In 2023, nearly three in ten flights arrived more than 15 minutes late, according to Eurocontrol’s 2024 data snapshot. Sadly, the reality — for many travellers around the world — is still the same today. The holiday season brings a familiar hustle and bustle: packed airports, long lines at security, delayed flights and the occasional scramble to find a gate. It’s a logistical nightmare that tests even the most seasoned travel operators. But now, buoyed by AI, the travel industry is finding some respite amidst the chaos.

Udi Segall, CEO of IntellAct, said in an interview that AI’s role in the travel industry isn’t just about technology, but about connecting people. “AI’s true power lies in its human impact,” he told me. “It’s about ensuring families reunite on time, sparing crew members from extended delays, and bringing peace of mind to passengers navigating the holiday rush.”

AI is helping airports and airlines be more efficient this holiday season, streamlining operations, reducing costs and improving passenger experiences. But for Segall, there are 5 major ways AI is keeping the booming travel industry on track.

5 Ways AI is Improving The Air Travel Industry

1. Diagnosing Delays and Keeping Flights on Time

One of AI’s biggest promises for the travel industry is its ability to track, analyze and improve airplane turnaround times — a critical metric for maintaining on-time performance. Segall, who is also a board member of the Smart Airport Technologies Association, explained that AI-powered descriptive analytics can monitor every step of the turnaround process, from baggage unloading to cleaning services and passenger boarding.

The hundreds of data points that AI gathers often help to generate a clear picture of how long each step takes. So, when delays occur, AI’s diagnostic capabilities kick in, identifying root causes such as slower-than-expected boarding or baggage handling issues.

“These insights would be impossible to achieve manually, giving airport personnel the tools to address inefficiencies in real time,” said Segall.

2. Preventing Disruptions Before They Escalate

Beyond diagnosing delays, AI also helps to predict and prevent disruptions. Through analyzing historical and real-time data, AI can predict how long it will take to resolve an issue and recommend actions to mitigate its impact. Prescriptive analytics, for instance, can suggest whether it’s worth waiting for missing passengers or prioritizing fuel-efficient paths to gates.

“AI does not only monitor traveler traffic, but it also empowers personnel to make better decisions, reducing costs and customer frustrations,” noted Segall.

3. Boosting Operational Efficiency and Sustainability

Flight delays cost both time and money. Many of us have been there, waiting for delayed flights for hours— seething with anger and thinking about the strong words to use in the complaints we will file. Such events don’t bode well for airlines.

Although record numbers of people are flying today, according to CNN, airlines’ profits continue to plunge, with the aviation industry losing billions annually due to disruptions — from wasted fuel to labor expenses and compensation for disgruntled passengers. This is an area where AI’s predictive capabilities are useful.

Segall noted that IntellAct’s AI-powered systems help airlines make the best use of gates, aircraft and personnel, reducing idle times and fuel consumption. He added that this not only saves money but also helps the industry to stay committed to the race to net-zero by 2050.

4. Creating Safer Airports

While there are ethical concerns around the use of AI for air travel, AI platforms like IntellAct enhance safety standards during turnaround operations, detecting and reporting violations in real time.

Whether it’s spotting improperly loaded baggage or unauthorized personnel in restricted areas, AI-powered innovations are becoming more and more valuable in helping to create safer airports.

5. Transforming the Passenger Experience

For air travelers, AI-powered tools offer less stress, shorter waits, as well as more predictability, impacting the overall travel experience for passengers. Segall even envisions a future where passengers enjoy seamless journeys, thanks to AI-driven innovations.

From optimizing check-in times to managing gate assignments and improving in-flight services, could unlock a new range of experiences for air travellers.

“Air travel hasn’t changed much for passengers in decades,” he said. “But with AI, we can finally create journeys that are smoother, more enjoyable and less frustrating.”

AI’s Economic Superpower in Aviation

Perhaps the biggest value in integrating AI into air travel operations is the economic value it presents. For example, one of the leading causes of losses for airlines is flight disruption. Every delay burns money, said Segall, who cited wasted fuel and costly labor as examples of how flight disruptions lead to losses in the aviation industry.

Imagine the cumulative GDP boost across the globe if millions of passengers spent less time waiting in airports and more time engaged in meaningful activities. “By keeping flights on track, AI contributes not just to operational efficiency but also to global economic growth,” said Segall who added that “the aviation industry works with razor-thin margins, and AI offers a path to profitability without compromising passenger experience or sustainability.”

Whether it’s keeping families together during the holiday rush or driving long-term economic growth, AI looks poised to change the way we move, one flight at a time.