Cost to Develop a Flight Booking App in 2025: Complete Breakdown

Booking a flight is no longer about waiting in long queues or calling a travel agent. Today, travelers expect everything at their fingertips—whether it’s comparing airfares, booking tickets, or receiving real-time flight updates. This shift has pushed businesses to invest in flight booking apps, which not only enhance customer experience but also open up new revenue streams.

But if you’re planning to launch one, the first big question you’ll have is: What is the cost to develop a flight booking app in 2025?

The answer isn’t a simple number. It depends on features, integrations, design complexity, and the technology stack. Let’s break it down step by step.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Flight Booking App

Several elements influence the overall cost to develop a flight booking app. Understanding these factors helps you set realistic expectations:

• App Complexity & Features – A basic app with simple booking vs. an advanced one with AI recommendations makes a huge difference in cost.
  
• Design & User Experience (UI/UX) – Clean, modern interfaces improve user retention but require skilled design efforts.
  
• API Integration – Flight booking relies heavily on GDS APIs (Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, Travelport), which directly impact pricing.
  
• Platform Choice – Building for Android, iOS, or cross-platform frameworks changes the budget.
  
• Backend & Security – Robust databases and secure payment gateways add to the development cost.
• Development Team Location – Hiring developers in India is more cost-effective than the US or Europe.

Cost Breakdown of a Flight Booking App in 2025

While costs vary, here’s a general breakdown:

The actual cost to develop a flight booking app depends on customization, API integrations, and whether you choose custom development or a white-label travel portal.

Must-Have Features of a Flight Booking App

User Panel Features

• Flight search & filters
  
• Seat selection & booking
  
• e-Tickets & boarding passes
  
• Payment integration
  
• Push notifications
  
  

Admin Panel Features

• Booking management
  
• Partner & agent management
  
• Commission setup
  
• Analytics dashboard
  
• Customer support tools
  
  

Advanced Features

• Wallet & loyalty programs
  
• Multi-currency support
  
• Multi-language options
  
• AI-based flight suggestions
  
  

API Integration in Flight Booking Apps

Without APIs, a flight booking app is incomplete. Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, and Travelport provide access to flight data, pricing, and seat availability in real time.

However, integrating these APIs adds to the cost to develop a flight booking app, as it requires licensing and skilled developers. Still, it’s worth the investment since it ensures accurate and seamless bookings.

White-Label Travel Portal Solutions

If you’re looking to launch quickly at a lower cost, a white-label travel portal is a great option.

Benefits of White-Label Portals:

• Faster time-to-market
  
• Pre-built features with customization options
  
• Lower initial investment
  
• Scalable and flexible
  

Compared to full custom development, a white-label solution reduces the cost significantly while still offering branding opportunities.

How to Choose the Right Development Partner

Choosing the right company to build your app is as important as the budget itself. Look for:

• Experience in travel industry solutions
  
• Transparent pricing models
  
• Post-launch maintenance & support
  
• Proven portfolio of travel/fintech apps
  
  

At Codegenie, we specialize in developing custom and white-label travel apps, ensuring that you get a solution tailored to your business needs.

Conclusion

The cost to develop a flight booking app in 2025 can range anywhere from ₹3 Lakhs to ₹10 Lakhs+, depending on the features, complexity, and integrations you choose. If you need faster deployment at a lower budget, a white-label travel portal is the right choice. But if you want complete control, scalability, and unique features, custom app development is worth the investment. Ready to launch your flight booking app? Get in touch with Codegenie today and let’s build a travel solution that takes your business to new heights.