Flight Delay Insurance Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Active Claims, Passive Claims), By Application (Business Travel, Family Trip, Free Travel), and Regional Forecast to 2032

Last Updated: 10 January 2025

 FLIGHT DELAY INSURANCE MARKET OVERVIEW

The global flight delay insurance market size was USD 0.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 1.27 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.6 % during the forecast period.

Flight delay insurance has grown to be a most important sub-top sector of the travel insurance market as air travel has become more relied upon and as the variability of delay causes has become more pronounced due to weather or operational concerns, or global situations. Offering monetary reimbursement and support to those passengers who experience flight delays, this market helps control disturbances to travelers’ schedules. As many expatriates prefer applying safe and comfortable solutions, which involve no problems with flights, the interest in the multipurpose flight delay insurance has surged. The market is made up of formal customers such as business travelers, families and other holiday makers. The intensified utilization of new digital platforms and novel automated claim handling methods has improved the level of customer satisfaction and had a positive effect in diminishing the administration and expediting claim payments. Flight delay insurance products in the process of post-aviation sector reopening for the constantly changing demands of customers worldwide. Moreover, the collaborations between insurance service providers and airline companies, and the use of technology in claims processing as well as of predictive analysis and real-time, flight delays’ monitoring are disrupting the competitive dynamics of the industry.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Flight Delay Insurance Market Had a Negative Effect Due to Supply Chain Disruption During COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The flight delay insurance market share damaged by COVID-19 as a result of the quarantine, restrictions, and people’s fear to fly all around the world. The drastic decrease in passengers affected the market as a number of people that needed insurance due to flight delays reduced drastically. Thus, instead of mere delay, the tendencies of cancellations of flights left the airlines in operational risk area diminishing the demand in insurance products related to delays. Also, it was acknowledged that the financial pressure on many insurance providers increased due to an increased number of claims on canceled trips, refund, and other disruptions. Customers also developed doubt on matters concerning pandemic related delays The pandemic therefore created mistrust between insurer and policyholder. When the aviation industry started suffering the effects of the pandemic including restrictions such as fewer flights and mandatory health safety measures, insurance products for travel began to offer more emphasis to health travel, and covid-19 related policies over the flight delay insurance products. But with a relative improvement in the air traveling coupled with international flying, the market has started to recover albeit, it has modified its products to suit the new paradigm shift in travelers’ risks.

LATEST TREND

"Digital Integration and Real-Time Claim Settlements Drives Market Growth"

One of the main changes in the flight delay insurance market is the utilization of sophisticated smart technologies for immediate claims payments. Today, insurers are using big data analytics to handle claims in an efficient manner, using artificial intelligence, and by making use of mobile apps also the process has become relatively easier for the customers. It is being used to predict possible cases of flight delays to allow insurers notify the clients and provide remunerations automatically. In addition, ‘parametric’ models of insurance, in which payout is made automatically once the delay parameters have been crossed, have emerged as the main driver for the market. Passengers no longer have to complete a lengthy claim form since compensation for delay is paid as soon as the validity is confirmed. There is also ease in handling of policies, claim following and instant customer service support through mobile applications. This digital shift goes hand in hand with facilitating the client experience as well as cutting expensed for insurance companies. Other supporting features for enhancing the effectiveness of these systems include the cooperation of insurance companies with airlines sharing the latter’s flight information in real time. Such technologies can also help insurers to be better prepared to meet the increasing customer demand for timely claims resolution to attract a greater share of this increasing market.

FLIGHT DELAY INSURANCE MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the global market can be categorized into Active Claims, Passive Claims

•  Active Claims: Air passengers independently submit claims for compensation for flight delay and, as such, offer proofs of the delay, including confirmations and tickets.
•   Passive Claims: They are filed and acted upon depending on conditions such as the delay time of a flight where the traveler does not even bother to fill forms.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized Business Travel, Family Trip, Free Travel

•  Business Travel: Crated particularly for business and corporate travelers who often have their trips disrupted with certain time lines or meetings.
•  Family Trip: Intended for family trips, other expenses that arise from the delay such as accommodation or meals which are not covered by the basic family trip plan.
•  Free Travel: Provides custom for business or, leisure, or any other unexpected trips to eliminate the pressure caused by unpredictable incidents such as delays.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions. 

Driving Factors

"Increasing Air Traffic Volume Boost the Market"

flight delay insurance market growth have been on the rise due to increase in air traffic around the world hence remain a major driver to this market. Due to the growth of tourism services, business internationalization, and improved levels of disposable income, flying is more frequent, which increases the chances that flights will be delayed by factors such as weather conditions or mechanical and operational problems. A rise in the number of travelers claiming for expenses that fell under contingent and additional expenses for delayed such as accommodation and meals, lost connections. Third, as innovations of airline schedules increase and the concentration of airports expands, factors of delay incidents intensify, and subsequently, increase the popularity of delay-specific insurance. Those who often have to travel for business need to get to their destination on time and, therefore, are the main target audience of insurance companies. Currently the international traffic is also increasing every year and the introduction of LCCs are also likely to increase the demand for flight delay insurance in the upcoming years.

"Advancements in Technology Expand the Market"

Technological changes have reformed the flight delay insurance industry more specifically through improved claims procedures and thus the consumer experience. In the previous decade, insurers employed real time AI and big data technology, analytics and automation to evaluate flight schedules, delay detection, and real time claim processing. They help to minimize human interaction and also effectively eliminate lengthy procedures and lengthy paperwork to enhance claim settlements, which helps to strengthen people’s confidence when travelling. Parameters and non-parameters insurance models in which payment is based on delay time, etc. are on the increase because they are transparent and efficient. In the same way, there are mobile apps and various digital platforms with the help of which customers can buy policies, orient in the issue of claims, and get support at any time. These technological advancements have convincingly engaged customers more and at the same time extended the market to the young technophiles traveler’s. In the future, the focus on technology-based insurance solutions will deliver additional increases in market growth to insurers that rely on that approach.

Restraining Factor

"Lack of Awareness Among Travelers Potentially Impede Market Growth"

However, flight delay insurance is still a relatively unknown product within the market, restricting the potential sales. This lack of awareness is so much more pronounced among the low-cost travel aficionados and or those in the developing world who may not see flight delay insurance as important. Moreover, some consumers underestimate the protection of their current travel insurance policies in terms of flight delays and do not use separate delay insurance as actively as it is intended. In dealing with this challenge, insurance companies should use promotional and awareness creation that will ensure that people understand the value of the policies and the fact that they can be afforded. Organizing cooperation with the airlines and the travel platforms will also allow offering and promoting the delay insurance as complementary products during the booking process even better.

Opportunity

"Integration with Digital Ecosystems Create Opportunity for The Product in The Market"

The combination of flight delay insurance with the digital environment is a large growth opportunity that can create new value streams for the industry. A cooperation with airlines, OTA and MPPs can enable an insurer to deliver real-time insurance products that are customized for the traveler during the booking process. Appropriate solutions can help accurate prediction of risks and develop optimal offers in insurance based on customer characteristics and AI algorithms. Further, incorporating insurance policies into travel applications and digital wallets provides users an option to easily buy insurance and avail instant monetary retrievals for the same which improves its utility. Besides enhancing one’s access to the market it also pushes for mobile-first solutions especially with the millennials and Gen Z travelers.

Challenge

"Managing Claims Fraud Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers"

By far, the biggest problem in the flight delay insurance market is how to handle cases of fraud. False information like forged documents, or even extended periods of loss when compared to reality adversely impacts insurers, and premiums. As the number of claims processed automatically increases, insurers can only ensure that they optimally fit the claims processing automation while at the same time having stringent measures in place to detecting fraud. To avoid or minimize the effects of fraud risks, firms can adopt more features such as; advanced analytics, blockchain, and comprehensive verification by artificial intelligence. However, the creation and sustenance of such technologies are capital intensive and a challenge to small insurers. More actions that could enhance the performance of the software are setting industry standards and partnerships with the airlines to authenticate flight delay.

FLIGHT DELAY INSURANCE MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• NORTH AMERICA

North America especially United States flight delay insurance market continues to be the largest market due to improved aviation facilities and increasing traffic conditions. The most significant countries contribute to the sector include the United States and Canada crossing borders for business and tourism purposes to access protection from possible delays. The region also enjoys high acceptance level of digital insurance solutions and the use of parametric insurance solutions that provide ease of claiming. Alliances with airlines strengthen market penetration still further, allowing users to purchase policies at the time of ticket purchases. Also, the shift in focus towards customer solutions with backing of AI and data analytics helps the market to expand in North America.

• EUROPE

Europe is another regional segment in flight delay insurance market, due to well-developed airline connection and continuously increasing tourism activity. The main contributing countries to the market include the United Kingdom, Germany, and countries in France with a high traffic flow of tourists who prefer to take comprehensive insurance. EU 261 law consumer protection regulation and airline companies delayed compensate the passengers in the European region adds up to the demand for flight delay insurance. Additionally, developing a new parametric insurance models, and work with digital claims have boosted customer experiences which in turn propels the market.

• ASIA

The Asian market is coming of age in flight delay insurance as the aviation industry expands, and consumers have higher discretionary incomes. They include the fleets operators serving populations with expanding middle classes and growing tourism in countries such as China, India and Japan. Use of online insurance services is increasing especially with the young generation of millennials and the generation of young travelers. Also, more and more passenger choose low cost airline, and the weather factors may affect the air transportation seriously, so the flight delay insurance is more preferential. Arrangements with local travel agents and airlines are also extending market development more.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion"

The global flight delay insurance market has intense competition from key players that are largely concentrating on new solutions, collaborations, and leveraging the digital ecosystem. Allianz Partners is well known company offering an extensive full range of travel insurance products, with emphasis on smooth and efficient claims management and customers’ satisfaction. AXA Assistance can also be named – this company offers individual approaches and has offices all over the world. Since then, Generali Global Assistance has been conquering more market space through the help of such attractive parametric insurance solutions with no fuss in receiving the payout in the case of delayed flights. Startup such as AirHelp has been at the forefront of leading a disruption in the industry through leveraging on technology to avail efficient interfaces for the organization’s travelers through the filing and completion of claims. Also, cooperation with the airlines by insurance companies like Zurich Insurance Group has come up with convenient flight delay insurance offers during payment of flight fares. These companies are expected to use higher technologies such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to increase their competitiveness besides responding to the increasing market demand for flight delay insurance around the world as the market advances.

LIST OF TOP FLIGHT DELAY INSURANCE MARKET COMPANIES    

• Ping An (China)
• ZhongAn Insurance (China)
• PICC (China)
• Avo Insurance (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

July 2023: Allianz Partners collaborated with a major European airline to integrate flight delay insurance into its ticketing process. This partnership aims to provide passengers with automatic coverage and seamless claims processing, enhancing customer convenience.

REPORT COVERAGE

The flight delay insurance market has become one of the most significant segments of the global travel insurance market due to the increasing demand for efficient service solutions regarding flight delay financial risks. The fact is that increased volumes of the world air traffic that combining with frequent occurrence of adverse weather conditions and other operational issues has in fact turned flight delay insurance into necessity for tourists and businessmen and businesswomen. Designed and current innovations such as the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in claims management and parametric insurance have brought innovation within the reach of customers and gained trust. North America and Europe are expected to remain most prominent in the market, due to well-developed aviation industry and digital insurance. At the same time, Asia is experiencing significant growth, as the income per capita grows and nations’ aviation industries develop in countries such as China and India. Several organizations including Allianz Partners, AXA Assistance, and Generali Global Assistance are constantly trying to decipher new approaches and properly align with right partners to sustain competition. However other factors like low awareness of travelers and fraud in claim also present challenges, it must therefore be address in order to achieve sustainable growth. Insurance product bundling within digital spaces as well as the implementation of fraud fighting mechanisms signal the potential for future growth in the market. With the opening of the world travelling after COVID-19, the flight delay insurance market has a great potential for growth and development to meet the new demands of passenger all over the world.