Flight Booking App Development is mobile app development that includes developing an app that lets you find, book, and manage your flights from your smartphone. You can also access other travel-related services such as car rentals, hotel reservations, and airport transfers. It’s a convenient way to plan your trip and save time and money. But before you get one developed for your business, you might be curious about the cost and time of developing a flight booking app. Let us explore and answer each of these questions in detail in this blog post, we will explain how to estimate the cost and time effectively.
In today’s fast-paced world, travel has become more accessible than ever before. With the increasing number of people using smartphones, flight-booking apps have gained immense popularity. A flight booking app not only provides a convenient way to book flights but also offers features like real-time flight tracking, price comparisons, and seamless payment options. If you are considering developing a flight booking app, it is crucial to estimate its cost and time effectively
Why should you consider developing a Flight Booking App?
Flight Booking App Development is a booming industry that offers convenience and efficiency to travelers. With a travel booking app, users can book their flights, hotels, and other travel-related services in a matter of seconds. They can also compare prices, check reviews, and access exclusive deals. According to some recent statistics, the online travel booking market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Here are some facts to consider:
- Online sales will generate 73% of revenue in the travel & tourism sector by 2026.
- Booking.com was the most globally visited travel and tourism website in June 2023, when it received 614 million visits.
- online travel booking had a $432 billion market size, and this is estimated to hit $833 billion in 2025.
- Around 66.66% of travelers book their tours and travel through smartphones.
Essential Features of Flight Booking App.
Flight Booking App should consist of several essential features and functionalities that make a flight booking app user-friendly and efficient. They enable users to search, compare, book, and manage their flights from their smartphones. Some of the common elements of a flight booking app are:
- Search for Flights: This allows users to enter their desired destination, departure and return dates, number of passengers, and preferred class. The app then displays a list of available flights from different airlines, along with their prices, duration, stops, and other details. Users can filter and sort the results according to their preferences and budget.
- Flight Reservation System: This enables users to select and book their flights from the app. It also generates a passenger name record (PNR) or booking file that contains information about the traveler and their itinerary. The app also sends a confirmation email and an e-ticket to the user after the booking is completed.
- Online Payment System: This allows users to pay for their flights securely and conveniently from the app. It integrates with various payment gateways and methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, net banking, wallets, etc. The app also provides options for cancellation and refund policies, as well as loyalty programs and discounts.
- Flight Status Tracker: This element helps users to track their flight status in real-time from the app. It provides information such as departure and arrival times, gate numbers, baggage claim areas, delays, cancellations, etc. Users can also receive notifications and alerts about any changes or updates in their flight status.
- Travel Services: Offers users access to other travel-related services from the app, such as car rentals, hotel reservations, airport transfers, etc. Users can also browse and book these services from the app at competitive prices and with attractive deals
What are the Business Models for Flight Booking Mobile Apps?
A business model of a flight booking mobile app is a way of describing how the app creates, delivers, and captures value for its users and stakeholders. There are different types of business models for flight booking mobile apps, but the most common ones are:
- Dedicated model: This is a model where the app is owned and operated by a specific airline company, such as IndiGo, Delta, or Emirates. The app allows users to book flights, check-in, manage reservations, and access other services offered by the airline. The app also provides loyalty programs, discounts, and special offers to attract and retain customers. The main advantage of this model is that it creates a strong brand identity and customer loyalty for the airline. The main disadvantage is that it limits the choice and flexibility of the users, who can only book flights from one airline.
- Aggregator model: This is a model where the app is not affiliated with any specific airline company, but rather aggregates and compares flight information from various sources, such as online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDSs), or direct connections with airlines. The app allows users to search for the best deals, book flights, and access other travel-related services from multiple providers. The app also provides reviews, ratings, and recommendations to help users make informed decisions. The main advantage of this model is that it offers a wide range of options and convenience to the users, who can book flights from different airlines and providers. The main disadvantage is that it faces high competition and low customer loyalty in the market.
Some examples of flight booking mobile apps based on these models are:
- Skyscanner: This is an aggregator app that allows users to find and compare cheap flights, hotels, and car rentals from over 1,200 travel partners worldwide.
- Kiwi.com: This is an aggregator app that allows users to find and book flights from over 800 airlines and travel providers worldwide. It also offers a unique feature called “virtual interlining”, which combines flights from different airlines that are not normally cooperating into one itinerary.
- IndiGo: This is a dedicated app that allows users to book flights, check in, manage reservations, and access other services offered by IndiGo, India’s largest passenger airline. It also offers 6E Rewards, a loyalty program that rewards users with cashback and discounts.
Flight booking apps in India
Flight booking apps in India are very popular and convenient for travellers who want to find and book cheap flights, hotels, and other travel-related services. There are many flight booking apps in India that offer different features and benefits to users. Some of the best flight booking apps in India are:
- MakeMyTrip: This is an all-in-one app that allows you to book flights, hotels, buses, trains, cabs, and holiday packages. You can also compare prices, check reviews, and access exclusive deals and discounts. MakeMyTrip is one of the most popular and trusted travel apps in India1.
- EaseMyTrip: This is an app that helps you save on flights by offering zero convenience fees, free cancellation, and the lowest airfares. You can also book hotels, buses, cabs, and holiday packages from the app. EaseMyTrip is one of the fastest-growing travel apps in India
- Goibibo: This is an app that allows you to book flights, hotels, trains, buses, cabs, and car rentals. You can also get instant refunds, reschedule options, and travel insurance from the app. Goibibo is one of the most user-friendly and reliable travel apps in India
If you are also looking for getting an app developed like these, we can help you out. Contact us today and get a free quote and consultation for your flight booking app development project.
Flight Booking App Development Cost
One of the most common questions that people ask when they want to develop a flight booking app is: how much does it cost? The answer is not simple, as there are many factors that can affect the cost of developing a flight booking app.
Factors Affecting Flight Booking App Development Cost

App development costs can vary depending on many factors, such as:
- The type of app: There are two main types of flight booking apps: dedicated and aggregator. A dedicated app is owned and operated by a specific airline company, such as IndiGo, Delta, or Emirates. An aggregator app is not affiliated with any specific airline company, but rather aggregates and compares flight information from various sources, such as online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDSs), or direct connections with airlines. A dedicated app may have lower development costs, as it only needs to integrate with one airline’s system and data. An aggregator app may have higher development costs, as it needs to integrate with multiple sources and ensure data accuracy and consistency.
- The features and functionalities: The more features and functionalities a flight booking app has, the more complex and expensive it will be to develop. Some of the common features and functionalities of a flight booking app are: search for flights, flight reservation system, online payment system, flight status tracker, travel services, user profile and preferences, push notifications, reviews and ratings, loyalty programs and discounts, etc. Each feature and functionality may require different technologies, tools, and resources to implement.
- The design and user interface: The design and user interface of a flight booking app can also influence its development cost. A good design and user interface can enhance the user experience and satisfaction, as well as the app’s performance and usability. A bad design and user interface can lead to user frustration and dissatisfaction, as well as the app’s inefficiency and errors. A good design and user interface may require more time and effort to create, as well as more testing and feedback to improve.
- The platform and devices: The platform and devices that a flight booking app supports can also affect its development cost. A platform is an operating system that runs on a device, such as iOS or Android. A device is the hardware that runs the platform, such as iPhone or Samsung. A flight booking app may need to be compatible with different platforms and devices, depending on the target audience and market. A cross-platform app is an app that can run on multiple platforms with minimal changes in code. A native app is an app that is developed specifically for one platform using its native language and tools. A cross-platform app may have lower development costs, as it only needs one code base to run on multiple platforms. A native app may have higher development costs, as it needs separate code bases for each platform.
Based on these factors, the cost of developing a flight booking app can vary significantly. The average cost of developing a flight booking app ranges from $40,000 to $200,000. However, this is only an estimate based on some assumptions and averages. The actual cost of developing a flight booking app may differ depending on the specific requirements and specifications of each project.
The time required to develop a flight booking app also depends on the same factors that affect the cost. The more complex and feature-rich the app is, the more time it will take to develop. The more platforms and devices the app supports, the more time it will take to test and optimize. The more design and user interface elements the app has, the more time it will take to create and refine. The average time required to develop a flight booking app ranges from 3 months to 12 months. However, this is also only an estimate based on some assumptions and averages. The actual time required to develop a flight booking app may differ depending on the specific requirements and specifications of each project.
If you are interested in developing a flight booking app for your travel business or idea, you may want to consult with a professional app development company that can provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost and time required for your project. They can also help you with choosing the best type of app, features and functionalities, design and user interface, platform and devices for your project. Colour Moon Technologies can also provide you with quality assurance, maintenance, support, and updates for your app after its launch.
The below table shows a rough estimate but the app type, cost range, and time of completion for different flight booking apps:
App Type | Cost Range | Time of Completion |
---|---|---|
Dedicated | $40,000 – $80,000 | 3 – 6 months |
Aggregator | $80,000 – $200,000 | 6 – 12 months |
How to Build a Flight Booking App on a Budget in 2023

Flight booking apps are becoming more popular among travellers who want to save time and money on their trips. These apps allow users to compare prices, book flights, manage reservations, and access other travel-related services from their smartphones. But how can you build a flight booking app on a budget in 2023? Here are some tips and steps to follow:
- Choose the type of app: There are two main types of flight booking apps: dedicated and aggregator. A dedicated app is owned and operated by a specific airline company, such as IndiGo, Delta, or Emirates. An aggregator app is not affiliated with any specific airline company, but rather aggregates and compares flight information from various sources, such as online travel agencies (OTAs), global distribution systems (GDSs), or direct connections with airlines. A dedicated app may have lower development costs, as it only needs to integrate with one airline’s system and data. An aggregator app may have higher development costs, as it needs to integrate with multiple sources and ensure data accuracy and consistency. This has already been discussed above.
- Define the features and functionalities: The more features and functionalities a flight booking app has, the more complex and expensive it will develop. Some of the standard features and functionalities of a flight booking app are: search for flights, flight reservation system, online payment system, flight status tracker, travel services, user profile, and preferences, push notifications, reviews and ratings, loyalty programs, and discounts, etc. Each feature and functionality may require different technologies, tools, and resources. To build a flight booking app on a budget, you should prioritize the essential features and functionalities that meet your user’s needs and expectations, and avoid adding unnecessary or redundant features that increase the development cost and time.
- Select the platform and devices: The platform and devices that a flight booking app supports can also affect its development cost. A platform is an operating system that runs on a device, such as iOS or Android. A device is the hardware that runs the platform, such as iPhone or Samsung. A flight booking app may need to be compatible with different platforms and devices, depending on the target audience and market. A cross-platform app is an app that can run on multiple platforms with minimal changes in code. A native app is an app that is developed specifically for one platform using its native language and tools. A cross-platform app may have lower development costs, as it only needs one code base to run on multiple platforms. A native app may have higher development costs, as it needs separate code bases for each platform.
- Hire a leading app development company: Developing a flight booking app on your own can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you lack the skills and experience in app development. Hiring a professional app development company can help you save time and money, as they have the expertise and resources to create a high-quality and user-friendly app for your travel business. They can also help you with choosing the best type of app, features and functionalities, design and user interface, platform, and devices for your project. They can also provide you with quality assurance, maintenance, support, and updates for your app after its launch.
One of the best app development companies that can help you build a flight booking app on a budget in 2023 is Colour Moon Technologies. It is a leading app development company that offers services like mobile application development, web design and development, game development, graphics designing, and digital marketing. Colour Moon will be a perfect fit for your flight booking app development project.
Conclusion

In conclusion, flight booking app development is a booming industry that offers convenience and efficiency to travelers. With a flight booking app, users can compare prices, book flights, manage reservations, and access other travel-related services from their smartphones. However, developing a flight booking app can be challenging and costly, as it requires various factors and considerations, such as the type of app, the features and functionalities, the design and user interface, the platform and devices, the location and structure of the development team, and the maintenance and marketing costs. Therefore, it is advisable to hire a professional app development company that can help you with your flight booking app development project. They can provide you with the best solutions and services for your travel business at affordable prices and within your budget.
If you are interested in developing a flight booking app for your travel business or idea, you can contact us today and get a free quote and consultation for your flight booking app project. We have a team of experienced and skilled developers who can create a customized and user-friendly app for your travel business. Whether you want a dedicated or an aggregator model, we can deliver it to you with high quality and efficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your travel business to the next level with a flight booking app. Contact us today and get a free quote for your flight booking app project.
FAQs
How does it cost to develop a flight booking app
The cost of developing a flight booking app depends on various factors, such as the type of app, the features and functionalities, the design and user interface, the platform and devices, the location and structure of the development team, and the maintenance and marketing costs.
Which is the best flight booking app development company
There are many flight booking app development companies in the market, but not all of them can provide the same quality and service. Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a flight booking app development company are:
The experience and expertise of the developers
The portfolio and reviews of the previous projects
The cost and time estimates of the project
The communication and collaboration skills of the team
The quality assurance, maintenance, support, and updates of the app
One of the best flight booking app development companies that can meet these criteria is Colour Moon Technologies
How much time does it takes to develop a flight booking app
The time required to develop a flight booking app depends on various factors, such as the type of app, the features and functionalities, the design and user interface, the platform and devices, the location and structure of the development team, and the complexity and scope of the project. The average time required to develop a flight booking app ranges from 3 months to 12 months.