A new report published by air transport IT provider SITA has revealed that airlines and airports are investing in new technology to predict and prepare for future events.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

SITA’s analysis reveals that half of airlines and airports are expected to implement predictive tools using artificial intelligence and cognitive computing over the coming five to ten years.

Titled ‘The future is predictable’, the report outlines that the efforts are being made to tackle the estimated $25bn cost of flight disruptions to the air transport industry.

SITA market insight director Nigel Pickford said: “There is a desire to remove as much uncertainty as possible during travel. Airlines and airports are focusing on technologies that will make them more responsive to issues in their operations.

“Our technology research team, SITA Lab, is currently developing disruption warning and prediction capabilities using industry-specific and public data feeds such as Twitter, to help tackle this huge challenge and reduce this tremendous cost to the industry.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData
"Airlines and airports are focusing on technologies that will make them more responsive to issues in their operations."

Airports and airlines that are featured in the report are Gatwick Airport, easyJet, Brussels Airport Company, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Denver International Airport, KLM and Meridiana along with industry perspectives from International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airports Council International (ACI).

Predictive modelling, machine learning and data mining are already being trialled by some companies, which aim to provide new passenger information services.

This year, SITA Lab plans to validate delay predictions with airlines and airports and complete up to five trials with its industry partners.

SITA’s delay prediction algorithm and disruption warning feeds will then be incorporated into its services to the air transport industry.


Image: The report focuses on the way efforts are being made to tackle the estimated $25bn cost of flight disruptions to the air transport industry. Photo: courtesy of SITA.

Airport Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airport Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
OPS1 by TADERA has won the 2025 Product Launch Award in the Safety and Efficiency category for transforming how airports manage operations and safety. Learn how this integrated, GIS driven platform simplifies inspections, maintenance, and SMS compliance while turning operational data into real time, actionable intelligence.

Discover the Impact