The article analyzes the financial performance of three flight search companies: Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, and Wego. Skyscanner generated approximately $660 million in revenue, up 24%, with a 32% operating margin. Kiwi.com's revenue fell 20% to $264 million, facing debt pressure. Wego doubled revenue to $63.5 million but with near-zero margins. These companies illustrate divergent outcomes in the Google- and AI-exposed travel sector.
This opinion piece by Skift founder Rafat Ali argues that Kayak remains the best travel search tool, despite parent Booking Holdings writing it down by $457 million in October 2025 and co-founder and CEO Steve Hafner stepping down in February 2026. The article contends that Kayak's struggles stem from rising Google-driven customer-acquisition costs and stalled revenue (around $500 million, down from ~$600 million pre-Covid), not a failing product. Meanwhile, competitors like Trivago and Skyscanner are growing but require higher ad spend. Booking is investing in a new AI travel brand, Lola, built by Kayak's founders, rather than leveraging Kayak's 21 years of brand recognition and user base.
Skyscanner is beta testing two AI tools: Explore with AI for personalized destination discovery using natural language, and a road trip planner that creates personalized driving itineraries. Early testing found 60% of users clicked through to view flight options. The company also expanded DROPS flight deal alerts, enhanced Flight Tracker, and rebranded its accommodations platform as Stays, increasing inventory from 3.5 million to over 5 million properties. CEO says AI aims to make travel planning and booking simpler and more intuitive.
Trivago has filed an antitrust suit against Google, alleging that Google systematically favors its own hotel metasearch over competitors, harming competition. The suit is based on EU antitrust provisions and German competition law, seeking full compensation. Trivago also reported Q1 2026 results: revenue increased 15% YoY to €142.9 million, but net loss was €7.3 million.
Kayak's new CEO Peer Bueller and CPO Matthias Keller discuss AI transformation. Kayak AI usage is still single-digit, but users are more likely to search without a destination. They emphasize that agentic booking is more likely in corporate travel, while leisure will take time.
Skyscanner has launched an app in ChatGPT, allowing travelers to search for flights using natural language, get live results, and compare options and prices. Users can also adjust dates or airports via message. The app is available in the UK and US for global flight options, with booking redirected to Skyscanner's website. This is part of a trend of travel brands launching apps in ChatGPT, following Expedia, Booking.com, Hyatt, and others.