Agentic AI Helps the UK Travel Industry Manage Summer Disruption
The UK travel industry faces another challenging summer. The upcoming EU Entry-Exit System may increase immigration delays. At the same time, post-Brexit staff shortages continue to pressure airports and airlines.
As a result, passengers could experience long queues, delayed departures, and flight cancellations. To reduce disruption, travel brands are investing in Agentic AI to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency.
According to Infobip, proactive and AI-driven communication is becoming essential. By automating engagement across digital channels, airlines can manage volatility while improving the passenger experience.
Intelligent Messaging Reduces Travel Chaos
Agentic AI enables airlines to communicate with passengers before problems escalate. Instead of reacting to complaints, brands can send proactive updates through preferred channels such as WhatsApp and Rich Communication Services (RCS).
For example, automated messaging can provide:
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Live immigration wait-time updates
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Real-time flight status notifications
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Boarding reminders and gate changes
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Airport preparation guidance
Consequently, passengers arrive better informed and prepared. This reduces pressure on airport staff and minimizes confusion during peak travel periods.
Unlike traditional chatbots, Agentic AI can also resolve complex requests. It can track baggage, manage booking changes, and assist with rebooking in real time. Therefore, ground teams can focus on urgent, on-site operational issues.
Virgin Atlantic Improves Passenger Experience at Heathrow
In partnership with Infobip, Virgin Atlantic enhanced passenger engagement at London Heathrow Airport.
By deploying a WhatsApp chatbot, the airline increased online check-in rates by 11%. In addition, it reduced airport congestion and provided passengers with real-time flight information before arrival.
This proactive approach helped streamline operations while improving customer satisfaction. As a result, travelers experienced a smoother airport journey.
Driving Revenue and Customer Satisfaction
Beyond disruption management, Agentic AI also supports revenue growth. Conversational messaging allows airlines to guide passengers from inquiry to booking within a single interaction.
For example, brands can:
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Promote seat upgrades
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Offer ancillary services
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Share personalized travel recommendations
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Enable instant booking confirmations
Because engagement happens in real time, customers make faster decisions. At the same time, automation reduces the burden on support teams.
Industry leaders believe this model transforms customer service into a digital concierge experience. It not only reduces operational strain but also unlocks new revenue opportunities during peak travel demand.
Why Agentic AI Is Becoming Essential for Travel Brands
The UK travel industry must balance rising passenger expectations with operational constraints. Therefore, adopting Agentic AI is no longer optional.
By combining automation, rich messaging, and real-time data, airlines can:
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Improve communication clarity
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Reduce airport congestion
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Enhance passenger confidence
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Increase ancillary revenue
Ultimately, Agentic AI helps travel brands shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive experience management.
As summer disruption looms, intelligent engagement may be the key to keeping both operations and passengers on track.
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