Travel technology giant maintains commercial momentum with strong profitability, AI expansion, and continued investment in biometrics-driven traveller experiences.
Amadeus opened 2026 with solid revenue and profit growth, despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East moderating performance during March.
The company reported Group revenue of €1.68 billion for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 3.1% increase year-on-year and 7.9% growth at constant currency. Operating income rose 2.8% to €474.9 million, while adjusted EBIT reached €500 million, growing 6.6% at constant currency.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share expanded 8.8% at constant currency, while free cash flow increased 4.5% to €273.6 million. Net financial debt stood at €2.58 billion at March 31, 2026. The company noted that booking growth and transaction volumes were impacted during March following geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which led to a spike in booking cancellations across parts of the travel ecosystem.
Luis Maroto, President & CEO of Amadeus, said: “Amadeus reported solid revenue and profit growth in the first quarter. While volumes moderated in March, following the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we continue to demonstrate strong commercial momentum. We are closely monitoring the uncertain macro context, with the range of impacts making it difficult to predict in the short-term.
“We are currently expecting to deliver within our guided expectations for 2026, and we will update the market if this changes.”
Maroto added: “We are positive about the future and firmly focused on long-term growth. We continue to expand our reach across the travel ecosystem, increase the number of customers adopting our solutions, broaden the range of solutions used by our customers, expand our AI capabilities, and demonstrate the transversal strength of our portfolio.
“At the same time, we continue to invest in the future through our planned acquisition of leading biometrics and identity services provider IDEMIA Public Security (IPS). This deal fits naturally into Amadeus’ strategy and will improve the traveler experience by reducing friction and enabling more integrated travel journeys. It will also reinforce our commitment to investing in transformative technology such as biometrics as part of our platform strategy, supporting our broader ambition to become an orchestrator of an AI-enabled travel ecosystem.”
Amadeus’ Air IT Solutions segment delivered strong momentum during the quarter, with revenue increasing 7.5%, or 12% at constant currency. Growth was driven by a 3.1% rise in passengers boarded and an 8.6% increase in revenue per passenger boarded at constant currency.
The company attributed this performance to customers adopting a wider range of solutions, stronger pricing dynamics, and incremental revenue generated through its Amadeus Nevio offering. Airline Professional Services also continued to record rapid growth during the period.
Hospitality and Other Solutions revenue rose 3.2%, or 9.8% at constant currency, supported by new customer implementations and increased transaction volumes across hospitality and payments businesses.
Air Distribution revenue remained broadly stable, increasing 0.1% year-on-year, or 4.6% at constant currency. Amadeus said the segment saw a strong start to the year before geopolitical developments in the Middle East impacted booking volumes in March through higher cancellation activity.
Revenue per booking in Air Distribution continued to expand, growing 4.8% at constant currency, supported by positive pricing dynamics and sustained commercial activity across regions.
The company also continues to advance its €500 million share repurchase programme announced in February 2026, while maintaining leverage at approximately one times last-twelve-month EBITDA.
Source: Tahawul Tech