India emerges among Airbnb’s fastest growing markets as bookings jump 60% in Q2

India emerged as one of Airbnb’s fastest growing origin markets in the June quarter, with net nights booked by travellers from the country accelerating 60% year on year and the number of first time bookers more than doubling, giving the travel platform a strong growth pocket as it looks to deepen its presence beyond its established global markets.

The momentum in India came alongside broader growth across Asia Pacific, where Nights and Seats Booked grew in the high teens compared with the year ago quarter. Japan also recorded high teens growth in origin net nights booked, driven by domestic travel, while the region's average daily rate, or ADR, increased just 1%.

"This quarter’s performance reinforces Airbnb’s strong growth in India. We’re particularly encouraged by the growth in first-time guests, reflecting the increasing appeal of Airbnb as more Indian travellers seek unique stays and more meaningful ways to experience destinations," Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb's country head for India and Southeast Asia, said.

"As we continue to grow, we’ll keep investing in our host community and building an even better experience for guests across India and beyond," he added.

Globally, Airbnb reported revenue of $3.6 billion in Q2 2026, up 17% year on year, while Gross Booking Value increased 16% to $27.2 billion. Nights and Seats Booked rose 10% to 148.3 million, accelerating from the previous quarter. Net income stood at $816 million, compared with $642 million a year earlier, taking its net income margin to 23% from 21%.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 21% to $1.26 billion from $1.04 billion in the corresponding quarter, while the margin improved to 35% from 34%. Free cash flow stood at $1.25 billion during the quarter, up from $962 million a year earlier.

New users, app bookings drive growth

First time booker growth globally accelerated to 11% during the quarter, its highest level in four years, with India, Brazil and Japan among the markets recording strong growth. Airbnb's app also accounted for a growing share of its business, with nights booked through the app increasing 23% year on year and making up 64% of total nights booked, compared with 59% a year earlier.

The company has simultaneously been expanding beyond home stays. Airbnb Experiences supply increased nearly 80% year on year during Q2, while the company added thousands of boutique and independent hotels across more than 20 destinations. Hotel nights booked grew roughly three times as fast as its homes business, although hotels continue to account for only a single digit share of overall nights booked.

It is also deploying artificial intelligence across search, listings and customer support. Nearly 45% of issues initiated through Airbnb's AI assistant are now resolved without a human agent. Customer support-related cost per booking consequently declined around 16% year on year during Q2.

There remain pockets of pressure. Demand in Europe, Middle East and Africa had faced headwinds from the conflict in the Middle East in the previous quarter, although Airbnb said it witnessed a steady recovery during Q2. The company also expects its Adjusted EBITDA margin in the third quarter to decline slightly from a year earlier because of the timing of investments.

Despite these pressures, Airbnb raised its full year 2026 outlook. It now expects revenue growth of at least the mid-teens and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 35.5%. For Q3, revenue is projected at $4.69 billion to $4.77 billion, translating into growth of 15% to 17% year on year.