In September 2026, departures continued to trend downward. The number of bookings fell by 5.5% compared to September 2025. However, the decline is less pronounced than in August, when it reached 9%.
The business volume associated with departures decreased by 4.1%, while the average basket rose by 1.5%, to €1,853. This increase is therefore not enough to offset the drop in the number of bookings. The Observatory therefore concludes that September activity remains subdued and does not yet indicate a change in trend.
The trends vary by region. Long-haul travel is the most penalized, with a 14.6% drop in bookings. Mid-haul fares better, with a decline limited to 2.8%. France, for its part, shows a 9.1% drop in bookings.
Departures remain below September 2025: business volume -4.1%, bookings -5.5%, average basket up +1.5% to €1,853. The drop in bookings is less pronounced than in August (-9%).
Mid-haul
Long-haul
Business volume advances (+3.3%) despite a slight drop in bookings (-1.7%), driven by a rise in the average basket (+5.1% to €2,004). The average lead time between booking and departure reaches 74 days, up 6% year over year. The mid-haul segment is the only zone posting growth in bookings (+7.1%).
Mid-haul
Long-haul
As of the end of September, reservations for departures between October 17 and November 2, 2026 remain below 2025: business volume -4.7%, bookings -2.6%, average basket -2.1% at €2,238. Long-haul shows the steepest decline (-19.0% in bookings); mid-haul is the only zone in growth (+2.8%).
Mid-haul
Long-haul
Departures & reservations in September: 01/09 – 29/09/2026 · All Saints’ Day: reservations 01/01 – 29/09/2026, departures 17/10 – 02/11/2026.
Data drawn from travel agencies using the Orchestra platform (20+ brands, 2 years minimum).
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Amara Nambinga
