Skyscanner Limited is a UK-based global travel metasearch platform that provides consumers access to flights, hotels, car hire, and other travel-related content. Established in 2015 and registered in the EU Transparency Register since December 7, 2015, Skyscanner actively engages in lobbying activities to influence EU policies relevant to its business operations. The company targets key EU legislative files including Consumer Affairs, Anti-trust, Online Platforms Review, Digital Single Market Strategy, Travel Package Directive, Digital Services Act, and Digital Markets Act.
Skyscanner’s lobbying efforts focus on ensuring a balanced regulatory framework that supports transparency, consumer protection, and fair competition within the online travel and digital platform sectors. The firm advocates for consistent enforcement of competition laws across EU member states to reduce legal uncertainties for businesses and consumers. It also emphasizes the importance of transparency in online platform operations, including clear disclosure of data processing practices and commercial ranking influences, to build user trust and promote platform usage.
Since its registration, Skyscanner has maintained a moderate lobbying presence with expenditures ranging between €200,000 and €299,999 in the 2023 financial year. The firm employs approximately 2.25 full-time equivalent lobbyists, with two holding European Parliament accreditations. Skyscanner has conducted at least nine high-level meetings with the European Commission, reflecting its active engagement with EU institutions.
Networking-wise, Skyscanner is affiliated with several travel and technology associations including Travel Tech (USA), EU Travel Tech, ATTIA (Asia Travel Tech), Online Travel UK, Travalyst, and the Mid-Sized Platforms Group. These affiliations enhance its influence and collaboration within the travel technology ecosystem.
Overall, Skyscanner’s lobbying strategy is centered on promoting a transparent, competitive, and digitally innovative travel market in Europe, while addressing regulatory challenges posed by varying national approaches and emerging EU digital legislation.
