Online travel agency Kiwi.com has launched a new system that allows AI-powered airline direct booking, a trend rapidly emerging as a significant industry disruptor.
The Czech company, in partnership with technology firm AIpic, is the first in the industry to release a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, which acts as a direct interface between its flight inventory and major AI platforms.
Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that creates a unified way for large language models (LLMs) to interact with external services, tools, and data. The protocol has been described as the “USB-C for AI” because it provides a standardized communication method, much like how a USB-C cable connects various devices.
By using MCP, LLMs can move beyond their pre-trained data to access and use real-time information and services. This enables them to not only provide answers but also to perform actions on a user’s behalf, such as booking a flight or making a reservation.
Kiwi.com says the initiative will allow it to capture a new wave of demand as consumers increasingly use AI chatbots from companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft to plan and book travel.
These AI agents, or “agentic AI platforms,” are expected to become a primary way for consumers to interact with online services.
“MCP is becoming the go-to interface for AI agents to discover and use services such as searching and booking travel,” said Mario Gavira, Vice President of Growth at Kiwi.com. “By implementing an MCP Server, we are future-proofing our business for this agentic AI disruption, allowing AI agents searching for flights to find the best options in a frictionless and secure way.”
The new server allows users of MCP-enabled AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT Pro, Claude, and Cursor, to use natural language to find flights.
For example, a user could simply chat with an AI agent to request a round-trip flight from London to Dublin for a weekend in November for two adults, specifying a preference for a low-fare airline or a specific cabin class. The AI agent would then use the MCP server to access Kiwi.com’s flight data and present a curated list of options.
The search results would include a list of flights in the user’s local currency and time zone, along with details on passengers, dates, and cabin class. A booking link is generated instantly, making it easy to go from planning to purchase in seconds.
This integration provides a new distribution channel for Kiwi.com and the company says it could serve as a model for other online travel agencies looking to adapt to the changing landscape of consumer search behaviour.
PHOTO: Kiwi.com
