Since 8 September 2026, Google is replacing its own carousels for hotel and flight searches with modules from third-party sites in the European Union, a measure imposed by Brussels after a €460 million fine.
Google began, on Tuesday 8 September 2026, modifying the display of results for searches related to flights, hotels and travel services across the European Union. Internet users located outside the EU are not affected by this rollout.
What changes
Until now, Google highlighted its own tools — notably a carousel from its comparison service — at the top of the results. To comply with the requirements of the European Commission and the Digital Markets Act, the company will now display in that prime position a module from an eligible third-party site, accompanied by two other comparison services selected by Google.
Why this change
The change follows a €460 million fine imposed on Google in July, with Brussels considering that the preferential integration of Google’s services constituted a distortion of competition against players such as Booking, Kayak and Expedia.
“These developments degrade the quality of search in Europe and remove useful features that people use every day,” said Nick Fox, vice president of the “Knowledge and Information” division at Google. The company also says, according to Reuters, that these changes represent the largest drop in search quality in the engine’s history.
These developments degrade the quality of search in Europe and remove useful features
Google also says that its tests show a lower satisfaction rate with the new format compared to the direct integration of its services.
It remains to be seen whether this compliance will fully satisfy the European Commission or whether further adjustments will be required.
Source: Frandroid