It’s 2:00 a.m., and Sarah, a senior executive, is about to board a flight to Jakarta for crucial business meetings. As she walks through the terminal, her company’s AI-powered travel system suddenly sends an alert to her phone:
“Volcanic activity increasing. Flight paths likely to be affected in 36 hours. Alternative routes suggested. Click on the following options to rebook your travel.”
Just another day in modern corporate travel? Not quite. This is the new world of corporate duty of care, where AI is transforming how we protect traveling employees.
It’s Not Just About Getting There Anymore
Remember when duty of care meant having a list of emergency contacts and hoping for the best? Or, at most, a quick briefing about avoiding the wrong parts of town? Those days are over.
In today’s tech-driven world, AI allows us to monitor multiple risk factors that could impact travelers. Here are just a few:
Health and Medical Risks
Corporate travelers are often exposed to different environments, making them vulnerable to emerging health risks they may not even be aware of until they’re on the ground. When COVID-19 first emerged, AI risk management systems helped businesses track outbreaks and predict travel restrictions. Companies that relied on this data adjusted their travel policies in advance, preventing employees from getting stranded abroad and avoiding unnecessary health risks.
The Aire-DM system, tested by the UK’s health service, can predict chronic illnesses like diabetes years before they develop, according to The Guardian. While this technology currently focuses on medical diagnosis, its potential applications for corporate travel are significant. Imagine getting early warnings linked to local health trends—say, a measles or chickenpox outbreak near your destination. If you’ve never had these diseases, that’s information you’d want to know.
Political Changes
AI can help businesses stay ahead of flight cancellations, restricted movement, and potential safety risks due to political instability. By analyzing vast amounts of data—including social media trends, economic shifts, and news sentiment—AI can detect early signs of social unrest.
For example, research from AIP Publishing has shown that AI-powered monitoring of real-time discussions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook can predict demonstrations, strikes, or even violent protests. Similarly, the Kroc Institute has noted that AI is being used to identify manipulated political content—a major driver of misinformation and unrest. Businesses can use this intelligence to anticipate potential disruptions and adjust travel plans accordingly.
Transportation Safety
Gone are the days of wondering which local taxi service to trust. AI enhances transportation safety by leveraging employee feedback and recommending the most reliable options in cities where Uber and Lyft aren’t household names.
AI is also improving road safety through real-time traffic analysis. Cities like New York and London already use AI-driven traffic management systems to ease congestion, redirect vehicles away from high-risk areas, and reduce accidents.
ALTOUR’s very own AI Predict, part of the ALTOUR Intelligence suite, incorporates traffic data to provide travel disruption forecasts. It even offers travelers the option to speak with or chat with a travel advisor for further assistance.
The Human Factor Still Matters
Not all travelers are the same, and not everyone needs the same level of support.
In the future, AI will personalize travel safety recommendations. For example, Sarah from Sales might receive detailed safety briefings and local insights, while Mark from Account Management—who’s traveling to the same location—may only want updates on unusual risks.
The Recipe for a Strong Travel Alert System
Think of AI as your organization’s travel safety nervous system. Like any good nervous system, it needs:
Multiple Sensors (Data Sources)
- Monitoring social media, weather stations, and local news
- Government alerts and real-time transport updates
A Powerful Brain (Processing Power)
- Continuous analysis of incoming data
- Pattern recognition and risk assessment
Quick Reflexes (a Rapid Response System)
- Instant alerts when needed
- Automated safety recommendations
- Emergency response protocols
Just like your body’s nervous system never sleeps, your travel alerting system should be always on, always vigilant.
Our brains contain an incredible gland called the amygdala—an ancient, hardwired system that instantly assesses risk and triggers a fight-or-flight response. In the past, this meant running from wild animals or spotting invaders on the horizon. But in today’s complex travel landscape, risks are harder to detect. Think of AI as your organization’s 21st-century amygdala, helping you navigate threats before they become crises.
The Future Is Closer Than You Think
Research shows that AI-powered risk systems, when properly implemented with evidence-based approaches, can significantly improve traveler safety. If you’re considering developing your own AI-driven travel safety system, the key is to combine sophisticated data analysis with human oversight and clear organizational policies.
Start small with AI solutions, but think big—most companies begin with basic alert systems and expand from there.
The future of business travel safety isn’t just about reacting to problems—it’s about preventing them before they happen.
