Travellers increasingly turning to independent flight data during disruption, AirHelp says
Growing demand for real-time updates reflects changing passenger expectations as delays continue to disrupt journeys worldwide
Travellers are increasingly relying on independent sources of flight information rather than airline communications when disruption occurs, according to new data from air passenger rights company AirHelp.
The company said its flight tracking app had surpassed one million users within 12 months of launch, amid growing demand for real-time updates on delays, cancellations, and flight status.
The milestone comes against a backdrop of continued disruption across global aviation networks. AirHelp estimated that passengers collectively lost almost seven million hours to flight delays during 2025, prompting many travellers to seek alternative sources of information when journeys do not go to plan.
According to the data, users conducted more than five million searches for flights, airlines, and airports over the past year. Nearly half (46%) of those searches related to someone else’s journey, suggesting that passengers are increasingly using independent platforms to monitor the travel plans of family members, friends, and colleagues.
The trend reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations around transparency and real-time information. Travellers are becoming more proactive in managing disruption and are increasingly seeking information from sources outside traditional airline channels.
Access to independent flight data can help travellers document delays, monitor developing disruptions, and better understand their rights to compensation or alternative travel arrangements.
In Europe, Ryanair was the most frequently tracked airline, while Madrid ranked as the most searched destination airport. In the UK, Heathrow, Manchester, and Gatwick generated the highest levels of tracking activity, with routes to Dubai among the most closely monitored international services.
The growing use of independent flight tracking tools also highlights the increasing overlap between travel technology, passenger rights, and insurance services. As travellers become more familiar with real-time disruption data, expectations around communication, claims handling, and access to assistance are likely to continue evolving.
AirHelp Chief Executive Tomasz Pawliszyn said the growth reflected a demand for what he described as “information parity” during disruption events.
“When a disruption happens, travellers want immediate visibility,” he noted. “They are using independent data to track flights in real time, protect their schedules, and claim compensation when applicable.”