Table of Contents
Lastminute.com.au to Cease Operations in Australia
Lastminute.com.au, the well-known travel website in Australia, is set to terminate its services after a 25-year run. Owned by the global travel giant Expedia, Lastminute.com.au had been a popular choice for savvy Australian travellers seeking great deals.
In an announcement to customers, the travel platform confirmed that it would stop accepting new bookings from 2nd June 2026. A complete closure of operations is expected by November 2026. The company reassured existing customers that their already booked trips would not be impacted by this closure.
“The decision to close the Lastminute.com.au website and app has been made,” said the company in its communication. Customers were informed that new bookings made until May 15 must be finalised within the next nine months, but travel must be completed by 1st November 2026. The closure affects all aspects of travel offered through the website, including flights, hotels, car rentals, packages, and activities.
While customers can still modify or cancel their reservations, access to Lastminute.com.au accounts will cease once all scheduled trips are completed.
Historical Context
Lastminute.com.au was established in Australia in 2000, modelled after its UK counterpart. Initially a joint venture between travel.com.au and lastminute.com, it saw a significant shift in ownership in 2007 when travel.com.au acquired full stakes in the platform for approximately $4.75 million. In 2008, Brisbane-based website Wotif purchased travel.com.au for $57 million, and later in 2014, Wotif was acquired by Expedia for a staggering $703 million.
As operations wind down, all new bookings will be redirected to Expedia, which is part of the same family of brands. The company stated, “From 2nd June 2026, all new booking activity will be directed to Expedia, where you can explore and book your ideal holiday, maintaining the ease and options familiar to Lastminute.com.au users.”
Recent Developments
This announcement comes in the wake of concerns within the travel sector, particularly highlighted by a recent security breach notification by competitor Booking.com. It was reported that unauthorised third parties may have accessed sensitive customer information, raising alarms about data security within the travel industry.
Details that may have been compromised include booking particulars, personal information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and shared details with properties. The extent of the breach and the number of affected customers remain unclear.
Conclusion
The closure of Lastminute.com.au marks the end of an era for the Australian travel market, having been a staple for many over the past quarter of a century. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, customers will have to adjust to changes, with major bookings redirected to Expedia for future travel needs.
While existing bookings remain safe, the gradual cessation of services underscores a significant shift in the online travel booking realm, leaving many to question the future of such platforms in an increasingly competitive environment.
For further information and ongoing updates, customers are encouraged to visit the Lastminute.com.au official page.
