“Fly high by investing money to launch an app like Etihad Airways.”

Several platforms like Etihad Airways are making travelling experience smooth and comfortable for people living in the UAE and other Middle East countries. Modern businesses are eyeing to build an app like Etihad Airways with advanced features for the local public. As the flight and hotel booking market is booming, this is beneficial.

To do so, they must have knowledge on various topics like the cost to develop a travel booking app like Etihad Airways. Additionally, it is important to know the development process, features, and monetization methods for smooth application making.

Let’s move forward in this blog and study the process to make an app like Etihad Airways with detailed information.

 

How did Etihad Airways Become Popular?

With its smooth, user-focused digital experience, the Etihad Airways app has distinguished itself in the aviation sector. Its success is fueled by calculated investments in transportation software development services, mobile technology, and operational effectiveness, all of which complement the airline’s overall growth trajectory. Etihad’s financial performance and customer happiness have greatly benefited from this digital transition.

 

• Record Net Profit: In 2024, Etihad Airways achieved its highest-ever profit after tax of approximately $476 Million, more than tripling its net profit from the previous year.
• Total Revenue Surge: The airline’s total revenue increased by 25% year-on-year, reaching around $6.9 Billion, driven by strong performances in both passenger and cargo operations.
• Passenger Revenue Growth: Passenger revenue rose by $1.1 Billion, reflecting enhanced network connectivity and increased capacity.
• Passenger Numbers Increase: Etihad carried 18.5 Million passengers in 2024, marking a 32% increase from the previous year, supported by a 28% rise in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK).
• Consistent Load Factor: The airline maintained a high passenger load factor of 87% in 2024, indicating efficient utilization of its expanded capacity.
• Operational Efficiency: Etihad’s EBITDA increased by 32% year-on-year, reaching $1.3 Billion, highlighting improved operational performance and cost management.

 

 

Benefits of Developing a Travel Booking Application?

You can develop a travel booking app like Etihad Airways to give consumers a smooth experience and new opportunities. It increases revenue, makes automated processes, and improves client pleasure:

 

 

• 24/7 Booking Convenience

Users may search for and book flights, hotels, and experiences at any time and from any location with a travel booking app. The volume of reservations and user satisfaction are increased by this 24/7 accessibility. It helps to decrease the cost to build an app like Etihad Airways for businesses.

 

• Business Scalability

Apps enable companies to reach a worldwide audience and grow beyond physical sites. They manage large traffic volumes, facilitate automation, and adjust to changing needs. New services and regions can be added with ease by approaching a custom web development company in UAE.

 

• Real-Time Updates

Instant alerts about hotel availability, deals, and flight changes are provided via travel applications. Real-time alerts on cancellations, delays, and booking confirmations are sent to users. You can make an app like Etihad Airways to increase the platform’s dependability and credibility.

 

• Improved Customer Engagement

User interaction is improved through loyalty awards, in-app chat, and personalized suggestions. Users are alerted about sales and promotions through push notifications. Features that engage users increases the cost to maintain an app and boost lifetime value retention.

 

• Revenue Generation

Service fees, advertisements, premium subscriptions, and affiliate relationships are some forms of monetization. Through automation, apps increase revenue and lowers the cost to build a travel booking app like Etihad Airways. Optimizing pricing is made possible by improved customer analytics.

 

 

How AI Enhances Travel Booking Apps?

Apps for booking travel are greatly improved by artificial intelligence (AI), which makes them more intelligent, quicker, and customized. Through effective support, real-time advice, and intelligent automation, you can create a travel booking app like Etihad Airways to enhance the customer experience. A mobile app development company uses AI to improve backend operations, boosting revenue and user retention through data-driven insights and features.

 

• Personalized Recommendations: Suggests flights, hotels, and packages based on user preferences and behavior.
• Dynamic Pricing Optimization: Adjusts fare prices in real time based on demand, trends, and user data.
• Chatbots & Virtual Assistants: Offers 24/7 customer support for booking, inquiries, and cancellations.
• Fraud Detection: Identifies suspicious activities and secures transactions using behavior analysis.
• Voice & Image Search: Allows users to search destinations or deals using voice commands or images.

 

How to Make Flight Booking Apps Like Etihad Airways?

Let’s discuss the process to build a travel booking app like Etihad Airways in this section. So, businesses can evenly manage their budget easily:

 

 

• Market Analysis

Investigate the most recent developments in the travel industry to make a travel booking app like Etihad Airways. Examine the features of rival airlines’ apps, such as Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Determine the expectations, booking patterns, and pain points of your customers.

Examine the gaps that your solution can cover in the current apps. Businesses must use travel app development services with regulatory implications for booking flights.

 

• Project Listing

Create a thorough project plan that details all of the goals and criteria for the app. Indicate the essential and sophisticated features, like real-time updates, reward programs, and reservation systems. Select the development methodology and platforms.

Provide delivery schedules, milestones, and expected budgets to develop an app like Etihad Airways. Take third-party integrations and future scalability into consideration.

 

• Hiring App Experts

Choose a trustworthy development team or firm that specializes in travel technology. Seek expertise in security procedures, API integration, mobile programming, and airline-specific solutions. Examine client endorsements, technological prowess, and portfolios.

Depending on your needs and budget, you can outsource full-time developers to build an app like Etihad Airways. Project managers, developers, testers, and UI/UX designers should all be involved.

 

• UI/UX Design

Make user-friendly, mobile-first designs that prioritize user engagement and booking simplicity. Create clickable prototypes and wireframes that illustrate user journeys. Make simplicity, unambiguous calls to action, and simple interfaces your top priorities.

Use brand colors and concepts that complement the airline’s identity. Make the design accessible and responsive by hiring an Android app development company in UAE.

 

• API Integration

Include the necessary APIs for user profiles, payments, seat availability, and flight schedules. For real-time flight data, use worldwide distribution systems such as Travelport, Sabre, or Amadeus. Include geolocation APIs and secure payment channels.

Through airline APIs, frequent flyer information and loyalty programs can be connected. Verify that APIs abide by local Etihad Airways app development services in Dubai.

 

• Testing & Security

Perform comprehensive QA testing to ensure compatibility, performance, and functionality. In order to find errors or problems, simulate real-time booking scenarios. To protect user information and financial transactions, use penetration testing.

Test with various devices and network configurations by contacting an Etihad Airways app development company in Dubai. Assure compliance with PCI-DSS, GDPR, and other regulations.

 

• Deploy & Updates

Install the app on the web, in the App Store, and on Google Play. For high availability and scalability, use cloud hosting. After launch, keep an eye on user behavior, performance, and statistics. You can hire on-demand app developers to regularly release updates, add new features, and enhance user experience.

Get input and respond to customer service inquiries by reducing the cost to develop a travel booking app like Etihad Airways. Regular optimization maintains the app’s usability and competitiveness.

 

Exciting Features of Flight Booking Apps

Apps for booking flights are made to give users a smooth, quick, and customized trip planning experience. They streamline the entire process, from managing itineraries to searching flights:

 

 

• Flight Search & Filter

Users can easily search for flights by date, destination, airline, or budget. An app like Klook provides advanced filters to help narrow down results based on duration, stops, fare type, and more.

 

• Real-Time Availability

The app displays up-to-date flight availability and seat options. It ensures users don’t book full flights or face last-minute surprises.

 

• Secure Payment Gateway

Integrated with trusted payment processors, the app ensures encrypted and safe transactions. Supports multiple methods including credit cards, wallets, and UPI.

 

• Booking Confirmation

Instant booking confirmations are sent via email and in-app notifications. Users can view, download, or share e-tickets immediately with travel assistant platforms easily.

 

• Price Alerts

Users can set fare alerts for specific routes and receive notifications on price drops. This helps in planning travel at the most affordable rates.

 

• Multi-Currency Support

Travelers from different regions can view and pay in their preferred currency. You can create an app like Etihad Airways to enhance global usability and reduce conversion confusion.

 

• In-App Customer Support

Built-in chat or call support allows users to resolve booking issues instantly. An app like Emirates adds convenience and builds trust through real-time assistance.

 

• Travel Itinerary Management

A travel booking app like Etihad Airways allows users to manage and view flight details, layovers, and check-in schedules in one place. This organized layout streamlines the entire travel experience.

 

• Frequent Flyer Integration

The app connects with airline loyalty programs to let users earn or redeem points. Frequent flyers benefit from seamless reward tracking and management.

 

• Flight Status Tracking

Live flight status updates inform users about delays, departures, and arrivals. An app like Wego ensures better planning and timely adjustments during travel.

 

 

Top 10 Alternatives of Etihad Airways App

A number of competing airline and third-party applications offer great substitutes for the Etihad Airways app, which delivers a premium travel booking experience. With features like real-time flight monitoring, easy booking and customized discounts, these applications serve travelers from all over the world. These are the top 10 alternatives that offer complete travel options along with ease and innovation:

 

 

Top 10 Etihad Airways App Alternatives	Supported Devices	Downloads	Ratings
Lufthansa	Android|iOS	10M+	4.9
Cheapflights	Android|iOS	10M+	4.6
Wego	Android|iOS	10M+	4.4
Pegasus	Android|iOS	10M+	4.3
Qatar Airways	Android|iOS	10M+	4.2
Emirates	Android|iOS	5M+	4.8
Saudia	Android|iOS	1M+	4.7
AJet	Android|iOS	1M+	4.6
Ethiopian Airlines	Android|iOS	1M+	4.1
Air Arabia	Android|iOS	1M+	3.8

What is the Cost to Build a Travel Booking App Like Etihad Airways?

A number of business and technological factors affect the cost to build a travel booking app like Etihad Airways. Every factor like the team’s location and complexity of features affects the ultimate budget. Businesses can maximize development investment and plan more efficiently:

 

 

1. Location Impact

Regional differences in developer rates are notable, for example, North America and Europe are more expensive than Asia or Eastern Europe. The cost to develop an app like Etihad Airways in expensive countries like the USA is more than in India.

 

Location Impact	Estimated Cost
USA	$25000-$30000
Australia	$20000-$25000
India	$5000-$12000
UK	$15000-$20000
UAE	$8000-$15000
Brazil	$12000-$16000

2. App Complexity

Advanced apps with loyalty programs, dynamic pricing, and multi-city search cost more than simple apps with basic booking functions. The cost to develop a travel app is increased by design, integration, and backend logic complexity. Additionally, a feature-rich app like Etihad’s is more expensive.

 

App Complexity	Development Time	Estimated Cost
Simple	2-5 months	$5000-$10000
Moderate	5-8 months	$10000-$15000
Complex	8-12 months	$15000-$20000
Premium	More than 12 months	$20000-$25000

3. Technical Cost

The cost to develop a travel booking app like Etihad Airways with cloud services, database administration, and security tools is high. Licensing fees may be necessary for premium services or advanced tech stacks. The budget is additionally increased by ongoing expenses for hosting.

 

Technical Cost	Estimated Cost
Artificial Intelligence	$10,000-$15,000
Blockchain	$15,000-$20,000
Cloud Computing	$20,000-$25,000
IoT Integration	$25,000-$30,000

4. Experience Level

Skilled developers or elite development firms offer a high cost to develop a mobile app due to their experience. Although it costs more up front, senior professionals can shorten development times and increase quality. ROI depends on selecting the ideal balance between affordability and experience.

 

Experience Level	Cost Estimation
Junior/Entry-Level	$8000-$12000
Mid-Level/Experienced	$12000-$16000
Senior/Expert	$16000-$20000
Professional	$20000-$24000

5. Platform Selection

It is less expensive to build for one platform than to develop for two. Cross-platform frameworks can save money, but native apps provide a high Etihad Airways app development cost. The decision is based on the intended user experience and target audience.

 

Platform Choice	Estimated Cost
Native App	$10,000-$15,000
Flutter App	$15,000-$18,000
Hybrid App	$18,000-$20,000

How to Monetize Online Flight Reservation Applications?

Applications for online flight reservations can make a substantial profit using a variety of monetization techniques. These methods improve platform value and user experience in addition to increasing profit:

 

 

• Commission on Bookings

Every successful flight reservation booked through an app like Saudia generates a commission for the app. Usually, airlines or ticket aggregators pay this proportion of the ticket price. It grows with the number of users and is a major source of income.

 

• Featured Listings

To have their flights featured in search results, airlines or travel partners must pay. Bookings for premium listings are increased and the cost to build an app like Etihad Airways is reduced. It’s a fantastic method to offer partners marketing value while making money off of platform traffic.

 

• Advertisement Model

The app may feature sponsored content or banner adverts from third-party brands. Clicks, impressions, and affiliate conversions generate revenue. Common advertising with iOS app development services includes travel agencies, hotels, and travel insurance.

 

• Subscription Plans

Regular passengers can sign up for premium perks like seat preference, early access to sales, or ad-free travel. This model promotes customer loyalty and lowers the cost to create a travel booking app like Etihad Airways. Depending on user requirements and travel frequency, tiers may be provided.

 

• Affiliate Marketing

The app advertises third-party services, such as lodging, rental cars, and vacation supplies. Referral commissions are earned when customers use affiliate links to make purchases. To increase revenue without providing such services, you can hire travel app developers in UAE.

 

• Dynamic Pricing Engine

Depending on user activity, demand, or the time of year, the app employs algorithms to modify service fees. For premium services, higher margins may be applied by reducing the cost to develop an app like Etihad Airways. While remaining competitive, this astute pricing strategy optimizes revenue.

 

 

In a Nutshell!!

Now, we have arrived at the conclusion stage where you can easily decide to create an app like Etihad Airways with a minimum budget. There are certain things that businesses need to follow before investing money in the development process:

 

• Examine various business models to make a travel booking app like Etihad Airways.
• Target affordable solutions for travel mobile app development in UAE.
• Always try to reduce the cost to build a travel booking app like Etihad Airways.
• Use Etihad Airways app development services in UAE that are reasonable.

 

By following these points, you can become a leader in the travel industry capturing the UAE market. Additionally, you can also generate huge profit through increasing user engagement.

 

FAQs

1. Which Travel Booking Apps are Popular in the UAE?

In the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Cleartrip, Musafir, and Skyscanner are among the most widely used travel booking applications. With region-specific deals, these applications allow users to purchase flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

 

2. How Long Does it Take to Build a Travel Booking App Like Etihad Airways?

Depending on complexity, it takes between 5 to 9 months to develop an app like Etihad Airways. Planning, UI/UX design, programming, API integrations, testing, and deployment are all included in the schedule. The time could be increased with personalized features like boarding.

 

3. What is the Maintenance Cost of Apps Like Etihad Airways?

Depending on features and usage, the average monthly maintenance cost falls between $1,000 and $6,000. It includes bug patches, security upgrades, server hosting, API maintenance, and customer service. Maintenance costs are also influenced by performance monitoring and ongoing updates.

 

4. How Flight Booking Apps Ensure User Data Security?

• End-to-End Encryption: Sensitive data like payment details and personal information.
• Secure Authentication: Apps implement MFA, biometric logins, and token-based sessions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Flight booking must ensure data protection laws.

5. How Much Does it Cost to Hire Flight Booking App Developers?

Depending on their location and level of experience, hiring developers can cost anything from $10 to $80 per hour. QA testers, UI/UX designers, and frontend/backend developers can make up a full team. The cost of hiring a committed team to design an entire app might range from $8,000 to $30,000+.