Roberta Aguirre
While the idea of a movie theater in an airport is not new, only a few airports worldwide have them. The first airport to have a movie theater was the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport, which opened in 1952. Since then, airports in Asia have been embracing movie theaters, with Singapore's Changi Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, and Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport all offering cinematic experiences for travelers. In the US, Portland International Airport and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport have also joined the trend, providing short films and documentaries for passengers to enjoy during layovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports with movie theaters | Portland International Airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, Incheon Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport |
| Type of content | Blockbusters, short films, documentaries, music videos, art programming |
| Screen count | 2, 8 |
| Seating capacity | 17, 22, 150 |
| Cost | Free |
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What You'll Learn
- Portland International Airport has a microcinema showcasing short films by Pacific Northwest filmmakers
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has a screening room that runs 24/7
- Singapore's Changi Airport has two 24-hour theatres screening the latest blockbusters for free
- Hong Kong International Airport has the world's first airport IMAX
- Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has a 6D cinema with moving seats and 21 special effects
Portland International Airport has a microcinema showcasing short films by Pacific Northwest filmmakers
Portland International Airport has a microcinema showcasing short films by filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest. The microcinema is located in Concourse C, near gate C-13, and can accommodate 22 guests. It features an upgraded audiovisual system with 4K projection and Dolby Atmos sound. The films shown are G-rated short-format programs on a looping reel, with a duration of 10 minutes or less, and are suitable for all audiences. The programming is curated by the Hollywood Theatre and is updated quarterly. The microcinema is free of charge and operates 24/7, allowing travellers to enjoy a film or two while waiting for their flight.
The addition of a movie theatre in an airport is a growing trend, especially in Asia, with airports like Singapore's Changi Airport and Hong Kong International Airport offering 24-hour movie theatres screening the latest blockbusters free of charge. In the United States, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport was the first airport to introduce a cinema in 2014, showcasing art house films by regional filmmakers.
While some travellers appreciate the entertainment option during long layovers, others argue that movie theatres in airports may not be practical due to time constraints and the need to constantly monitor flight status. Additionally, airports may prefer to promote their local culture and offerings rather than providing an escape from the travel environment.
Despite the mixed opinions, the microcinema at Portland International Airport offers a unique opportunity for travellers to experience the creativity of local filmmakers and engage with the Pacific Northwest region through film. It provides a relaxing and enjoyable experience for those looking to pass the time before their flight.
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Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has a screening room that runs 24/7
While airports in Asia have been embracing movie theatres for years, the trend is only slowly gaining traction in the U.S. Singapore's Changi Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, and Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport are some examples of airports in Asia with movie theatres. In 2014, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport became the first airport in the U.S. to have a movie theatre. The See 18 Film Screening Room runs 24/7, screening art house flicks, short films, and award-winning documentaries crafted by the region's top filmmakers. The films are curated with the help of The Film Society of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The screening room opened in August 2014 with the objective of giving travellers a taste of Minnesota. Robyne Robinson, the arts and culture director of the MSP Airport Foundation, stated, "Our objective is to give travelers a Minnesota experience." The airport, also known as Wold–Chamberlain Field, is located within 10 miles of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul. It is the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest, serving as a hub for commercial flights and military operations.
The airport has two terminals with a total of 131 gates. Terminal 1 (Lindbergh) contains 117 gates across seven concourses, while Terminal 2 (Humphrey) has 14 gates across one concourse. International arrivals are processed in Concourse G of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The two terminals are about a mile apart and are accessed from separate exits on Minnesota State Highway 5.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport has received high rankings for traveller satisfaction and punctuality. In 2022, it was ranked as the best airport in the U.S. and Canada, with a score of 800 out of 1,000. The following year, it was recognised as the world's most punctual international airport, with impressive on-time departure and arrival rates.
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Singapore's Changi Airport has two 24-hour theatres screening the latest blockbusters for free
While only a few airports worldwide have movie theatres, Singapore's Changi Airport stands out with two 24-hour theatres screening the latest blockbusters free of charge. This unique offering sets Changi Airport apart and provides travellers with an engaging way to spend their time during long layovers or pre-flight waits.
Changi Airport's theatres showcase popular movies such as "Jurassic World" and "Man of Steel", providing a diverse range of entertainment options for travellers. This service is especially valuable for anxious flyers who arrive at the airport well in advance or those facing lengthy layovers. By offering these complimentary movies, Changi Airport enhances its reputation as a transportation hub that goes beyond the basics to provide a memorable experience for its visitors.
The airport's decision to screen blockbuster movies aligns with the trend of airports investing in various amenities to cater to travellers' diverse preferences. While some airports showcase short films or documentaries, Changi Airport's theatres play recent releases, creating a mini-cinema experience within the airport. This strategy has proven successful, attracting travellers seeking entertainment beyond the usual airport offerings of food and shopping.
Changi Airport's movie theatres are a notable example of how airports are evolving to meet the needs and desires of modern travellers. By providing this service at no cost, the airport enhances its competitiveness and leaves travellers with a positive impression of their time spent at Changi Airport, Singapore. This innovative approach to airport amenities is a step towards making airports more than just transit spaces, but destinations in themselves.
In conclusion, Singapore's Changi Airport has raised the bar by offering two 24-hour theatres screening the latest blockbusters for free. This forward-thinking initiative not only alleviates the boredom of long layovers but also showcases the airport's commitment to transforming the travel experience into something truly enjoyable and memorable for all types of travellers passing through.
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Hong Kong International Airport has the world's first airport IMAX
Hong Kong International Airport, which opened in 1998, is one of the world's busiest passenger airports. It is also home to one of the world's largest passenger terminal buildings. The airport is the primary hub for Cathay Pacific, Greater Bay Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, HK Express, and Air Hong Kong. It is also one of the hubs of Oneworld.
Hong Kong International Airport boasts the world's first airport IMAX theatre, which opened in 2012. The UA IMAX Theatre is located in Terminal 2 and offers a unique and immersive cinematic experience with crystal-clear images, a laser-aligned digital sound system, and a theatre design that enhances the overall experience. The theatre features a massive screen, approximately 13.89m high and 22.42m wide, making it the biggest IMAX screen in Hong Kong. With a capacity of 358 people, the theatre showcases a range of popular Hollywood blockbusters and IMAX documentaries in 2D and 3D formats.
The airport's Terminal 2 also features an array of other entertainment options and amenities. These include more than 20 dining outlets, over 80 shops, i-Sports, and SkyDeck. i-Sports offers a range of simulators that allow passengers to experience various sports and activities, such as soccer, basketball, golf, boxing, and skiing.
In addition to the IMAX theatre, Hong Kong International Airport provides passengers with several other options to relax and rejuvenate during long layovers. Terminal 1 offers free shower facilities and spas, where passengers can enjoy massages, manicures/pedicures, and other body treatments. The airport also boasts a magnificent skyline and is just a short distance from downtown Hong Kong, providing easy access to popular tourist attractions such as Victoria Harbour and the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.
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Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has a 6D cinema with moving seats and 21 special effects
In 2013, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) became the first airport in India to launch a 6D cinema experience for its passengers. The cinema, located at the domestic departure Terminal 1D, was introduced by Paramount Technologies, one of India's fastest-growing entertainment companies. The 6D cinema, branded as iRido 6D, offers a unique experience with moving seats and 21 special effects, including water spray, air blast, bubbles, rain, smoke, fire, fog, snow, leg ticklers, and pokers. The show duration is approximately 15 minutes, and tickets are priced at Rs.250 plus a 15% entertainment tax.
The introduction of the 6D cinema aligns with the airport's goal of providing the finest global experience for its passengers. By offering innovative entertainment options, Indira Gandhi International Airport aims to enhance passenger comfort, convenience, and overall satisfaction. The 6D cinema experience adds a new dimension to the airport's amenities, making it a pioneer in India's aviation industry.
The trend of incorporating movie theaters into airports is not new, especially in Asia. Airports in Asia have been embracing movie theaters for years, understanding the need to ease long layovers and provide entertainment for anxious flyers who arrive at the airport well in advance. Singapore's Changi Airport, for instance, boasts two 24-hour theaters screening the latest blockbusters free of charge. Similarly, Hong Kong International Airport features the world's first airport IMAX, showcasing movies in 2D and 3D.
While the concept of airport movie theaters is gaining traction, there are differing opinions on their effectiveness. Some travelers appreciate the entertainment option during long waits, while others argue that airports prefer to promote their cities through art installations, local coffee, and regional cuisine rather than providing an escape through movies. Additionally, the time-sensitive nature of airports and the constant need to monitor flight statuses may deter some travelers from fully immersing themselves in a movie.
Despite the mixed reactions, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has taken a step forward by introducing the 6D cinema experience. By offering a combination of moving seats and special effects, the airport provides travelers with an immersive and engaging way to pass the time during layovers or pre-flight jitters. The 6D cinema serves as a unique attraction, setting the airport apart from others in the region and potentially enhancing its reputation as a progressive and innovative transportation hub.
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Frequently asked questions
Several airports around the world have movie theaters, including Portland International Airport, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Singapore's Changi Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and Incheon Airport in Seoul.
It depends on the airport. Some airports play short films or documentaries by local filmmakers, while others play the latest blockbusters.
Yes, most airport movie theaters are free. For example, the movie theaters at Changi Airport in Singapore and Portland International Airport do not charge admission fees.
