NDC (New Distribution Capability) is an XML-based data transmission standard developed by IATA in 2012 to modernize airline content distribution by enabling airlines to sell fares, ancillaries, and personalized offers directly through travel agents and booking platforms.
NDC replaces the older EDIFACT-based messaging standard used by Global Distribution Systems (GDS), addressing the industry's distribution limitations and providing access to rich, full air content with a transparent shopping experience.
NDC enables corporate travel management companies that have technology to aggregate content to transform the way air products are retailed to business travelers.
How NDC works
An airline publishes offers via an NDC-certified API
A travel management company or OTA connects to the API
The traveler receives real-time, personalized fare and ancillary options
The booking is confirmed directly with the airline
Key benefits of NDC
Access to full airline content and fares
Personalized pricing based on traveler profiles
Ancillary upselling options (seat upgrades, baggage, meals)
Reduced reliance on GDS intermediaries
Improved transparency for corporate travelers
NDC vs. GDS
Who uses NDC?
Airlines – distribute content and offers directly
Travel management companies (TMCs) – access richer content for corporate clients
Online travel agencies (OTAs) – offer more competitive fares and options
Corporate travel buyers – gain better visibility into pricing and ancillaries
NDC-certified technology aggregators – connect multiple airline APIs in one platform
The current widely adopted standard is IATA NDC schema version 21.3.
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