The Unique Scent Of Airports: A Journey Through Smells

Airports are known for their unique smells, which can range from the scent of jet fuel to bespoke fragrances designed to calm nerves and enhance the passenger experience. Some airports, such as Singapore's Changi Airport, even have signature scents with fresh floral notes of orchid, Damask rose, Asian spices, and essential oils. These fragrances are diffused into many areas of the sprawling terminals, creating a pleasant atmosphere for travellers. Other airports, such as California's San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, have also adopted the use of scent in their public spaces, hoping to put travellers in a better frame of mind and create positive memories of the place.

The smell of jet fuel

The unique aroma of jet fuel is often described as pungent, sharp, and slightly sweet. It's a complex blend of hydrocarbons, with a hint of kerosene, that creates a distinct odour. While some find the smell unpleasant, others associate it with the thrill of travel and the sense of freedom that comes with exploring new places. For frequent flyers, the smell of jet fuel may evoke memories of past adventures and the excitement of discovering new cultures.

The scent of jet fuel is not just limited to the airport grounds. It can also be noticed in the surrounding areas, carried by the wind, and even inside the aircraft cabin. The smell tends to be more noticeable during take-off and landing, as the engines are working harder, and the fuel is being burned at a higher rate. For some, the smell of jet fuel can be comforting, reminding them of the complex machinery and advanced technology that makes air travel possible.

However, the smell of jet fuel is not without its concerns. Some worry about the potential health risks associated with exposure to jet fuel emissions, including respiratory issues and other long-term health effects. While modern aircraft engines have become more efficient and produce fewer emissions, the impact of jet fuel on the environment and human health remains a topic of ongoing research and discussion.

Despite the potential health and environmental concerns, the smell of jet fuel continues to be a defining characteristic of airports and air travel. It's a scent that many travellers have come to associate with the excitement and adventure of exploring new places, creating lasting memories and triggering emotions, whether positive or negative, each time they step foot in an airport.

The scent of stale coffee

The source of this distinctive aroma is a combination of factors. Firstly, there's the coffee itself, brewed in large quantities to cater to the constant stream of travellers passing through. The rich, roasted beans release their aroma into the air, creating a comforting atmosphere for weary passengers.

Then there's the upholstery, the fabric of the seats and carpets absorbing the scent of coffee and other aromas that waft through the airport. The warm, slightly stuffy environment helps to intensify these smells, creating a unique blend of fragrances that is instantly recognisable as the scent of an airport.

But it's not just the coffee and upholstery that contribute to this distinctive aroma. The very air in an airport is a unique blend of scents, a mixture of jet fuel, cleaning products, and the faint aroma of food wafting from the airport restaurants. It's a complex fragrance, one that's hard to pinpoint but instantly recognisable to anyone who has spent time in an airport.

The aroma of cardamom buns in Stockholm

Cardamom buns are a popular treat in Stockholm, and there are several bakeries and cafes known for their delicious versions of this sweet pastry. One such place is Valhallabageriet AB, which has been praised by travellers for its "mind-blowing" cardamom buns. The bakery, located in the heart of Stockholm, is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its addictive cardamom buns and other sweet and savoury delights.

Another popular spot for cardamom buns in Stockholm is Fabrique, a chain with locations scattered throughout the city. Fabrique is known for its Instagram-worthy settings, excellent coffee, and, of course, its delicious cardamom buns. Snickarbacken 7, a charming café, is also renowned for its cardamom buns, offering a cosy atmosphere to enjoy this traditional Swedish treat.

For those seeking a more rustic experience, Lillebrors Bageri on Rörstrandsgatan is the place to go. This small bakery bakes cardamom buns fresh all day long, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. Around Cinnamon Bun Day, they also bake cinnamon buns, providing an extra special treat for their loyal customers. Saturnus, with its French-influenced atmosphere, is another must-visit spot, known for its gigantic and much-talked-about cinnamon buns.

The scent of cardamom buns in Stockholm's airports is a unique and memorable part of the travel experience. It evokes a sense of warmth and hospitality, welcoming visitors to the city with the comforting aroma of freshly baked treats. This distinctive fragrance, along with the sights and sounds of the airport, creates a multi-sensory journey that leaves a lasting impression on those who pass through.

The musty smell of ACs in tropical airports

The smell of an airport is often a combination of stale coffee, upholstery, jet fuel, and the cleaning products used in the bathrooms. Some airports, like Singapore's Changi Airport, even diffuse a bespoke fragrance into the terminals, with fresh floral notes of orchid, Damask rose, Asian spices, and essential oils.

However, the smell of an airport can also be influenced by its location. For example, all the airports in Stockholm smell like cardamom buns, while smaller Thai airports like Krabi and Phuket have a moist and musty smell.

The bespoke fragrance of Singapore's Changi Airport

Singapore's Changi Airport has a bespoke fragrance diffused into many areas of its sprawling terminals. The airport's signature scent has fresh floral notes of orchid, Damask rose, Asian spices and essential oils said to calm nerves and lower blood pressure.

The scent is part of a multi-year engagement between AllSense and Changi, designed to deliver a high level of product and traveller experience to the millions of people visiting Singapore every year.

Changi Airport is not alone in this trend, as airports, airlines and other locations are welcoming travellers with special scents. "Research has shown that smell triggers emotions and memories," said Luis Angarita, managing director, at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Changi Airport also has a butterfly garden, free movie theatres and a $1.25 billion shopping and entertainment attraction built around the world's tallest indoor waterfall.

The airport's perfume range includes the original White Musk, a "light, sensual, floral fragrance with staying power", as well as vegan fragrances such as the White Musk Flora Eau De Toilette and White Musk Flora Fragrance Mist.

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