Airbnb's net profit rose 27.10% in the second quarter of 2026, reaching $816 million (707.9 million euros) between April and June, the company reported. The gain was driven by strong travel demand in its core markets, the impact of artificial intelligence on operational efficiency, and a commercial boost tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Revenue for the quarter reached $3,608 million (3,129 million euros), up 16.54% from a year earlier. Gross booking value climbed 16% to $27,200 million (23,600 million euros). Profitability also improved: adjusted EBITDA grew 20.9% to $1,261 million (1,093 million euros), while free cash flow came close to $1,300 million (1,127 million euros), a margin of 35%. Nights and experiences booked rose 10%, accelerating from the first quarter thanks to demand from the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Australia.
World Cup partnership drives new listings
Airbnb was an official partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which the company said acted as a powerful catalyst for demand, adding more than 150,000 new listings in host cities. The company plans to build on this events-focused model through partnerships with LaLiga in Spain, the Tour de France, the International Olympic Committee and NASCAR.
Expansion into a full travel platform
Airbnb also attracted new customers through its shift toward becoming a full travel platform. The company has introduced home delivery shopping, car rentals, airport transfers, luggage storage and hotel day passes through its app. It expanded its experiences offerings by 80% and added boutique and independent hotels in 20 world capitals, a business line growing three times faster than its home rental business.
AI cuts costs and speeds up product launches
Much of the improvement in profit margins stems from Airbnb's transformation into what the company describes as an AI-native business. Software improvements and process automation have cut the time from product concept to launch by up to 60%, and increased the delivery of new features by 80%. AI virtual assistants have reduced customer service costs per booking by 16%, a figure the company aims to increase further by rolling out AI voice assistants for phone calls by the end of the year.
First-half results and 2026 outlook
For the first half of 2026, Airbnb's net profit reached $976 million (846 million euros), up 22.61% from $796 million a year earlier. Accumulated revenue for the period reached $6,286 million (5,452 million euros), up 17.1% year on year, marking one of the strongest starts to a year in the company's history.
Airbnb has revised its 2026 forecasts upward, now expecting revenue to grow at least 15%, in the middle of its guidance range, and its adjusted EBITDA margin to reach at least 35.5%, above 2025 levels. For the third quarter, the company anticipates revenue of between $4,690 million and $4,770 million (4,067-4,137 million euros), year-on-year growth of between 15% and 17%. Gross booking value is expected to grow close to 15%, driven by booking volume and a moderate increase in rates, though the EBITDA margin will see a one-time adjustment tied to its investment schedule.
