Second Layoff Since 2024: Kiwi Cuts 250 Jobs To Stabilize Finances

Kiwi.com, the Czech online travel agency known for its unconventional flight search approach, told employees on Thursday, January 29, 2026, that the company is launching a major round of layoffs. Roughly 250 roles are being eliminated, with the impact spread across several markets and departments.

The message was first delivered internally by CEO Oliver Dlouhý and later made public through his LinkedIn communication, where he outlined why the company believes these steps are necessary.

Dlouhý said: “Our goal is to continue offering the lowest fares while giving customers peace of mind with every flight they book. Delivering both, at scale and over time, requires clear priorities, fast execution, and a structure designed to support the next phase of Kiwi.com. That means operating with a smaller team, optimized for speed and autonomy, and being very deliberate about where we invest our time and resources.”

Financial pressure continues years after the pandemic

The decision comes as Kiwi continues to deal with long-term financial strain that did not begin recently. The company has recorded losses for multiple consecutive years, with cumulative deficits dating back to the period when COVID-19 disrupted global travel.

This latest downsizing follows another significant workforce reduction in 2024, showing that cost control and restructuring remain ongoing priorities.

From rapid innovation to profitability challenges

Kiwi.com is widely seen as one of the most innovative players in online travel. In August 2025, the company released a Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server as “the go-to interface for AI agents to discover and use services such as searching and booking travel.”

Moreover, its search technology offers virtual interlining, allowing travelers to combine flights from non-partnered airlines, often producing cheaper or more flexible itineraries than traditional booking channels.

That capability helped the company expand quickly and build a strong brand among price-sensitive travelers. However, technological differentiation did not ultimately guarantee financial stability. While the company did experience profitable periods, those were limited and inconsistent, and long-term profitability remained out of reach.

Broader restructuring in travel tech

Kiwi’s announcement comes only days after Expedia Group confirmed another wave of job cuts. Expedia described its actions as part of a broader reassessment of what expertise it will require in the future, especially as technology, automation, and data capabilities become more central to travel businesses.

The company also stated that it aims to reduce management layers and streamline internal structures to enable quicker decisions.

Photo by Aron Yigin on Unsplash