What Airports and Airlines Can Expect from Agentic AI

What Airports and Airlines Can Expect from Agentic AI

Airports and airlines are on the verge of a significant technological transformation driven by the emergence of agentic artificial intelligence (AI)—systems capable of autonomous decision-making and action. Flyr, a prominent provider of AI-driven airline solutions, is leading this evolution by collaborating with partners such as Riyadh Air to redefine digital retail and operational experiences within the industry.

The Evolution of AI in Aviation

According to Sam Chamberlain, Flyr’s chief product officer, the aviation sector has long utilized AI and machine learning for functions like price prediction and revenue management. However, the industry is now rapidly advancing toward agentic AI, which differs fundamentally from traditional AI. While conventional AI primarily offers recommendations based on historical data and signals, agentic AI assumes a more proactive role by making decisions, executing them, and continuously monitoring outcomes in real time.

This new generation of AI agents promises to revolutionize the passenger experience. For instance, when travelers search for flights, agentic AI can instantly analyze a wide array of factors—including competitor pricing, passenger preferences, device usage, and trip duration—to deliver highly personalized offers. These agents are designed to learn and adapt dynamically, responding to passenger feedback and market fluctuations, thereby optimizing both airline revenue and customer satisfaction.

Challenges and Security Implications

Despite its potential, the integration of agentic AI presents considerable challenges. Chamberlain highlights that airlines have traditionally concentrated on transactional elements of the passenger journey, such as booking and seat selection, largely due to technological limitations. Agentic AI offers the possibility of creating a seamless connection between airlines and airports, smoothing the entire travel chain from booking to arrival. Achieving this, however, may require organizations to undertake substantial overhauls of legacy processes and operational workflows, posing a significant obstacle for many.

The rise of agentic AI also intensifies security concerns. As these systems gain autonomy, the risk of cyber threats escalates, necessitating the implementation of tighter controls and robust security policies. In response, the industry is exploring AI-driven security agents capable of automating rule creation and incident response. These innovations have the potential to transform security operations centers (SOCs), enhancing real-time decision-making and threat mitigation.

Market Outlook and Industry Impact

Market analysts forecast that the agentic AI sector will reach a valuation of $41.32 billion by 2030, reflecting its transformative potential across multiple industries. In hospitality, AI agents are already reshaping guest arrival processes, fundamentally altering guest behaviors and operational dynamics. The aviation sector is expected to undergo similar disruptions, with agentic AI redefining how work is coordinated and how organizations respond to market and competitor actions.

As agentic AI continues to mature, airports and airlines face a complex landscape of innovation, security, and operational change. Those that adapt swiftly are likely to secure a significant competitive advantage, while those that lag risk being left behind in an industry rapidly reshaped by intelligent automation.