loss and lowered its targets for the full year. The online travel company has its registered office in Amsterdam and its operational centre in Chiasso.

Over the first six months revenue rose 4% year on year to 190 million euros, or 176 million francs. Adjusted operating profit at Ebitda level fell 2%, to 28 million euros. The period ended with a net loss of 0.5 million, against a profit of 8 million in the first half of 2025.

The second quarter explains much of the gap. Bookings made within six weeks of departure increased, while those made further ahead declined: a trend widespread in the sector, linked to uncertainty over the Middle East. Quarterly revenue therefore fell 2%, to 91 million euros.

Chief executive Alessandro Petazzi noted that half-year revenue grew 4% while many operators faced heavy pressure on their takings. The second-quarter pattern reflected, in his view, «the macroeconomic environment, not a decline in the appetite for travel». The company remains «focused on growing profitability».

Revised forecasts and reorganisation

For the full year the group now expects revenue growth in the mid single-digit percentage range and adjusted Ebitda up between 5 and 10%. The previous targets, announced in early May with the first-quarter figures, were around 10% on both counts.

In mid-June the company said it would steer its business towards greater use of artificial intelligence and, as part of a reorganisation, cut a quarter of its roughly 1600 jobs. Under the plans confirmed today, the reorganisation should be complete by the end of 2026, with structural benefits from 2027.

The market reacted badly. At 9.30am the share was down 7%, at around 13 francs. Its 2026 high dates from February, when it came close to 16 francs. In 2019 it was worth 46. The company has been listed in Zurich since 2014.

Founded as a portal for last-minute deals, the group is today one of Europe's main aggregators of holiday packages. The platform brings together flights, hotels and other travel services through brands including Lastminute.com, Volagratis, Rumbo, weg.de, Bravofly, Jetcost and Hotelscan. Revenue in 2025 was 361 million euros, 334 million francs at the current exchange rate.