Amadeus names nine travel startups to watch in 2026

Amadeus IT Group has unveiled its selection of nine promising travel startups poised for impact in 2026. The annual list, curated by Amadeus Ventures, highlights companies specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and data, aiming to deliver significant value to travelers or improve collaboration within the travel sector.

The selected startups offer a diverse range of solutions. These include flexible travel protection distribution via API, digital asset management for aerospace supply chains, and systems for managing split payments across multiple cards. Other featured companies focus on AI alignment for travel brands, cloud-based platforms for airline payouts, and AI-driven tools for managing flight disruptions and operational efficiency.

Suzanna Chiu, Head of Amadeus Ventures, emphasized the program's goal of connecting these startups with Amadeus's ecosystem to accelerate their growth. "We believe better travel starts when the industry is better connected," Chiu stated. She highlighted Amadeus's central position in the travel ecosystem, enabling the integration of data and technology to power next-generation travel experiences.

Collectively, these startups illustrate key trends shaping the future of travel: increased intelligence, efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity. AI is becoming increasingly embedded in industry systems and decision-making, and these emerging companies are addressing these shifts with innovative approaches to tackle complex industry challenges.