Airports Transformed: A Look At The Present-Day Aviation Experience

Airports have evolved to become more than just transit hubs. With the number of global passengers expected to double by 2040, airports are increasingly focused on adopting new technologies and innovations to improve efficiency and sustainability. From biometric security checks and automated services to art exhibitions and entertainment options, airports are now destinations in themselves. As airports expand their offerings, they also face the challenge of maintaining effective security measures and addressing the environmental impact of their operations. The future airport, known as the aerotropolis, represents a new urban form that caters to global travel and the needs of a nomadic workforce.

Airports are increasingly using biometrics for check-in, security, and boarding

Biometrics in an airport environment can provide a contactless way of identity verification. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been trialling and implementing the Biometric Entry-Exit Program at US Customs and Border Control (CBP). Using the Traveller Verification System (TVS), the program biometrically confirms the traveller's identity and their entry or exit, with an increased ability to detect fraudulent documents and visa overstays.

Facial recognition technology is increasingly being embraced across airport terminals, extending to duty-free shopping and any other areas where identity verification is necessary. Many airports are now also adopting biometric technology to facilitate access to exclusive lounges. With biometric entry points, eligible passengers can simply scan their faces to enter lounges, providing greater convenience for frequent flyers.

Biometric boarding has become the global standard—as of mid-2024, 98% of airlines have either implemented or are planning to implement biometric systems at their airport terminals. Passengers can register their biometric information through an airline app or at the airport, and this data will be securely stored for future verification. Once travellers link their boarding passes to their biometric profiles in the app, they can utilise biometric services for their selected flights.

Airports are becoming destinations in themselves, with cinemas, ice rinks, and chapels

Airports are no longer just places of transit. With the increasing number of travellers, long layovers, and flight delays, airports are transforming into destinations in their own right. They are becoming entertainment hubs, with unique attractions, diverse culinary experiences, and recreational activities.

One notable example is the ice skating rink at Denver International Airport. This innovative addition to the airport offers travellers a magical experience, blending the joy of winter with the excitement of aviation. The rink is more than just an attraction; it has become a cultural symbol of Denver, attracting locals and travellers alike. It showcases the city's spirit and provides a fantastic form of exercise and entertainment for all ages.

Airports are also increasingly catering to travellers' spiritual needs. Airport chapels, like the Chapel of St. George at London Heathrow, offer a quiet space for prayer and meditation. These chapels are often interfaith, welcoming people of all religions and providing a much-needed space for reflection in the midst of busy travel schedules.

In addition to these unique features, airports are becoming known for their diverse culinary offerings. While some airports offer regional cuisine, allowing travellers to sample local specialties, others provide familiar options with major fast-food chains.

As airports evolve, sustainability is also taking centre stage. The National Renewable Energy Lab has demonstrated the potential for solar power at airports, with the world's first fully solar-powered airport in Kochi, India. Airports are exploring alternative energy sources and ways to reduce their environmental impact, recognising the need for more sustainable practices in the aviation industry.

With cinemas, ice rinks, chapels, diverse culinary experiences, and sustainability initiatives, airports are transforming the travel experience. They are becoming destinations where travellers can enjoy unique activities, cultural exchanges, and relaxing downtime during their journeys.

Airports are turning to automation to speed up processes and reduce human interaction

Airports are complex environments with many moving parts and people. As the number of global passengers is expected to more than double by 2040, airports are turning to automation to speed up processes and reduce human interaction.

Nina Brooks, director of security, facilitation, and airport IT for Airports Council International, agrees that technological innovations are critical to how an airport runs. Airports are settings that involve many different parties, including airport and airline employees, security personnel, national aviation authorities, and outside vendors. Adopting new technology helps them operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Automation and self-service technologies have already been embraced by many airports to boost operational efficiency and reduce human interaction. Examples include self-service baggage drops, automated check-in, and gate-side delivery of food and drinks. Biometrics is also a big focus for some airlines, with some airports introducing biometric boarding for domestic and international flights. This technology allows passengers to scan their own boarding passes and uses biometric data, such as iris scans or facial recognition, to identify passengers without the need for human interaction.

Some airports are also rolling out more biometric features throughout the airport experience, including check-in, security checkpoints, and domestic boarding. Additionally, some airport executives are looking to reduce face-to-face interactions by implementing technologies such as biometric checkpoints, where passengers scan their passports and boarding passes and take a selfie for identity confirmation.

While automation can speed up processes and reduce human interaction, it is important to note that many travelers still prefer human customer service in certain areas of the airport experience, such as baggage handling, security, and boarding. As such, airports must balance their adoption of technology with real, human-touch customer service to ensure a positive and efficient experience for their passengers.

Airports are partnering with museums to showcase art exhibitions and cultural initiatives

Airports are increasingly partnering with museums and cultural institutions to showcase art exhibitions and cultural initiatives. This trend is transforming airports into destinations for art and culture, offering travellers a unique and enriching experience.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has taken a lead in this initiative by hosting a variety of sculptures, paintings, and multimedia works in three of its nine terminals. The airport's partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs has brought exhibitions such as "Your Body is a Space That Sees" by Lia Halloran, offering travellers a vibrant and thought-provoking experience.

The Paris Airport Group has also joined forces with several renowned museums in the city, including the Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum, the Rodin Museum, and the Orsay and Orangery museums. By showcasing their collections in the airports, these museums aim to encourage the millions of foreign tourists passing through to visit them. Incheon International Airport in South Korea takes this collaboration a step further by planning to build a full-fledged branch of an international museum within its premises.

Other airports, like Miami International Airport, have teamed up with local museums, cultural institutions, and social outreach programs to bring a taste of their destination to travellers. Toronto Pearson International Airport showcases a diverse range of exhibits, from sculpture and photography to dinosaur casts. Istanbul Airport in Turkey features an exhibition called "'0' Zero Point" by Turkish artist Deniz Sağdıç, made from recycled materials found in the airport's waste management centre.

These partnerships not only enhance the airport experience by reducing stress and providing entertainment, but they also offer financial benefits to the museums and cultural institutions involved. As airports seek to incorporate more art and culture, travellers can expect their waiting times to be filled with unique and enriching experiences.

Airports are adopting new technologies to operate more efficiently and sustainably

Airports are complex environments with many tangible assets spread over a large area. They require tailor-made maintenance management to keep them running efficiently.

Airports are adopting new technologies to improve operations and enhance the passenger experience. Automation and robotics are increasingly prevalent in modern airports, improving efficiency, safety, and the overall passenger experience. For example, robots are being used for cleaning and sanitizing restrooms and public areas, and some airports have introduced guidance robots that can provide information and even carry luggage.

Biometrics is also being adopted at an increasing rate, with some airports allowing passengers to clear immigration via an automated lane where they are identified through an iris scan or face capture. Self-service systems for check-in and baggage drop also use advanced technologies to scan passports, print boarding passes, and tag luggage, reducing wait times and streamlining processes.

Passenger airport apps are another area of focus, with some apps providing information on weather, air traffic, gate information, parking, and security wait times. Some apps also allow passengers to order food and retail items to be delivered to their gate.

In addition to improving efficiency, airports are also under pressure to reduce their environmental impact. Sustainability initiatives can help airports become more resilient to operational changes and protect natural resources. Airports are exploring alternative energy production, such as solar power and wind power, and the use of airport areas for biomass production.

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