Leading online travel companies lost nearly $10 billion in market capitalisation yesterday, as investors dumped shares over concerns about a looming slump in business and leisure travel following last week`s hijackings and attacks.

Online travel agents were hit the worst, with two leading firms, Sabre Holdings Corp., operator of the Travelocity Web site, and Expedia Inc. shedding 40.9% and 33.8% of their market value, respectively.

Sabre shares fell $16.13 to close at $23.30 and Expedia shares dropped $12.25 to $24, resulting in a combined loss of $2.7 billion in market capitalization.

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