Airbnb reports fastest quarterly revenue growth in three years, cites AI as key driver

Airbnb posted third‑quarter revenue of $4.87 billion, up 19% year over year, the strongest increase since 2023. CEO Brian Chesky said AI now handles 40% of support tickets and labeled the company as being in “growth mode.” Nights and experiences booked rose 16% and gross bookings grew 21%, outpacing rivals Booking Holdings and Expedia. The firm raised its full‑year guidance for the third time in 2026, sending the stock higher in pre‑market trading.

The revenue surge and raised guidance suggest higher top‑line growth and potentially expanding margins as AI cuts customer‑service costs, which could improve earnings for investors. The strong performance also positions Airbnb ahead of its main competitors in the travel‑lodging market.

  • 1Third‑quarter revenue grew 19% to $4.87 billion.
  • 2AI now handles 40% of Airbnb's support tickets, reducing customer‑service costs by about 70%.
  • 3Nights and experiences booked increased 16% to 155 million.
  • 4Gross bookings grew 21% in the quarter.
  • 5Airbnb raised its full‑year guidance for the third time in 2026.
  • 6Shares jumped in pre‑market trading on November 6 after the results.

Sources