FEATURES

Aberdeen International Airport has unveiled ‘Hello Aberdeen’, an innovative digital assistant designed to provide instant support and improve every stage of the passenger journey. Developed in partnership with Hello Lamp Post, the tool is said to deliver real-time, personalised assistance, helping passengers access vital information and navigate the terminal with ease. Available via QR codes […]

Airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions are poised to undergo extensive development, with combined investments of $240 billion dedicated to both upgrading existing facilities (brownfield projects) and building new airports (greenfield projects) between 2025 and 2035. This capital expenditure, revealed today by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), […]

What are the world’s airports asking from architects when it comes to building new facilities or enhancing existing ones? Corgan’s Jonathan Massey provides his thoughts. While change is inevitable, it seems that the aviation industry has seen more than its fair share over the past 30 years, perhaps driven by the fact that the industry […]

MATARAT Holding has signed a memorandum of understanding with SITA to accelerate the digital transformation of airports across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement will focus on deploying smart, scalable technologies that enhance passenger experience, streamline operations and increase airport efficiency as Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its aviation modernisation plans. “This Memorandum of […]

With a new showpiece terminal opening later this year, passenger numbers at an 18 year high, and innovation at the front and centre of its business, these are good times for Pittsburgh International Airport, writes Joe Bates. There is no doubting that Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has gone from strength to strength over the last […]

Sydney Airport is preparing for a bustling Easter and school holiday peak, with 2.5 million passengers set to travel through its terminals between April 9th and 29th. During the peak, one million passengers will pass through the T1 international terminal, making it the busiest Easter school holiday period since 2019, and a 9% increase on […]

Coffee connoisseurs passing through Manchester Airport in the UK will be a little happier this morning following the reopening of Costa Coffee’s newly upgraded store in Terminal 2. The revamped store is set to provide an enhanced coffee experience, ensuring customers enjoy a faster and more seamless service. The introduction of touchscreen ordering, for example, […]

Smartseller Nürnberg today opened a new shopping and culinary world at Nuremberg Airport. Described as an innovative concept that offers passengers a unique shopping experience and culinary highlights, it was developed in a joint operation of Nuremberg airport and smartseller. After several months of renovation, the airport’s duty-free shopping area has been expanded from 650 […]

Passengers travelling through London Gatwick no longer need to remove electrical items or place liquids in plastic bags, as part of a multi-million-pound project to transform its security screening process. The cutting edge technology enhances the security accuracy for airport security staff with 3D technology. The installation of new computed tomography (CT) scanners, part of […]

Munich Airport and its subsidiaries enjoyed a successful 2024, recording a net profit of €64 million – more than double the previous year. Boosted by the strong growth in passenger numbers and flight movements, group revenue rose to a new record of more than €1.6 billion. At €195 million, operating earnings before interest and taxes […]

Dublin Airport believes that passengers passing through its facilities this spring are in for a treat following the unveiling of four new and improved food and drink outlets. Over recent days, the airport has welcomed the re-opening of the fully revamped Butlers Chocolate Cafe in Terminal 2 airside, the addition of the new The Arthur […]

San José City Council has approved the selection of two partners, Hudson and Paradies Lagardère, to manage a new retail concession programme at San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) that will support 50+ local retailers. The collective minimum capital investment of $16.9 million will support a high-quality build-out featuring fresh new looks and integrate new […]

ACI EUROPE today responded to the European Commission consultation on the revision of Aviation State aid Guidelines on behalf of the European airport community, reiterating that operating aid to Europe’s regional airports must be extended to safeguard vital air connectivity. The European Commission has previously acknowledged the importance of State aid in ensuring fair competition […]

SITA’s 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report, published today, reveals how airlines and airports are increasing investment in cybersecurity, biometrics, and sustainable IT solutions. Around 74% of airlines and 72% of airports forecast an increase in overall IT spend over the next two years. These investments, it notes, show how the aviation industry is working […]

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFKIAT, the operator of John F Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4 have announced a new line up of food and beverage concessions that they believe will create a unique New York sense of place at the recently expanded terminal. Notable local brands that will enliven […]

Lion dancers, ribbon cuttings, and Jett the SEA Otter ushered in the final group of tenants who call N Concourse their home at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Eight recent dining and retail openings filled the last gaps in a dramatic transformation of a 1970s facility into a modern-day customer service juggernaut that is a model […]

TAV Airports increased its revenue by 27% to €1.7 billion in 2024 against the backdrop of strong growth in passenger traffic across its airport portfolio. Forecasting 110 to 120 million passengers in 2025, the company is set to complete its three-year historic investment programme with upcoming openings in Antalya and Ankara. TAV Airports CEO, Serkan […]

Christchurch Airport has taken another significant step in its commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, taking possession of New Zealand’s first electric fire truck today. The Rosenbauer RT (Revolutionary Technology) is also the first electric fire truck at any airport in the Southern Hemisphere, reinforcing the airport’s leadership in sustainable airport practices. The arrival of […]

Fraport USA has won the bidding to manage the retail concessions at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). The new contract between Fraport Baltimore Partnership LLC, a majority-owned subsidiary of Fraport USA, and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), which operates the airport, will run for 23 years. Dr Stefan Schulte, chairman of the executive board of […]

San Antonio International Airport has launched its new SAT Pass programme allowing a limited number of non-ticketed visitors an opportunity to meet and greet passengers post-security at the airport. The gateway has introduced the innovative new scheme by asking passengers, “Have you ever wanted to surprise your loved one at the gate with flowers, welcome […]

Diptyque, Sandqvist and Teenage engineering are just a few of the brands that will be on offer at the Marketplace in Stockholm Arlanda Airport’s Terminal 5 when retail-tech company Co-X launches the unique retail concept Depart.A.Mental in the first half of 2025. Depart.A.Mental is an innovative concept store that makes it easier for brands to […]

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has officially unveiled its new Concourse E as part of its latest terminal expansion programme. According to the gateway, the new addition is “designed to further elevate the passenger journey”. Concourse E, it says, “prioritises boarding efficiency, reduces reliance on remote gates and buses and incorporates accessibility and sustainability focused design”. […]

The arrival of thousands of tourists and England rugby fans are set to swell numbers travelling through Dublin Airport over the coming St Brigid’s bank holiday weekend. The first bank holiday weekend of the year will see around 340,000 passengers travelling through Dublin Airport over the four days between Friday and Monday. Over the four-day […]

A special celebration event was held in Dublin yesterday to mark 85 years since the first flight took off from what we now know as Dublin Airport. A mix of current and former airport staff, airline workers, aviation enthusiasts and guests from the world of Irish aviation gathered in Dublin Airport’s original Old Central Terminal […]

Stephan Hirmer, Amadeus’ head of end-to-end passenger servicing for airport and airlines operations, considers how AI is transforming aviation. The air transport industry is under increasing pressure to handle growing passenger volumes while maintaining high security standards and meeting the expectations of today’s travellers for a seamless experience. With Airports Council International predicting passenger volumes […]

Changi Airport has unveiled what it believes is the boldest ever refresh of its signature retail campaign to give shoppers the winning chance for the ultimate luxury travel experience of a lifetime to their dream holiday destinations. The year-long ‘Changi Millionaire Experiences’ campaign will see winners of the quarterly draws pick from what it calls […]

Smiths Detection’s Hans Joachim Schöpe considers what might come next for security checkpoints at airports. The evolution of airport security checkpoints reflects the growing complexities of global travel and the continuous effort to balance passenger safety with operational efficiency. Indeed, ever evolving threats in an increasingly interconnected world has necessitated the development of more sophisticated […]

Joe Bates reports on some of the highlights of the recent Airports Innovate conference and exhibition in Rome. All roads led to Rome for this year’s Airports Innovate conference and exhibition which once again showed that airports are becoming increasingly innovative in the ways that they operate and plan for the future. New technology was, […]

Ireland’s Cork Airport is an ambitious gateway with a clear sustainable development plan and growing route network, writes Joe Bates. With growing passenger numbers and an impressive sustainable development strategy, it feels like Cork Airport (ORK) is finally beginning to emerge from the shadow of its bigger and better known cousin in Dublin having overtaken […]

Glasgow Airport has officially launched a state-of-the-art digital assistant, powered by Hello Lamp Post, to improve the travel experience for passengers this festive period. This new AI-driven technology, now live across the airport, is designed to provide real-time information and enhance navigation throughout the terminal 24 hours a day, optimising the experience for travellers. The […]

Amsterdam Schiphol has announced that it will strengthen its successful partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail for the operation of more than 20 duty-free stores behind security control from May 2025. According to the Dutch hub, the strengthened partnership will take the form of a joint venture in which Lagardère Travel Retail has 70% of the […]

SITA has announced a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport (RSI), becoming one of the Specialised Airport Systems (SAS) providers for the airport’s new main terminal building. This marks a milestone in the growing collaboration between RSI and SITA, following SITA’s work on the successful deployment of the airport’s Air Taxi Terminal. […]

Finavia is piloting a new digital service that will show passengers the predicted queue time at security control over the next 12 hours at Helsinki Airport. Finavia is developing the piloted service together with its customers. “The services and customer experience at Helsinki Airport are developed in a data-driven way,” explains Finavia’s head of passenger […]

The latest edition of the Air Transport Action Group’s Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders report provides an in-depth look at the economic and social contributions of the global aviation sector and how it connects a globalised world. The report was presented at yesterday’s ICAO event in Chicago to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the signing of […]

Halifax Stanfield International Airport’s pivotal role in Nova Scotia’s economy is underscored in a new report revealing that the airport generated over C$4.2 billion in economic impact in 2023, a 24% increase from 2022. The latest figures cement its status as a key driver of local and regional employment, tourism, trade, and prosperity. “These impressive […]

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) and Western Sydney University have combined forces “to drive education, training and job opportunities” ahead of the airport’s late 2026 opening. The pair today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the organisations partner in a range of ways to “drive positive outcomes for communities” in […]

Dublin Airport has announced plans to add up to 100 new security officers over the coming months as it gets ready to improve standards for passengers even further in 2025. As a record year at Dublin Airport comes to an end, airport operator daa is already gearing up for the coming 12 months and is […]

Touch downs at Auckland Airport are driving up New Zealand’s economic fortunes with new aviation infrastructure set to bring tens of billions of dollars more benefit, according to an economic analysis by consultants EY. The airport’s chief customer officer, Scott Tasker, said the investment underway at Auckland Airport will be a key enabler of future […]

Learning about the delivery of top quality customer service from some of the best in the business was high on the agenda at the recent ACI World Customer Experience Summit and Exhibition in Atlanta. Atlanta was the setting for this year’s ACI World Customer Experience Summit and Exhibition, and host Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) […]

With soaring traffic figures, an ambitious new investor and plans to become the first transfer hub in the Philippines, these are exciting times for Mactan Cebu International Airport, writes Joe Bates. Air traffic is on a huge growth trajectory in the Philippines and Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) is no exception to the rule, with […]

Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) has become one of the first airport’s in Canada to boast new state-of-the-art CT X-ray technology installed by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). Passengers travelling through YUL now have access to an elevated security screening experience on one screening line at the domestic/international security checkpoint, meaning that they no […]

Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport has unveiled four state-of-the-art cleaning robots that it believes will significantly enhance its cleaning processes, resource allocation and overall efficiency. The new additions, introduced by AMM operator Airport International Group (AIG) in collaboration with MENA Facilities Management, are also said to highlight AIG’s commitment to adopting the latest technology and […]

Changi Airport Group (CAG) continues to invest in enhancing Singapore Changi Airport’s fleet of emergency rescue vehicles and equipment, both on land and sea. The latest investments have included the addition of three new vessels to its sea rescue fleet, replacing older craft that have reached their end of life. All three – a Command […]

Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) in Texas has completed construction on a new full-service bar and connected elevated outdoor patio and observation deck, which is the first passenger-accessible outdoor space to be constructed in the airport’s 64-year history. Both are now open-to-the-public and located inside security within the concourse between gates 1 and 3 and […]

Indochine – an Asian restaurant concept – has opened at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. With a menu that features sushi, Pad Thai, dumplings and more in a stylish, modern atmosphere, Indochine will add to the diverse range of dining options at the Marketplace in Terminal 5. According to the airport, with flavours from the four corners […]

A popular Indian street food café is opening an outlet at Birmingham Airport (BHX) and targeting becoming a presence at all major UK airports by 2025. The new store will be located in the departures area at Birmingham Airport. “We truly believe Chaiiwala at Birmingham Airport is long overdue and cannot wait to serve passengers […]

In a historic occasion for the twin-islands of Antigua and Barbuda,  Barbuda International Airport has officially opened, signalling the start of a new chapter for Barbuda’s connectivity, tourism, and economic growth. Barbuda’s new airport now allows for direct connections to global destinations and offers an enhanced travel experience for visitors and residents into the island. […]

Honeywell Building Automation’s Alex Cowen considers how strategically utilising modern technological solutions can streamline airport operations. With global passenger traffic on the rise and demand for air travel reaching new heights in some countries, it is imperative that the aviation industry continues to innovate to keep up with demand and sustainably streamline airport operations where […]

London Gatwick has become the first UK airport to receive Level 1 Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation from ACI World. The accreditation recognises London Gatwick’s commitment to accessibility services through its strategy, policies, and initiatives. Level 1 is designed to help airports measure, evaluate and improve their accessibility management and culture and it is the only international […]

Pittsburgh International Airport’s Presley’s Place, one of the first comprehensive sensory spaces to launch at a US gateway, is about to celebrate its 5-year-anniversary. The 1,500 square-foot sensory space came to fruition after PIT employee, Jason Rudge, left a note in the company suggestion box. Inspired by his four-year-old son Presley, who was diagnosed with […]

According to the parties involved, Norway’s state-owned airports are set for a major digital transformation programme under the terms of a new long-term partnership between Amadeus and Avinor. The deal announced today will effectively see the country’s airport operator extend and expand its use of Amadeus technology. Central to the partnership is said to be […]

Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, tells Joe Bates more about the transformational benefits of Zayed International Airport’s new Terminal A and the company’s customer service strategy. Can you tell us a little more about Abu Dhabi Airports’ customer service philosophy and why you take good customer service so seriously? Passengers […]

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), in partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports and Delta Air Lines, is celebrating the local and minority businesses powering the latest dining and retail offerings at the new Terminal 3. They include local brands Alfred, Fat Sal’s, Homeboy, Native by Nyesha and Yakumi. According to LAX operator, Los Angeles World Airports […]

As temperatures hit the mid-20oC this week, it may seem odd to hear London Stansted has been preparing for the winter by kicking-off its snow training programme to ensure the airport is ready for any adverse weather in the months ahead. The snow team, which is responsible for clearing runways, taxiways and aircraft stands during […]

Enhancing the passenger experience through new technology, facilities and services continues to be a key priority for the world’s airports. Joe Bates takes a closer look at some of the latest initiatives and awards. Robotic pods to enhance accessibility at YVR Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is to trial the industry’s first, autonomous, electric robotic ‘pods’ […]

We report on the latest news and developments from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) has long been one of the world’s most innovative hubs and a major economic generator for the Netherlands. It is arguably the pioneer of the airport city in terms of the co-ordinated development of non-aeronautical related facilities around the […]

Marnix (Max) Groot provides a snapshot of the major ongoing and planned airport development projects in South East and East Asia. Asia is a hotspot for infrastucture development projects with China, in particular, in the midst of a programme to upgrade its existing airports and build dozens more to give it the capacity to meet […]

Joe Bates looks back at some of the key moments from July’s SMART Airports & Regions Conference and Exhibition in Denver. Soaring outside temperatures and record visitor numbers that included 720 delegates and 62 exhibitors from across the globe really made July’s SMART Airports & Regions Conference and Exhibition in Denver, Colorado, one of the […]

Global airport operator Fraport AG with interests in airport across Europe, Asia and South America is selling its 10% stake in Delhi’s Indira’s Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Under the agreement signed today (September 9), Fraport is selling its entire stake in DEL operator, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), to its majority owner, GMR Airports Infrastructure […]

WH Smith North America (WHSNA) has partnered with local-favourite brand, Lee’s Donuts, to open a new location at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Lee’s Donuts is a mom-and-pop shop developed by founders Alan and Betty-Ann Lee in 1979. The original shop opened in Granville Island Public Market and has since expanded to several other locations around […]

Joe Bates takes a closer look at the different ways airports are introducing artwork into terminals and across the airport campus to create a destination in their own right and a unique experience for travellers. Embracing art in terminal buildings might not be the newest fad in the world, but it appears to be one […]

The Shannon Airport Group, which owns and operates Shannon Airport and a significant property portfolio at its Shannon Campus, is today celebrating the 10th anniversary. A decade on, Shannon Airport is on track to handle over two million passengers for the first time since 2009, while over €178 million has been invested across the airport […]

Pragma Consulting’s Mohamed Hisham considers how focusing on families can significantly boost the non-aeronautical revenue of airports. Airports are constantly looking for ways to improve their non-aeronautical revenue, and an important segment to focus on is passengers travelling with children. Families travelling with children represent a significant opportunity for airports to boost revenue across both […]

The UK government has approved London City Airport’s (LCY) plans to increase its annual passenger cap to 9 million passengers per annum – up from the existing 6.5mppa. It has also given the green light for three extra flights in the first half hour of operations during the week. However, London City Airport’s proposals to extend […]

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the first airport in the United States to operate a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Centralized Examination Station (CES) located on the secure side of an airport. This innovative set-up, which previously has taken place outside of a secure airfield environment, expedites the direct transfer of cargo from […]

Airport operator, Fraport, enjoyed an impressive first six months of the year, enjoying a 13% rise in revenues and a 7.2% upturn in passenger numbers across it global network. Its half-year figures, released today, show that it handled 74.1 million travellers across its actively-managed aviation gateways during the first half of 2024 (ending June 30). […]

Passengers travelling through London Luton Airport (LLA) no longer need to remove liquids and electronic items from their bags as they pass through security, following the successful roll-out of next generation security scanners. The completion of the £20 million project positions LLA as one of the first major airports to complete the roll-out in time […]

Avolta has announced the renewal and extension of its duty-free contract with Australia’s Perth Airport to 2031. Using sustainable design principles, the contract includes nearly 3,000sqm of commercial space across four stores, and centres on the transformation of Avolta’s Terminal 1 Departures store into a state-of-the-art walkthrough space. Rather boldy, perhaps, Avolta and Perth Airport […]

Technology will help the world’s airports and their staff cope with rising temperatures and extreme weather events, writes AEM’s Anuj Agrawal. As our planet warms, industries worldwide grapple with the escalating challenges posed by rising temperatures. Arguably, few feel the heat more acutely than the aviation sector, where the delicate balance of safety, efficiency, and […]

Rudy Daniello, Amadeus’ executive vice president of airport and airline operations, highlights some key technology investment trends. Our latest research, Travel Technology Investment Trends 2024 Airports, demonstrates that self-service is now mature, with more than half of the airports we surveyed providing self-service at check-in, bag-drop, and boarding. But what does the future hold? And […]

Frankfurt Airport claims to have marked an important milestone in the ongoing upgrade of its security checkpoints with the opening of nine additional security checkpoints equipped with modern CT technology. It is confident that the new equipment, as well as an innovative lane concept now available in Departures B-West of Terminal 1, will enable passengers […]

SITA has signed a five-year extension with Heathrow Airport to support Heathrow’s vast and growing network infrastructure. Through this agreement, SITA will provide a wide range of network, telecommunications, and connectivity services, while introducing innovative new solutions to businesses operating within Heathrow. As part of the new agreement, SITA will continue to strengthen Heathrow’s digital […]

Aeroporti di Roma’s head of innovation and digital, Giulio Ranucci, tells us more about how the airport operator is fostering innovation at its airports and across the aviation ecosystem. Around 44.4 million passengers passed through Rome’s Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) operated Fiumicino ‘Leonardo Da Vinci’ (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA) airports in 2023. Fiumicino is the […]

With passenger numbers hitting an all-time high, new facilities being added and more on the way, these are good times for Denver International Airport, writes Joe Bates. In just under 30 years, Denver International Airport (DEN) has grown from being a mid-sized US airport to one of the busiest, most ambitious and envied airports in […]

Cork Airport contributed just over €1 billion to the Irish economy and supported more than 12,650 job in 2023, new analysis of the airport’s economic impact has revealed. Launched today by Minister of State for Transport, James Lawless TD, Ireland’s EU commissioner designate, Michael McGrath TD, and Tourism Ireland’s chief executive, Alice Mansergh, the analysis […]

Airports across the world continue to innovate with the trial and adoption of new smart technologies to enhance the passenger experience and operational efficiency, writes Joe Bates. With costly new terminals and runways usually taking more than a decade to become reality when you factor in the design, planning and environmental approval processes, in many […]

Dr John Kasarda and Michael Chen discuss how accelerating advances in applications of artificial intelligence are transforming airports, airport cities, and the greater aerotropolis. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is ushering in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) where digitisation, creativity, and innovation are transforming business processes worldwide. The aviation sector is no exception. From machine learning […]

Perimeter security at US airports, and of course gateways across the globe, is of utmost importance for several reasons, not the least of which is the need to protect the safety and security of passengers and staff. Preventing unauthorised access to airport facilities and aircraft helps safeguard against sabotage and other malicious activities, while also […]

Heathrow is giving up-and-coming British musical acts a platform like no other this summer, on the new Heathrow Introducing stage in Terminal 5. In what is set to be Heathrow’s busiest summer on record with the airport preparing to welcome over 30 million passengers between June and September, the initiative will give some of Britain’s […]

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) has implemented Xovis’ fully managed passenger flow management service AERO to help reduce wait times and enhance the passenger experience at its terminal. According to Xovis, the Florida gateway needed a robust system capable of addressing today’s passenger flow challenges and those of tomorrow. “With accurate, real-time data from Xovis, we […]

Miami International Airport (MIA) has started 2024 with its fastest pace ever for passenger growth, serving 1.5 million more travellers in the first quarter than its previous record set in the same period last year. In the first three months of 2024, MIA welcomed 14.9 million passengers, which was a significant 11.6% increase from 13.3 […]

iGA Istanbul Airport has launched a new ‘Istanbulites’ exhibition featuring human landscapes through the eyes of Venezuelan artist Jesús Briceño Reyes. Organised in collaboration with contemporary art platform Zarastro Art and İGA ART, the exhibition shows just how seriously iGA is taking its mission to become a leading centre for culture. Open for visitors between […]

AviAlliance and the co-shareholders of Budapest Airport have agreed to sell the airport to a consortium consisting of the Hungarian state-owned Corvinus Zrt and Vinci Airports. As all terms of the agreement have already been met, the transaction was completed. Gerhard Schroeder, managing sirector of AviAlliance, until today biggest shareholder in Budapest Airport, says: “Since […]

Global IT aviation provider SITA is partnering the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to create new offsite passenger processing solutions. It claims that new remote solutions would provide airline passengers with a fresh experience of checking themselves and their luggage in from almost any location – even before they arrive at the airport. In […]

London Heathrow’s Terminal 2, and the first airline to use it, United Airlines, are today celebrating the 10th anniversary of the facility named after the late Queen Elizabeth II. More than 148 million passengers have passed through Terminal 2’s doors, and over one million planes have landed and departed, since it opened on 4th June […]

Airports are digitally transforming with the sector expected to increase investment in technology by an average of 17% in 2024, according to Travel Technology Investment Trends, a major new study commissioned by Amadeus. Data from the study points to shared airport and airline objectives, with both seeking to improve the passenger experience. In fact, senior […]

Founded-in-Philly coffee phenomenon, La Colombe, has opened its fifth location at Philadelphia International Airport in the Pennsylvanian gateway’s Terminal F. La Colombe’s rise to success began in 1994, when the coffee empire was started by Todd Carmichael and Jean Philippe Iberti in Philly’s Rittenhouse Square neighbourhood. The once-local roastery has since expanded its brand and […]

Three foundational Resolutions aimed at ensuring a safe and sustainable aviation system as demand for air travel continues to rise were unanimously adopted by airport members today at ACI World’s Annual General Assembly in Riyadh. ACI World director general and CEO, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, noted: “Global passenger traffic is poised to soar, with projections […]

London Gatwick generated £5.5 billion for the UK economy and supported over 76,000 jobs in 2023 – levels close to those pre-pandemic, according to new research by leading economists Oxera. The majority of this vital economic activity  took place in six local authority areas across the South East – West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Kent, […]

Phoenix mayor, Kate Gallego, and members of the Phoenix City Council have heard about plans to build a new terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). With more than 48 million passengers in 2023 and passenger numbers continuing to grow, a new terminal is necessary to meet passenger demand and maintain a high level […]

The Fraport Group has enjoyed a successful start to the year, with all key financial indicators achieving at least double-digit growth rates in the first quarter of 2024. The main driver of this positive trend was the continued rise in passenger numbers at most of the airports across Fraport’s global network, which helped boost the […]

India’s new Noida International Airport (DXN), which is expected to open at the end of the year, has awarded the concession for retail and duty-free to a consortium of Heinemann Asia Pacific and BWC Forwarders Private Limited. Airport CEO, Christoph Schnellmann, said: “As we continue to develop Noida International Airport into a world-class facility, this […]

Isavia CEO, Sveinbjörn Indridason, tells Joe Bates more about the growth and development plans of Iceland’s Keflavík Airport. Keflavík Airport (KEF), Iceland’s gateway to the world, states that it is constantly evolving to keep up with demand and meet the growing needs of passengers and the aviation industry. And like the rugged and ever changing […]

With 24 weekly flights from China to Munich, travel between the two metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing and the Bavarian capital is back in full swing. As a result, Munich Airport has reintroduced its personal shopping assistant service for Chinese passengers in Terminal 2. Chinese-speaking shopping assistants aim to break down language barriers and make […]

The Shannon Airport Group has completed the final phase of its multi-million euro airbridge enhancement programme, which saw the replacement of six airbridges at Shannon Airport. The new airbridges will allow passengers to board aircraft directly from the airport terminal building without exposing them and airline crews to the elements. One airbridge was replaced between […]

Following a year of strong growth, Shannon Airport is gearing up to reach the two million passenger mark by the end of 2024, the first time since 2009. According to Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, growth across all key air services in 2023 surpassed expectations. “Last year saw us welcome 1.959 million […]

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has installed Xovis’ passenger flow management system (PFMS) at a busy security checkpoint. Said to have been selected because of its high degree of accuracy and intuitive user interface, the Canadian airport reports that the new system was installed with limited disruptions to “the terminal space”. “Our Digital Twin has transformed […]

Global travellers, particularly those from younger generations, are looking for much more than just utility and a bit of shopping when they visit the airport, according to new research. Findings from the latest round of the Airport Experience research, a comprehensive study of more than 9,000 travellers conducted by global airport lounge and experience specialists […]

Global airport investor, VINCI Airports, has acquired a 50.01% stake in Edinburgh Airport in Scotland. It will now work in partnership with Global Infrastructure Partners on developing the gateway, which supports 28,000 jobs in Scotland and contributes £1.4 billion a year to the Scottish economy. Sir John Elvidge, chairman of Edinburgh Airport, said: “We are […]

The rollout of new and improved security scanning technology at Dublin Airport will continue to pick up pace over the coming months, according to airport operator daa. Around one third of the airport’s 30+ existing X-ray scanners have already been replaced by new cutting edge C3 scanners, with the airport on track to have replaced […]

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has launched its own rewards programme in a bid to further incentivise travellers to use the Michigan gateway. Called DTW Rewards, it is described as a free loyalty programme that provides members with perks such as gift cards, airline miles and cash back for nearly every dollar spent at […]

With the increasing visitor growth Louisville’s tourism economy is experiencing, greeting guests where many begin their journey to Bourbon City is Louisville Tourism’s newest mission. Louisville’s first Airport Welcome Center, a new resource available to help travellers navigate the city’s hotels, attractions, culinary and Bourbon options, is now open at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International […]

Global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm, HOK, has unveiled two new terminal designs that it believes showcase how midsize airports are transforming travel across the United States. In Mobile, Alabama, the new five-gate terminal will make the downtown airport a domestic and international travel destination. The project – being carried out in collaboration FSB […]

The Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has approved $160 million for design and construction of the EWR Station Access project, which will add a new entry point to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station. The project is expected to greatly improve transit accessibility for underserved Newark […]

SSP America, a division of SSP Group has been awarded a 10-year contract to lease, develop, and manage the Spokane International Airports restaurant and retail programme. As a result, it will oversee the operation of nearly six retail locations and be responsible for developing and operating 11 restaurant locations in the airport’s terminals and soon-to-open […]

Amsterdam Schiphol’s Klaas Boersma and multimodal researcher, Aniek Toet, reflect on the importance of a shared vision when it comes to embracing multimodality at the world’s airports. I am obviously biased, but the journey airports have made over the last 50 years to become key social and economic generators, synonymous with global trade and connectivity, […]

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), The New Terminal One (NTO) and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports have announced the launch of the commercial programme for the privately funded $9.5 billion all-international terminal scheduled to open in 2026 as part of the $19 billion transformation of New York-JFK. According to the trio, the […]

Global airport operator, Fraport, today announced record highs for revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for fiscal year 2023. The key driver, it states, was a continued recovery in passenger numbers – particularly at the Fraport Group’s airports outside of Germany. Buoyed by this trend, the Group result (or net profit) […]

Tulsa International Airport has opened a state-of-the-art exhibit area within the airport terminal, specifically designed to entertain, engage, and educate young travellers. Designed to enhance the airport experience for families, the Oklahoma gateway notes that the new initiative is in partnership with the local favourite children’s museum, Discovery Lab. Its addition is just in time […]

New global research from Amadeus, Travel Technology Investment Trends, has revealed a strong appetite for investment across the travel sector in 2024. According to its findings, nearly all (91%) travel companies surveyed said that they expect ‘moderate to aggressive’ increases in investment in their organisations in 2024. Launching today, the research – which examines eight […]

London’s Heathrow Airport served a record number of passengers in February as 5.8 million people passed through the UK hub last month. The busiest ever February half-term saw more than two million passengers at Heathrow. Winter sun won over the ski slopes with nearly two thirds of travellers landing somewhere warmer than London. Even before […]

Spanish airport operator, Aena, today revealed that it expects its annual passenger numbers to exceed 300 million in 2025, one year earlier than previously projected. The admission, has led it to revise its traffic forecasts and update its financial targets, with around 294 million passengers now expected to pass through its airports this year before […]

Munich Airport is no stranger to using robotic technology having trialled a number of devices over the years, the latest of which is a new snackbot from which passengers can buy food and drinks. Snackbot ‘JEEVES’ – the name is based on a loyal and competent servant from an English novel – offers a selection […]

CEO, François-Régis Le Mière, tells Joe Bates more about recent developments at Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport and his hopes and expections for the year ahead. With an ongoing upgrade to the domestic terminal and one of the most modern international terminals in Latin America, Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) is looking […]

Glasgow Airport in Scotland is to host a series of accessibility technology trials this month. The trials are being carried out in collaboration with Connected Places Catapult as part of the Connected Airport Living Lab programme. Connected Places Catapult is descibed as “the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership”. Glasgow Airport has […]

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has introduced dedicated screening lanes for families with younger children transferring through the airport. It believes that the new lanes will boost customer satisfaction levels, reduce wait times at security checkpoints, and provide staff assistance to aide families with their personal belongings. According to the airport, the initiative reflects its commitment […]

Finavia will further diversify Helsinki Airport’s restaurant offering with the opening of eight new F&B oulets in the spring. The new additions, which are part of the revamp of the airport, means that passengers will soon be served by nearly 50 restaurants and cafés. Nora Immonen, Finavia’s director of commercial services, business, at Helsinki Airport, […]

Christchurch Airport today released its half-year financial results which deliver a higher interim dividend to the New Zealand city than forecast, from a total operating revenue of NZ$115.5 million for the six months to  December 31, 2023. Chair of Christchurch International Airport Limited (CIAL), Sarah Ottrey, says strong visitor numbers, coupled with the strength of […]

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) – the company selected to build and operate John F Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 6 – today marked one year since breaking ground on the $4.2 billion terminal with a sneak peek of the facility through a new animated rendering […]

Passengers and former colleagues are being asked to share their stories of Aberdeen International Airport as it prepares for its 90th anniversary. The largest transport hub in northern Scotland has been at the heart of the community since it began operations in July 1934, when Lord Arbuthnott officially opened it. Several celebrations are planned for […]

London’s Heathrow Airport enjoyed the third busiest year in its history, and made a profit for the first time since 2019 last year as it continued its recovery from the global pandemic. A total of 79.2 million passengers passed through its facilities in 2023, nearly 30% more than the previous year. It claims that it […]

The latest Airport Industry Outlook, released by ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), presents a positive trend in the recovery of passenger traffic and airport finances. However, macroeconomic factors continue to pose challenges to the overall recovery of the sector. The Airport Industry Outlook, developed in partnership with Mott MacDonald, reveals the […]

TAV Airports’ full-year financial and operational results for 2023 show that it handled 96 million passengers (+22%) across its gateways last year and saw its revenues soar by 25% to €1.3 billion. Forecasting 100 to 110 million passengers in 2024, the company revised its 2022-2025 compound growth expectations upwards. TAV Airports CEO, Serkan Kaptan, stated: […]

SITA’s 2023 Air Transport IT Insights report, published today, finds that both airports and airlines saw IT spend increase year on year into 2023, reaching an estimated $10.8 billion and $34.5 billion respectively, with over two-thirds of airport and airline CIOs expecting continued growth into 2024. Airports also boosted IT spend as a percentage of […]

Passing through security at Denver International Airport (DEN) should get faster and more efficient from this week following the opening of the gateway’s new West Security Checkpoint. The checkpoint, which officially opens today, is the first of two new state-of-the-art security checkpoints on Level 6 (passenger check-in) to open as part of DEN’s Great Hall […]

Passengers at Dublin Airport will have more bus options available to them than ever before after new permits were issued to allow bus operators to pick up and drop off outside the airport’s two terminals. Following a successful tender process for the allocation of bus stops at Dublin Airport, daa has secured commitments from operators […]

Shannon Airport has introduced a new innovative Mobile Passport Control app (MPC) that it believes will enhance the travel experience for passengers travelling to the United States. MPC is a free mobile app, designed to streamline the traveller’s entry process into the United States by reducing inspection time at the US pre-clearance facility in Shannon […]

Rising traffic demand at Munich Airport has led to a significant increase in the number of services to Asia from the German gateway this year, with record passengers numbers expected on the routes from the start of the summer schedules. It notes that a total of nine airlines are currently planning 107 weekly flights to […]

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) in the US is set to become the latest gateway to trial Aurrigo’s autonomous Auto-Dolly baggage tug. The trial at CVG is being conducted in collaboration with International Airlines Group (IAG) – the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL – and the US airport. “As one […]

Turin Airport (TRN) is celebrating the opening of a new train link that makes it possible to travel between it and downtown Turin in just 31 minutes. The importance of the new Turin-Airport-Ciriè-Germagnano railway line saw Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini; Minister of Public Administration, Paolo Zangrillo, and […]

Aena today announced that an all-time high of 283,195,399 passengers (+16.2%) passed through Spain’s airports in 2023 – nearly 3% more than the previous record, set prior to the pandemic in 2019. Reflecting on the performance, Aena’s chairman and CEO, Maurici Lucena, stated that “the record figures in air transport are fundamental for the economic […]

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) celebrated its 50th anniversary at the weekend. “North Texas would not be the national success story it is today without DFW Airport. The City of Dallas has grown tremendously over the years in large part due to DFW,” enthused Mayor of Dallas, Eric Johnson. “While DFW has benefitted our region […]

Dublin Airport is to overhaul the food and drink offerings in both its terminals, adding more than 20 new and improved bars, cafes and restaurants for passengers. The latest changes are the final piece in the jigsaw of a five-year journey to transform the food and beverage options available to passengers at Dublin Airport and […]

Ottawa International Airport (YOW) has opened a collection of new food and beverage outlets as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience. The new additions include Bridgehead Coffee, La Bottega – Ottawa’s favourite Italian grocer and supplier of Italian foods – and Bento, the popular sushi outlet that began life as a […]

The opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s eagerly awaited Terminal A is expected to signal the dawn of an exciting new era for the UAE gateway, writes Joe Bates. Without doubt the opening of the new state-of-the-art Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is a game changer for the UAE gateway, as it […]

Sacramento International Airport’s $1.3 billion expansion programme will take the Californian gateway to new heights, writes Arthur Shurr. The 19th century California Gold Rush transformed Sacramento into a major commercial centre, a vital distribution locus, and the capital of California. Today, the $1.3 billion SMForward expansion programme for Sacramento International Airport (SMF) looks to drive […]

Vantage Airport Group has reached agreement to acquire an additional ownership interest in LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) from Skanska, which is divesting its 32% ownership in the consortium. Vantage will acquire approximately 16% of Skanska’s interest for $57 million. The transaction is conditional on regulatory approvals and customary terms and conditions. LGP is the private […]

Kansai International Airport (KIX) has officially re-opened the newly renovated international departure area of Terminal 1. Operator, Kansai Airports, says the major renovation is designed to enhance the passenger experience by providing them with bigger and better facilities. According to KIX, the project serves multiple purposes, one of which is that it will raise the […]

Christmas has officially started at Heathrow, when this morning’s inbound passengers were met with a specially commissioned ballet performance from six professional dancers hailing from some of the UK’s most prestigious companies. The dance was created especially for the airport to give passengers a magical start to their Christmas break, and to celebrate the emotional […]

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport generates nearly 20,000 jobs and contributes $4 billion in annual economic output to the Upstate South Carolina region, according to the facility’s latest economic impact study. The study found that GSP’s $4 billion total economic impact is 40% greater than the $2.9 billion impact in 2018 and eleven times greater than the […]

SSP America has opened a collection of restaurants and bars at Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW), with the majority located in a food court area called the Central Market. The collection is comprised primarily of local brands consistent with SSP America’s focus on bringing a ‘taste of place’ to the airports its serves. It has […]

Security upgrades are now underway at Leeds Bradford Airport in the UK with the installation of what it calls “game changing” security infrastructure. According to the gateway, the installation of next-generation industry leading Leidos equipment will offer a smoother customer experience and enable passengers to travel through security without the need to remove items from […]

Charlotte Ljunggren, director for marketing and commercial business development, tells us more about the opening of Stockholm Arlanda Airport’s new Marketplace development. Are you excited about the first phase opening of Stockholm Arlanda’s new Marketplace development? Absolutely, as it will transform the commercial space in Terminal 5 and is the second big development at the […]

Sheikh Aimen Al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports, provides Joe Bates with an update on the progress of Muscat International Airport and the development of his country’s airport system. Can you tell us a little more about Muscat International Airport (MCT)? Muscat International Airport is arguably the jewel in the crown of our airports as […]

ACI World and Amadeus today open submissions for the prestigious 2024 Technology Innovation Awards that showcase the top airport technology initiatives and leadership that are shaping the future of air transport. ACI airport members are encouraged to submit their candidacy to the fourth and growing edition of ACI World-Amadeus Technology Innovation Awards, which will see […]

In a first for an Australian airport, Google has launched Indoor Live View at Sydney Airport, just in time for the Christmas travel rush. The new augmented reality (AR) feature on Google Maps provides arrows, directions, and distance markers superimposed on the camera view, to point people in the right direction across the terminals. According […]

The Golden Arches of McDonald’s Australia are ready to rise for the first time at Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal this summer. It’s one of 10 new food and beverage destinations opening in the coming months as part of the airport’s terminal redevelopment. Last year, 16 million passengers passed through the transport hub, which is the […]

The Shannon Airport Group contributes almost €4 billion (€3.96bn) to Ireland’s GDP and supports over 20,300 jobs, according to a new report. Published today, the report independently produced by economic advisory firm Oxford Economics, highlights the significant positive impact of The Shannon Airport Group to the Irish and Mid-West economy in 2022. It also considers […]

Nakhon Si Thammarat International Airport in southern Thailand is set to open its new $40 million international terminal next month. The new eight-gate facility covers 30,000sqm and is said to boast state-of-the-art facilities that will boost the airport’s capacity to four million passengers per annum. Three airlines – Nok Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion […]

Uptown Phoenix and InMotion are the latest retail outlets to open inside the brand-new S1 Concourse in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The WH Smith North America (WHSNA) operated stores were celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a cheque presentation to the company’s long-time charity partner, Miracle Flights, which […]

Tulsa International Airport (TUL) passengers who are blind or have low vision (BLV) now have free access to the Aira app, which is a visual interpreting service that acts as an assistant to help users navigate their environments and answer their questions. Aira customers are able to use this service anywhere for a fee, but […]

London Stansted Airport has received planning permission to extend its terminal building. The decision was made by the Planning Inspectorate following a hearing held on 17 October and, according to the UK, the extension “will transform the airport experience and provide capacity to accommodate growth towards the airport’s approved limit”. The scheme will add a […]

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) operator, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), has signed an agreement with the Dongguan Port Group to establish a joint venture to develop HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park in Mainland China. The new facility will handle sea-air cargo transhipments being transported between Hong Kong and Dongguan. When completed, cargo security screening, palletisation […]

The air transportation industry is immersed in discussions and events revolving around innovation. However, these conversations often overlook the strategic framework required for effective implementation. In this article, we explore the recent executive-level Forum on Innovation organised by the International Airport Professional Community of Practice (IAP CoP). The objective was to highlight the vital role […]

The creation of its first ‘Experience Space’ ensures that a new and truly unique experience is awaiting the travellers at Copenhagen Airport, according Gebr Heinemann. The travel retailer reveals that the new innovation centres around the overarching topic of ‘fluid perspectives’ and invites the visitors to enjoy cutting edge innovation with lift and learn technology, […]

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has awarded Fraport Washington Partnership LLC (Fraport USA) a ten-year contract to lease, develop and manage the concessions programme at Washington DC’s Dulles and Reagan National airports. Under the new contract with the MWAA, effective in January 2024, Fraport USA will be responsible for day-to-day management of the concessions programme […]

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has completed a major bond financing totalling $1.062 billion. The combination of the bond sales in 2021 and 2023 have provided $2.35 billion towards the projected $3.4 billion cost of San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1 project, whose first phase is set to open in late summer 2025. […]

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) contributes an estimated $38 billion in direct and indirect payroll support, $24 billion in visitor spending and about $5 billion in state and local tax revenue each year, according to the results of an updated economic impact study. The study also reveals that the Texas gateway also supports more than […]

It has been announced that Porter Airlines and Nieuport have “amicably resolved their outstanding disputes and litigation” relating to terminal fees at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. In autumn 2022, the owner of the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (BBTCA) passenger terminal, Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners GP, obtained judgment against Porter Airlines Inc relating to […]

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) believes that it has elevated the guest experience with the opening of a host of new retail and F&B outlets at the West Gates in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. According to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and concessions partner, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), the new dining options offer a mix of […]

Heathrow has launched a trial allowing passengers to pre-book security slots ahead of their journeys, one of the first airports in the UK to offer this system. Heathrow Timeslot is a free service which will give passengers a designated time and entry point to the security search area. According to the UK hub, this will […]

Philadelphia International Airport continues to embrace biometric technology to enhance security and ensure the quick and easy facilitation of its passengers, writes SITA Americas director, Kristin Lindsey. With the return of international travel gathering pace, an ever-increasing number of US airports are adopting international outbound biometric boarding solutions to support the efforts of US Customs […]

After major data breaches hit American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and the Scandinavian airline SAS this year, it’s become evident that the cyber security threat to aviation is very real, writes Vance Hilderman. As a result, in the US in March of this year, the Transport Security Association (TSA) issued an emergency amendment to the security […]

Airports can redefine perimeter security by embracing unified solutions and deploying emerging technologies, writes Genetec’s Jon Hill. For good reason, airside physical security strategies have traditionally focused on securing and monitoring the perimeter. It’s a proven and effective means of identifying dangerous elements or intruders at a distance before they reach more high-risk zones. Protecting […]

Nearly 400 delegates and 37 exhibitors made the smart choice by attending the recent SMART Airports & Regions Conference and Exhibition in Edmonton, writes Joe Bates. With its innovative take on everything from embracing renewable energy, working in tandem with its neighbours and the commercial development of its Airport City Sustainability Campus, in many ways […]

Seven new specialty retail shops are now open for business at Nashville International Airport (BNA). According to operator Fraport Tennessee, the new arrivals reflect the airport’s record growth in domestic and international travel and boost the shopping appeal of the gateway. Tennessee originals such as the Goo Goo Shop, Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, […]

Airport World provides a round-up of the some of latest airport and aviation industry security news stories from across the globe. Dawn of new era for airport security? A walk-through security scanner that it is claimed can cut airport passenger queues is seeking to raise investment. A series of demonstrations for investors in August is […]

Nashville’s popular all-natural juice bar and eatery, The Urban Juicer, has touched down at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The company’s second store outside Music City opened September 8, 2023, and is located in the Terminal F Food Court. The store’s top seller, ‘The Well-Being’ smoothie, is a blend of cucumber, lemon, ginger, apple, spinach, kale, […]

ACI World’s senior director for security, technology and innovation, Billy Shallow, addresses some of the key issues facing airport security in a continuously evolving landscape. Travel is officially back, with passengers in the Northern Hemisphere taking to airports to jet off on their summer holidays and business travel beginning to bounce back. As a result, […]

London’s Heathrow Airport is celebrating the end of a successful summer after 7.5 million passengers passed through its facilities in August. The UK hub says that during the month, passengers checked in more bags than ever before, and claims that its baggage support team “went the extra mile” to help airline handlers get bags away […]

China’s Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) has opened a new commercial street of international brands in T3A Terminal. The airport’s new ‘STARRY GALLERIA’ initiative is a result of the work of the Sino-Singapore Chongqing Airport Commercial Management Co Ltd – the joint venture set up by Singapore Changi subsidiary, Changi Airports International (CAI), and the […]

Joe Bates looks back at some of the highlights from June’s eventful ACI EUROPE/ACI WORLD Annual Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Barcelona. A record 850 delegates, a number of key announcements, the chance to reunite with colleagues and, of course, two days of lively debate in the beautiful city of Barcelona ensured that this year’s […]

While cost and connectivity are still key, the airport experience has become an increasingly important consideration for passengers when booking flights, according to a new report. SITA’s 2023 Passenger IT Insights report, published today, finds customers looking to technology to optimise every aspect of the post-pandemic travel landscape, from addressing pain points in the airport […]

CEO, Jonny Andersen, tells Joe Bates more about the growth and development of Curaçao International Airport, which boasts one of the newest terminals in the Caribbean and a growing route network. Located just 40 miles north of Venezuela off of the tip of South America, Curaçao International Airport (CUR) is the gateway to the tropical […]

Abu Dhabi International Airport’s long awaited new state-of-the-art terminal will officially open for business in early November. Known as the Midfield Terminal Building during the construction phase but now known as Terminal A, its opening will mark a significant milestone for the emirate as it has the potential to transform the local aviation ecosystem. Operator, […]

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) today celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for its West Gate Expansion project. The event was attended by dozens of Central Texas and Austin leaders that included Congressman Doggett, Congressman Casar, Austin Mayor, Kirk Watson, and Austin City Council members Vanessa Fuentes and Ryan Alter. The project is one of the near-term Journey […]

Hong Kong International Airport’s new SkyPier Terminal today welcomed the first group of transfer passengers who travelled by bonded bus from Macau to the airport’s restricted area directly via the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge. The “seamless transfer service” is also available for air-to-bridge transfer passengers from oversea destinations, who travel by bonded bus from the airport […]

London Gatwick’s interim financial results for the first half of 2023 show that it enjoyed a “strong” six months, despite what it called a “challenging operational environment”. The airport’s revenue increased in the first half of 2023, compared to 2022, and it achieved an improved EBITDA and increased net profit in the half year ending […]

A host of new shops and restaurants will open at Stockholm Arlanda this autumn as the first stage of the Market Place is completed. One of the new additions is Gateau, a craft bakery with a French twist that will offer passengers a premium-quality classic Swedish fika, or coffee and pastry. Immediately adjacent to the […]

Passenger numbers continue to grow at Hong Kong International Airport, rising by 14.9% in July on the same month a year ago as a total of 3.8 million travellers passed through the gateway. According to operator, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), the daily passenger average in July exceeded 120,000, recovering to 60% of the pre-pandemic […]

Changi Airports International (CAI) has signed two agreements with Cairo Airport Company to jointly develop Cairo International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Africa and the largest airport in Egypt by passenger and cargo traffic. The first consultancy agreement is passenger focused and seeks to implement impactful solutions to improve passenger experience at Cairo […]

Passengers traveling through Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) in the US will begin to see a transition in food and beverage offerings this month as part of the airport’s new concessions programme. SSP America was recently awarded a contract to operate a collection of post-security restaurants at Fresno Yosemite International Airport including Peet’s Coffee, Ike’s […]

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has announced that LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B has won the National Academy of Construction’s inaugural Recognition of Special Achievement Award. The award celebrates the creativity, innovation, and vision behind the construction of a world-class airport terminal. “The National Academy of Construction’s Recognition of Special […]

SSP Group has been awarded a seven year contract extension at London City Airport, which will see the opening of brand-new concepts. The deal comes as part of a £12 million upgrade of the Departure Lounge which includes a revamp to the F&B offer with the aim of providing the modern traveller with unique, local […]

Copenhagen Airport recorded a profit before tax of DKK167 million in a busy second quarter to reverse its loss before tax from the winter months. As a result, the Danish airport posted an overall profit before tax for the first half year of DKK108 million, during which time it handled 12.4 million passengers – 31% […]

Arrive at any major international airport, and a multitude of languages greet visitors. A wonderful recognition of the international nature of the crowds who visit, the gesture also has a strategic purpose: to make those visiting feel more comfortable in what could be a chaotic environment. These could include an uncertainty about car parking. Disorientating check-in […]

Hamad International Airport (DOH) continues to enjoy impressive traffic growth, experiencing a 35% rise in passenger numbers  during the first half of 2023. The Qatari gateway also witnessed an 18.1% increase in aircraft movements compared to the same period a year ago. The airport saw a total of 20,775,087 passengers during the first half of […]

Seven additional gates opened at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A today marking another significant milestone the new $2.7 billion facility. The new gates will be used by United Airlines and JetBlue and opened as part of the second phase development of the new terminal, following the unveiling of more concession and retail offerings over […]

VINCI Airports today finalised the financial arrangements for the acquisition of seven airports in Cabo Verde, completing the concession agreement signed with the government a year ago. VINCI Airports secured €60 million in financing, maturing over 20 years, from three development banks: World Bank-IFC, Proparco (France) and DEG (Germany). This financing is certified under the […]

Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) president and CEO, Deborah Flint, has provided an update on Toronto Pearson International Airport’s mid-summer performance. Since last summer, Toronto Pearson has tangibly improved passenger experience across its operations, implemented digital innovations and bolstered staffing. These advancements, she says, have expedited check-in and boarding processes, reduced wait times and upgraded […]

San Diego International Airport’s new Terminal 1 will feature restaurants and shops that look, feel, and taste like San Diego, according to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board. The Board has approved the final group of New T1 concessions leases for restaurants and retail shops that offer a mix of local, regional, and […]

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) today announced a $125 million commercial redevelopment programme for Terminal 8 at John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The project, carried out in partnership with American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports, will feature a new Great Hall and is expected to bring more than 60 […]

Munich Airport’s new innovation centre, LabCampus, was officially opened today by airport CEO, Jost Lammers, and State Minister, Albert Füracker. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Munich Airport, LabCampus is described as a new, top location for innovation at the centre of Europe that will bring together research institutions, high-tech industries, young companies and up-and-coming talents from […]

Aena has awarded its electricity supply contract to Endesa Energía SAU and Iberdrola Clientes SAU as it steps up its bid to develop solar power installations across its entire airport network. It states that the purpose of the new deals is to carry out the procedures related to the purchase of energy with 100% renewable […]

Spanish airport operator, Aena, has signed a sustainable syndicated credit line (sustainability-linked RCF) for €2 billion, which it says proves its commitment to the environment, social responsibility and good corporate governance. The financing has been granted by 14 national and international financial institutions and has been led by Banco Santander as Arranger and Sustainable Agent. […]

Munich Airport (MUC) and Lufthansa are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Terminal 2. The terminal building was jointly planned and financed by Munich Airport and Lufthansa and has been jointly operated since the end of June 2003. This partnership between an airport and an airline remains unique worldwide and has been gradually further developed. In […]

Sonia Corrochano, director of Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, talks to Joe Bates about the growth, development and future expansion plans of Europe’s seventh busiest passenger gateway. Barcelona’s Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is Spain’s second biggest gateway after Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and the seventh busiest airport in Europe based on the 41.6 million […]

Hong Kong International Airport’s Sky Bridge has its own cocktail bar after today’s opening of ‘Intervals’ by the Plaza Premium Group. PPG boldly promises that the first-of-its-kind concept will offer “an unparalleled world-class cocktail and dining experience”. Indeed, it describes as Intervals as being a destination in its own right, offering “a creative concept that […]

A new study has ranked San Antonio International Airport (SAT) second in the United States for having a short security wait time. According to luggage storage service, Bounce, SAT’s average time is six minutes and six seconds. “San Antonio has moved from eighth to second since last year, seeing its average wait time shrink by […]

Radio frequency cyber technology can help combat the dangers posed by the growing number of rogue drones flying close to airports and, in some cases, breaching the perimeter fence, writes Jeffrey Star, CMO of D-Fend Solutions. Drone sightings and incidents around airports have increased significantly in recent years. Since the beginning of 2023 alone, there […]

It’s take-off for Shannon Airport’s new Chicago service with United Airlines today as the first flight takes to the skies towards the windy city. At 8.50am this morning, excited passengers boarded the Boeing 757-200 aircraft departing at 9.30am, for the first daily seasonal Chicago service from Shannon bound for O’Hare International Airport. Speaking at a gate celebration to mark […]

New computed tomography (CT) security scanners in Terminals 1 and 2 will make passenger and baggage checks at Munich Airport safer, faster and more convenient. “We have subjected the technology to extensive tests, and the results are unequivocal: Passengers like the scanners because they no longer have to unpack their laptops and liquids, which makes […]

Regular visitors to Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the UK will notice big changes to the terminal as construction of its new security hall progresses. With upstairs queuing space reducing due to the £40m project, BHX has moved its car hire counters to one of its car parks to create alternative queueing areas downstairs. Its ‘assisted […]

Esri’s global transportation industry director, Terry Bills, explains how the digital transformation of airfield inspections has enhanced safety and operational efficiency at two very different US gateways. Maintaining the continuous safety of an airport’s runways, taxiways and ramps requires dedicated teams focused on a large number of details. Each light, pavement marking, navigational aid and […]

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) believes that it could handle up to 218,000 passengers a day during peak travel days around the Memorial Day holiday weekend. If the projections prove to be true, it will make the days between Thursday, May 25, through Monday, May, 29 the highest for passenger volumes at the airport since […]

Hamburg Airport has launched an international public tendering process for four food & beverage locations in two lots. Three of the locations are within the security-controlled area and one in the publicly accessible area. The airport stresses that it places “great value on a diverse food & beverage offering” and is seeking “a wide range […]

Clare Williams Fannin of Templemere PR explores how innovative tech is transforming the airport passenger experience. By definition, airports are tech-forward spaces. But technology shouldn’t only be reserved for the complex processes of managing flights. It also has a role to play in helping to deliver the best possible experience to passengers. Mark Smith, chief […]

Elena Avila, head of the airport and airline operations business unit at Amadeus, talks to Airport World about some of the IT challenges, and potential solutions, facing airports today. What would you say to those that argue that such is the rapid advancement of IT systems that any new technology is almost out of date […]

SITA Americas’ head of technology, Sherry Stein, explains how the travel trends of tomorrow are shaping airport IT agendas today. SITA recently released two pieces of research giving a glimpse into the transformational change taking place or expected in the air transport industry. While the topics and timelines of these reports differed, clear lines connect […]

ACI World’s senior director for security, technology and innovation, Billy Shallow, considers how technology and the smart use of data will continue to transform the airport industry. If we look at the glass being half full instead of half empty, recent flight delays and disruption could actually be seen in a positive light as it […]

Heinemann Duty Free Malaysia has officially launched its redeveloped stores at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Terminal 2 (KLIA Terminal 2). As a result, it claims that passengers travelling through KLIA Terminal 2 departures can now look forward to a “refreshed and inviting store across all categories, further enhancing the overall airport experience”. The new store […]

Global airport operator, Fraport, today revealed that it has “successfully started the new 2023 business year, achieving a noticeable improvement in the Group’s key financial figures during the first quarter of 2022. The positive performance, it says, was driven by ongoing traffic recovery across Fraport’s global network of airports. As a result, Group revenue increased […]

Heinemann’s eye catching confectionery shop at Hong Kong International Airport has re-opened for business following an upturn in passenger numbers at the gateway. According to Heinemann Asia Pacific, its Sweet Dreams outlet, which debuted at the airport in July 2018, aims to “delight and inspire travellers both young and old, with interactive displays and playful, […]

Mayor, Matt Mahan, made a flying visit to San José Mineta International Airport this week for the official opening of Jim Stump’s Taproom + Kitchen in Terminal B. The new restaurant, located near Gates 23 & 24, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is open daily from from 6am to 9pm. It’s the latest project […]

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), which is on track to open in late 2026, has chosen Amadeus as its strategic airport systems technology partner. In the long-term, the airport is expected to become one of the biggest gateways to Australia. As a result of the technology partnership, Amadeus is confident that passengers can look forward […]

CEO, Geoff Culbert, talks to Joe Bates about Sydney Airport’s recovery from the global pandemic and ongoing efforts to enhance the Australian hub’s facilities and services. At October’s ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Conference & Exhibition in Marrakech, you described what a difference a year had made in terms of SYD’s recovery from COVID. Six […]

Getting to San Francisco International Airport’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 will get a lot easier for travellers from tomorrow with the re-opening of the facility’s AirTrain people mover station. The station has been closed since July 2021 to facilitate construction of a connection to the new terminal. According to SFO, AirTrain vehicles will begin stopping […]

The daa Group, operator of Dublin and Cork Airports, duty free firm Aer Rianta International (ARI), and international investment partner, daa International (daaI), recorded a profit before exceptional items of €98 million in 2022. The total compared to a loss of €101 million in the previous year and follows cumulative daa group losses during COVID-19 […]

In recognition of National Autism Awareness Month, Miami International Airport has hosted its first MIA Airport Instruction and Readiness (MIAair) tour since 2019 for more than 40 children with special needs. The tour allowed participants to walk through the airport travel experience from start to finish in a safe and controlled environment. Attendees included children […]

Pocket Bar & Bistro has become the latest new F&B offering to open its doors at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Airport operator, Swedavia, notes that the new addition offers “fantastic views of the runway” and aircraft taking off and landing from its location, one level up in SkyCity. It promises to be a busy year for […]

Plaza Premium Group has unveiled its second lounge at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome, Italy. Located in Schengen Area of Terminal 1, the lounge is said to provide a “serene and restful space complemented with a world-class in-lounge experience thoughtfully curated by a team of passionate hospitality experts for all types of travellers”. […]

The latest 2022 Airport IT Insights Survey reveals that airports are ramping up their investment in technology to digitalise their operations and streamline the passenger journey through more self-service options. The report – produced annually by ACI World and SITA – notes that with the quicker than expected recovery of air travel demand, chief information […]

Designers and authors Adam Scott and Dave Waddell extol the virtues of Munich Airport, pioneers in the design and management of the experience-led ‘always-meanwhile’ airport. In the often extremely long-term world of capital works programmes, so-called ‘meanwhile-state’ planning is the temporary use of land earmarked for development. At it’s very best, it’s where key stakeholders […]

Digitising airport CCTV systems can offer big gains in efficiency and cost savings, writes Andrew Dallmann. Airports in the US continue to squeeze in more flights, more people and more processes under their roofs while, in many cases, operating within spaces that were built decades ago to accommodate much lower traveller capacity. With recent studies […]

ACI World today reveals the the Top 10 busiest airports on the planet for passenger traffic, cargo and aircraft movements in 2022. It notes that each Top 10 welcomed back some of the world’s largest hubs, particularly in terms of passenger throughput, following the global re-opening of borders to international traffic. Passenger traffic The top […]

OTG has expanded its operations at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) with the opening of four innovative new F&B concepts. Following its initial makeover of Concourse G – which introduced over 43,000 square feet of elevated dining and retail programmes and secured MSP’s 2013 distinction of ‘Best Food & Beverage Program in North America’ from […]

The Shannon Airport Group has welcomed the allocation of €4.623,486 million in government funding to Shannon Airport announced today by Jack Chambers TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport. Almost €17 million in exchequer funding for regional airports was announced by Minister Chambers at a media event held at Shannon Airport this morning. […]

Passengers may get a glimpse of the future at Amsterdam Schiphol this spring as the airport begins trials of self driving buses. The trials are a result of the Royal Schiphol Group teaming up with nlmtd and TNW (The Next Web) to further accelerate innovation at the airport. According to the airport, nlmtd and TNW […]

ACI World has today published its 2023 edition of the Airport Economics Report and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), presenting a comprehensive view of the airport industry’s financial performance for the 2021 year. The annual Airport Economics Report presents an in-depth global analysis of airport industry revenues by source, costs, and related trends across the globe […]

Finnish airport operator, Finavia, today confirmed that its revenues grew substantially in 2022 and the operating margin turned positive. Nevertheless, the result for the financial year was negative due to the low passenger volumes at the regional airports and the low level of transfer travel at Helsinki Airport. The traffic decline at Helsinki Airport meant […]

VPorts has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Airport to build and operate a first vertiport in RAK designed to establish the UAE as a world-class global AAM hub. ‘‘With the support of the Department of Civil Aviation of Ras Al Khaimah, we are excited to build […]

London Gatwick Airport has today published its financial results for 2022, and recognising the urgent need to make net zero a reality has accelerated its commitment to be net zero for its own Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030, 10 years ahead of its previous commitment. This commitment, it says, is aligned with […]

London Gatwick Airport will open two new restaurants and wine bars this spring – Vagabond Bar & Kitchen and South Downs Sparkling Wine Bar. The new outlets, the airport states, will showcase “a vast array of the best local wines, beers and produce from across the region, alongside global options”. Award-winning urban winery, Vagabond, will […]

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s executive vice president of global strategy and development, John Ackerman, tells Joe Bates more about the growth and future development plans of the Texas gateway. It feels like Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and the Dallas Metroplex area are on a bit of a roll, with the Texas gateway building a […]

Sacramento International Airport has become the latest gateway to deploy facial biometric technology at select boarding gates. The US airport has installed state-of-the-art technology from Amadeus that it says will “revolutionise the process of verifying traveller identities by comparing live photos to the traveller’s existing passport or visa photo in secure US Department of Homeland […]

Marshall Retail Group (MRG) and InMotion, both WHSmith companies, have unveiled ten exciting new outlets inside the brand-new Single Terminal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI). The new terminal at MCI features MRG retailers in both concourses, with a wealth of new concepts designed just for Kansas City, Missouri. MRG says that it takes pride […]

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is anticipating a busy spring break travel period that is expected to draw more than 12 million passengers to the airport between March and April. The increase in passenger and vehicle traffic will make this spring break the most travelled at LAX since 2019, leading Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) […]

Changi Airport Group (CAG) has signed a formal partnership agreement with Aurrigo International for the continued joint development and testing of the company’s autonomous vehicles. According to Aurrigo, its innovative solutions offer the ability to reduce emissions and improve efficiencies in getting passenger bags to and from the terminal. The multi-year partnership with CAG provides […]

Dubai Airports today labelled 2022 a banner year for Dubai International Airport (DXB), revealing that it handled 66 million passengers during 12 months of robust growth. It notes that growth outpaced the annual forecast yet again in the final months of the year following an exceptionally strong fourth quarter, and believes that it is now […]

ACI World and Amadeus have today opened submissions for the third edition of the Technology Innovation Awards, putting a spotlight on industry-leading technology initiatives and leadership by airports around the world. Airport members of ACI are invited to submit their candidacy to the ACI World-Amadeus Technology Innovation Awards in one of three categories: Best innovation(s) […]

Passengers will soon be able to travel through Frankfurt Airport from check-in to boarding simply by scanning their faces at biometric touch-points across the gateway. This solution will utilise SITA and NEC technology and is available to all interested airlines at the airport. The implementation will see additional biometric touch-points installed by spring 2023. From […]

UK company AeroCloud Systems (AeroCloud) has won a contract to provide a full suite of airport operations management systems to Lincoln Airport (LNK) in the US state of Nebraska Its cloud-based airport operations platform will support ongoing terminal expansion work at LNK, which is due to be completed by February 2023. The Nebraska gateway handles around […]

New ‘smart windows’ have been installed in the recently opened 350,000-square-foot expansion of Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5, a major milestone in the $1.3 billion, four-year investment programme to expand and modernise the gateway. The windows, provided by View Inc, use artificial intelligence to optimise the amount of natural light in the terminal while minimising heat […]

Holland & Barrett, a leading UK wellness retailer, has partnered with WHSmith to offer a curated range of health, wellness and beauty products to customers travelling across the UK or jetting off on holiday. The trial will see Holland & Barrett concessions added to three WHSmith Travel stores in Heathrow Terminal 2 airside, Gatwick North […]

Faced with increased disruptions, baggage mountains, and staff shortages, airports and airlines are ramping up their investment in technology to digitalise their operations and speed up the passenger journey by offering more self-service options, according to SITA. SITA’s 2022 Air Transport IT Insights report, published today, reveals that with the post-pandemic recovery CIOs want to […]

Washington Reagan National Airport has opened ‘Curiosity Runway’, a new play area that it hopes will pique the pre-flight imagination of families with children. The gateway has created the new space in partnership with the National Children’s Museum – a learn-through-play institution in downtown Washington DC that sparks curiosity through science, technology, engineering, arts, and […]

Shannon Airport’s strong recovery in 2022 exceeded expectations, according to Shanon Airport Group CEO, Mary Considine. The Irish airport welcomed over 1.51 million passengers to the airport in 2022, a 300% increase on 2021 figures, and an 88% recovery of 2019 passenger levels. “The accelerated pace of the rebound in air travel from Shannon has […]

Tulsa International Airport has celebrated the opening of a new ‘A History through Dance’ art exhibit by Megan Torres. The exhibit features photography from Torres Fine Art, wardrobe pieces, and history information that highlights Tulsa’s Ballet Folklórico group, Tierra Mestiza. Tierra Mestiza has been a part of the community of Tulsa since the late 1990s, […]

ACI EUROPE and industry partners A4E, ERA and IATA today welcomed the decision to postpone the implementation of the EU’s new smart border system for non-EU nationals (i.e. Entry Exit System, EES). The EES system will be a game changer for how the EU’s borders are managed. There are, however, a number of issues which […]

Fraport has assumed responsibility for the organisation, management, and performance of the security checkpoints at Frankfurt Airport (FRA). The German Federal Police, who were previously tasked with these responsibilities, will continue to hold statutory oversight and supervision roles, as well as overall responsibility for aviation security. They will also continue to provide armed protection at […]

Glasgow Airport is trialling a special assistance support app to ensure all passengers who require additional help at the gateway get the assistance they need. The UK airport reveals that around 25% of requests for special assistance are made on the day of travel and hopes that the PRM Assist app will supplement the current […]

Airports across Europe continue to announce their annual traffic figures for 2022, the bulk of which are reporting a significant upturn in passenger numbers and routes as aviation’s recovery from the pandemic gathered momentum. Munch Airport, for example, reveals that it handled 31.6 million passengers in 2022 – 19 million more the previous year as […]

Ever Rich Duty Free has partnered with William Grant and Tasa Meng on a Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection promotion at Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport. To support the launch, the brand’s ground-breaking immersive Perpetual Collection pop-up concept has been installed in Terminal 2 and will be onsite until February 28. “This collection is Glenfiddich’s biggest launch in […]

Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport has become the first gateway in the Middle East to achieve Level 3 status in ACI’s Customer Experience Accreditation programme. To obtain Level 3, the Amman gateway notes that it implemented an “advanced customer experience strategy through multi-faceted engagement with customers, employees and customer experience professionals”. In addition, it says […]

Welcoming China’s decision to re-open border with quarantine-free travel, ACI Asia-Pacific reiterated its calls for a consistent and harmonised approach from governments in response measures towards managing inbound travel. Commenting on the development, ACI Asia-Pacific’s director general, Stefano Baronci, said: “China has played a dominating role in the region’s economy and is anticipated to be […]

Tan Lye Teck, Changi Airport Group’s executive vice president for airport management, brings Joe Bates up to speed on how his gateway has fared in 2022 and explains why Singapore Changi is looking to the future with optimism. As we near the end of 2022, where would you say Singapore Changi is in its recovery […]

According to Airport Dimensions, its newly commissioned research has pin-pointed how airports must adapt their retail and experience offerings to appeal to the modern traveller. The data reveals, unsurprisingly, that practical factors make a significant difference when it comes to improving travellers’ passenger experiences. A substantial 80% of those surveyed, for example, cited comfortable seating […]

Ferry transfer service between Hong Kong International Airport’s SkyPier and Macau are to resume on December 30, providing cross-boundary transport service for sea-to-air and air-to-sea transfer passengers. TurboJET, the ferry operator of the said service, will operate one round-trip between SkyPier and Macao Taipa Ferry Terminal every Friday and Sunday. Connecting to the Greater Bay […]

Lima Airport Partners (LAP) has signed a $1.25 million financing agreement to help fund the ongoing upgrade of Peru’s Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM). The financing for the ongoing development of the Peruvian gateway is being provided by seven banks – BBVA, IDB Invest, KfW IPEX Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), The Bank of […]

TAV Airports is set to operate Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport until at least 2050 after its €475 million plus VAT bid to extend its current concession by another 25 years was accepted by Turkey’s State Airports Authority (DHMİ). The decision, which is pending official approval, means that the global airport operator no longer faces having to […]

Just in time for the Christmas holidays, Lagardère AWPL has opened its new Aelia Duty Free stores at Adelaide Airport in Australia. Designed and built in partnership with peckvonhartel, Trivision, Studio All and Bestec, the new stores double the size of duty free retail across arrivals and departures. Inside 800 square metres of Departures and […]

TAV Technologies’ list of customers in Central Asia continues to grow with the announcement that Aktobe International Airport in Kazakhstan has become the latest gateway to use its Common Use Passenger System (CUPPS). The TAV Airports subsidiary, which also counts Almaty and Samarkand airports as customers, is confident that the Kazakh gateway will benefit from […]

Sydney Airport’s new luxury precinct is now home to Louis Vuitton’s first retail travel store in the southern hemisphere, as well as Gentle Monster’s first store in the region. The brand’s largest stand-alone travel retail store in the world offers a broad selection of premium women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, shoes, leather goods, accessories, watches, jewellery […]

The renovation of the central security checkpoint at Munich Airport’s Terminal 2 has begun as part of the gateway’s plans to transform the area with a new layout and state-of-the-art technology. When completed in the autumn of 2024, instead of the familiar traditional checkpoints, new lanes with innovative technology will be used to welcome and […]

Heathrow has enlisted hundreds of ‘Little Helpers’ to kick off the festive season for passengers by giving away 10,000 Christmas gifts. The gifts from the airport’s shops, bars and restaurants range from teddy bears, perfumes and Pret breakfasts to free flights and lounge access, and will be given out across all four terminals in the […]

Fortnum & Mason, an upmarket department store from the UK, has partnered with Lagardère Travel Retail to open its first travel retail location in Asia in the East Hall luxury zone at Hong Kong International Airport. The 46 square metre store offers a wide assortment of the brand’s most in-demand teas, biscuit, chocolates, tea accessories, […]

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is now home to the region’s first airport gaming lounge concept with the opening of Game Space earlier this week. The unique space is set to further enhance travellers’ experience at the world’s busiest international airport. Offering a novel alternative to the normal pre-flight routine of travellers, Game Space is located […]

The managing director of London Stansted today claimed that restoring four trains an hour between the gateway and London Liverpool Street was key to delivering vital sustainability targets and supporting the airport’s growth plans. Speaking at an annual Transport Forum, Gareth Powell said the frequency of trains between the airport and Liverpool Street dropped from […]

Swedavia today announced that a number of new shops will open at Stockholm Arlanda Airport next summer when the first phase of its biggest ever commercial investment at the gateway is completed. Located in the planned new Marketplace development, the new retail outlets will include a number of well-known Swedish brands, and there will also […]

Brain Corp’s chief revenue officer, Michel Spruijt, explains why he believes that autonomous cleaning robots are here to stay at the world’s airports. How long have autonomous cleaning robots been around and, to your knowledge, when were they first deployed at an airport? Autonomous cleaning robots have been around since the mid 1990s. At that […]

After a two-year break, Munich Airport’s Christmas and winter market is back, and judging by Saturday’s pictures, it looks better than ever! This year’s market at the München Airport Center (MAC) Forum – Europe’s largest roofed open space – features over 40 shops and stalls offering Christmas treats, handicrafts and gifts and, as usual, the […]

London’s Heathrow Airport has a new addition to its hospitality offering today following the opening of the Blush Lounge by the Plaza Premium Group (PPG). Located in Terminal 4, the new lounge can accommodate up to 105 passengers at a time and extends PPG’s sizeable presence at the UK hub. According to PPG, travellers will […]

New self-service touchpoints at check-in, bag drop, and security mean that passengers can now breeze through Geneva Airport, according to technology provider, SITA. The new touchpoints, it says, are helping to reduce wait times and provide more flexibility to passengers increasingly seeking digital travel solutions. In addition, SITA notes that passengers and staff will also […]

Virtual queuing is coming to an airport near you soon and could represent the future of waiting at airports, writes Steve Covate. With the notable exception of the current COVID caused disruptions, it could be argued that airports – and the airlines and businesses that operate within them – have made giant strides in reducing […]

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has officially welcomed Metrorail to Dulles International Airport, its arrival marking the completion of a major two-phase Silver Line construction project to extend rail service to the airport and 10 other stations in Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Northern Virginia. With the new service, airport passengers and employees now […]

Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly airports today announced the delivery of 100 self-service bag drops as operator Groupe ADP bids to further enhance the passenger experience and speed up passenger flows through its main French capital city gateways. The machines, from ICM Airport Technics, an Amadeus company, will be installed over the coming months adding to the […]

The official ceremony to announce the opening of the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport in the US state of New Jersey marked a key milestone in the five-year history of the global Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Munich Airport. Munich Airport NJ LLC, which was specifically established by […]

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today celebrated the opening of  Terminal A, the centrepiece of an airport-wide upgrade designed to establish Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as a world-class gateway for the New Jersey and New York region. The new terminal represents the largest design-build project in New Jersey history and […]

Despite being less than a decade old, Hamad International Airport today officially unveiled its airport expansion project to the world. The Qatari gateway believes the expansion, which includes what it calls a “masterpiece garden at the centre of the airport”, will enrich the passenger experience and transform the airport into an “extraordinary destination where any […]

ACI World today published its annual ASQ 2022 Global Traveller Survey revealing the highest intention to travel by passengers since the beginning of the pandemic. The survey is designed to engage the views of travellers who used to travel at least annually before the pandemic, and that have either travelled again during the crisis or […]

Work will shortly begin on a new Four Points by Sheraton hotel and conference centre at the International Airport Estates complex at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad and Tobago. The hotel is being built by developers and designers STAGES Group and Urbahn Architects in response to the lack of airport hotels for air crew […]

The ongoing modernisation of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) continues with the opening of the Terminal 4.5 Core, the first major component to complete as part of a $1.62 billion project at the 60-year-old Terminals 4 and 5. The Terminal 4.5 Core, which opened to the public yesterday, provides a centralised location between Terminals 4 […]

Frankfurt Airport today unveiled the the first vehicle for its new Sky Line people mover, which will carry travellers from the long-distance and regional train stations at the airport straight to the main building of Terminal 3 in only eight minutes. When operational – the new terminal isn’t due to open until 2026 – the […]

Hong Kong International Airport’s impressive Sky Bridge opened today, allowing passengers to conveniently travel between Terminal 1 and its Satellite Concourse (T1S). The latest addition to the airport’s infrastructure is 200-metres long and 28-metres high and equipped with escalators and automated walkways. Spanning a taxiway at the airport, Sky Bridge is the world’s longest airside […]

The slot machine concessionaire at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport, formerly know as McCarran Airport, is celebrating generating more than one billion dollars in revenue at the US gateway. Michael Gaughan’s Airport Slot Concession, Inc. has been operating at the Nevada gateway for 36 years and has generated the revenue over the lifetime of […]

Global airport operator, Corporación América Airports (CAAP), is set to enter the African market for the first time after its consortium was named as the preferred bidder to operate Abuja and Kano airports and their respective cargo terminals in Nigeria. CAAP holds a controlling 51% stake in the consortium alongside partners Mota-Engil, Engenharia e Construção […]

Work is under way on a new security screening area at Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the UK. The airport says that the new facility, being built within the existing terminal building, will result in a speedier, simpler pre-flight security screening process for customers. UK Government requires all airports to be compliant with new standards by […]

Habiba Laklalech, director general of Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA), tells Joe Bates more about her first 18 months in the job and the challenges and opportunities ahead for Marrakech Menara Airport. As has been the case for almost everyone in the aviation industry, the last 18 months have proven eventful and challenging for Moroccan Airports […]

London Gatwick’s recovery from the pandemic is gathering pace with the airport now offering flights to almost 90% of the destinations it served in October 2019. This translates to 172 destinations being served from Gatwick during the upcoming school holiday period, compared to 197 in the same period in 2019 (87%). Top destinations for half-term […]

Frankfurt Airport operator, Fraport, and Lufthansa have formed a new joint venture called ‘FraAlliance’ with each company holding a 50% share in the new initiative. The two companies intend to use FraAlliance to strengthen their existing co-operation on strategic and operational matters at Frankfurt Airport and “plan to deepen their long-standing partnership in relation to […]

Belfast International Airport is trialling a robot service technology to enhance colleague and customer experience at the gateway. The trial – the first of its kind in conjunction with SSP UK – sees six service robots deployed later this month at the Sip & Stone Restaurant and Bar. Working with GW Robotics & Stephens Catering, […]

The opening of a new air bridge might not seem like that big a deal for an airport, but for London Stansted it is significant, as the new addition boosts the UK gateway’s ability to handle long-haul aircraft. The new £1.5million double airbridge, the first of its kind at Stansted, joins the 11 single-door airbridges […]

The FAA has awarded more than $31 million in grants to expand cargo infrastructure at nine airports across the United States. According to the FAA, each project will help expedite the movement of goods throughout the country. “Every day, we rely on goods transported through our nation’s airports,” said US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg. “This […]

Singapore Changi today re-opened the southern wing of its newly revamped Terminal 2 departure hall, following the resumption of arrival operations at the terminal in May this year. Changi Airport Group (CAG) notes that the move will enhance the airport experience for passengers as services and traveller numbers begin to rise again. The additional capacity […]

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has confirmed that Delta Air Lines will move its operations at O’Hare International Airport from the carrier’s long-time home in Terminal 2 to newly renovated gates in Terminal 5 on Wednesday, October 12. “Delta’s move is the next big step in the $1 billion expansion and renovation project nearing […]

Frankfurt Airport operator, Fraport AG, is embarking on another photovoltaic (PV) project at the gateway to increase its proportion of green energy. It has installed a demonstration system of 20 PV panels with an output of 8.4 kilowatts at the southwestern end of Runway 18 West and plans to extend the triple-array PV system along […]

RS&H’s vice president, senior principal aviation planner, Bart Gover, outlines ten reasons some airports choose to forego long-range planning. It’s true that sometimes choosing to do nothing is the easiest decision to make. However, planning is essential to succeed and has long been considered a fundamental tool used to achieve a desired outcome. Assuming this […]

International passengers travelling on selected Singapore Airlines flights from Perth Airport have begun using, on a trial basis, new face recognition biometric technology designed to simplify the airport journey. Perth Airport CEO, Kevin Brown, said the trial, being run in partnership Amadeus and Singapore Airlines, is part of Perth Airport’s move towards greater use of […]

HOK’s regional leader of aviation and transportation, Keith Hui, and Woolpert’s director of strategic consulting, David Tomber, share their thoughts on how better design can maximise an airport’s return on investment (ROI). Design education and practice emphasise the importance of achieving design vision, functional requirements, construction budget and schedule. However, these ubiquitous project objectives can […]

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has renewed its Level 1 accreditation for Carbon Mapping and Stinson Municipal Airport achieved Level 1 status for the first time in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.  “Through teamwork, we successfully achieved this goal,” said San Antonio International Airport’s noise abatement and special projects manager, Joshua Heiss. “Airport Carbon Accreditation […]

Landrum & Brown’s Andy Lee, Jordan Roos and Karst Smit consider ways of shortening walking distances and passenger journey times through airport terminals. Airport terminal typologies have evolved over the decades to respond to market, regulatory and technological developments. Besides the evolution of aircraft dimensions, the two biggest events, deregulation and 9/11, led to the […]

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has enhanced the customer experience at DTW by introducing two new initiatives, pet therapy dogs and a programme that helps passengers with hidden disabilities. “We are constantly looking for opportunities to address the needs and exceed the expectations of our customers,” said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO, Chad Newton. […]

Airports need to get hydrogen ready now to help the industry meet its net zero targets, writes Jacobs’ Andrew Gibson and Elizabeth Leavitt. Airports worldwide continue to make significant progress in reducing their carbon emissions, but without decarbonising aircraft, overall reductions from the aviation sector will be limited. It is therefore no surprise to report […]

Heathrow today invited the SME community to reconnect with its multi-billion-pound supply chain, which it insists can be a part of the airport’s continued recovery, contributing to the local community’s growth and “global Britain’s prosperity”.  The call comes as the airport announced the relaunch of its annual Business Summit. It has been three years since […]

Airport World turns the spotlight on a handful of infrastructure development projects currently taking shape or being planned across the globe. New terminal for Kumasi Airport in Ghana Kumasi International Airport’s new terminal is on target to open in October, 2022, and may even handle its first flights in August, if news reports from Ghana […]

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) has two new bespoke Thai food outlets, courtesy of global F&B provider, the SSP Group. According to SSP, the openings will allow travellers to enjoy authentic Thai culinary experiences as they embark on their journeys through this international hub. Koh Hop Bar, which has proven exceedingly popular with customers, serves […]

Santiago Beron reminds airports about the importance of identifying all existing cables before commencing expansion projects based on TLC Engineering Solution’s experience at two Florida gateways. As the pandemic has shown, any disruption to air travel has real world impacts, from airport operations to business expenses as well as personal budgets for families on vacation. […]

After decades of planning and nearly five years of construction, on Tuesday afternoon, the vision became reality at Orlando International Airport (MCO) as an Aer Lingus flight from Manchester in the UK helped open Terminal C to the public. The $2.8 billion project features 15 additional gates to increase MCO passenger capacity by 25% or […]

Curtis Fentress tells us more about Orlando International Airport’s new 1,800 million square foot, $2.8 billion Terminal C. Last year, Florida’s Orlando International Airport (MCO) ranked among the world’s top ten busiest airports for the first time. This year it will open phase one of a new Terminal C, which has been decades in the […]

ACI World’s annual ACI Customer Experience Global Summit has begun in Kraków, Poland, with ‘Re-humanising the airport experience’ being the theme of the event. The ACI Customer Experience Global Summit is the premier global event on airport experience and attracts more than 400 senior airport executives, civil aviation authority representatives, airport specialists, and related business […]

SITA has announced the launch of a partnership programme aimed at joining hands with key partners as it embarks on what it calls “a new path to growth”. Through the new partner platform, Launchpad, SITA has outlined four key areas where it seeks to build new partnerships: digital identities, advanced analytics and data management, security […]

Jiří Pos, Prague Airport’s chair of the board, talks to Joe Bates about the Czech gateway’s 85th anniversary, future development plans and success in ACI’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) programme. With little domestic or transfer traffic and the Czech Republic introducing some of the toughest travel restrictions in Europe during the COVID pandemic, it doesn’t […]

Kraków Airport’s director of aviation and commercial services, Paweł Galiak, tells us more about the gateway’s award winning customer service strategy. How proud are you of Kraków Airport’s success in ACI’s ASQ programme, and what does it mean for the airport, because success doesn’t happen overnight, does it? That’s true. We have achieved success thanks […]

Singapore Changi is to re-open the southern wing of Terminal 2 for departure operations next month following the resumption of arrival operations at the terminal in May this year.  The commencement of departure operations at T2 on October 11 will add to Changi’s capacity and spread out passenger operations more evenly across the airport’s terminals as […]

Navigating Tucson International Airport (TUS) has always been a breeze, but now the travel experience is even easier as the US gateway has upgraded its interactive map to allow for wayfinding throughout the airport and surrounding customer facilities. Accessible through the FlyTucson.com website, the new map is available in desktop format for anyone interested in […]

Passengers passing through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) got a taste of two featured beers as part of a tap takeover celebrating National Black Business Month. Turner Häus Brewery had beer on tap at Tortas Frontera restaurant while Moor’s Brewery took over the tap at Hub51, both located in Terminal 5. Both restaurants, operated by Areas, sold […]

Sydney Airport is reinvigorating its luxury retail precinct with the arrival of the most sought-after fashion brands, affirming the airport’s position on the world stage of luxury. Showcased within a 2,700sqm streetscape, luxury brands including Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Bvlgari, Hermès, Loewe, Moncler, Prada, Rolex and Saint Laurent are now open at the airport’s T1 […]

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in the UK has announced an innovative technology partnership to improve queue management and the passenger experience. LBA has partnered with Veovo to introduce AI-powered passenger predictability technology to its airport operation. This technology will optimise airport security area operations and passenger flow throughout the terminal by analysing real-time data on […]

Through subsidiary, Aena Desarrollo Internacional, Aena has been awarded the concession to operate and develop São Paulo’s Congonhas Airport and 10 other gateways across Brazil. The concession, which is initially for 30 years with the option of a five year extension, covers 11 gateways across São Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais and Pará […]

As borders begin to re-open, is it time for APAC airports to reconsider how they will look and digitally interact with passengers in the future? Amadeus’ senior vice president of airport and airline operations for the region, Sarah Samuel, investigates. When the pandemic emerged in 2019, Asia-Pacific was the first to feel its impact. And […]

It is claimed that a Green Freeport in the North East of Scotland could play a significant role in decarbonising the aviation industry by delivering a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant that would create up to 920 jobs and £133 million in GVA per year. The creation of a SAF facility at St Fergus is […]

It is time to apply a ‘warp-speed mindset’ to the digital transformation of airport operations to accommodate future growth, improve the passenger journey, respond to disruptions and optimise operational efficiencies from ground operations to ticketing, writes Charlie Meyer. At the onset of the pandemic, as we all waited for vaccines to be made available, many […]

Carlos Kaduoka, SITA’s head of business strategy for airports, considers how new technology will play a key role in helping airports respond to the demands for a greener industry. The travel recovery is well underway. As the summer travel season approaches, airlines and airports have been caught off guard by the speed of recovery. The […]

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) welcomed 401,000 passengers in July, 2022, a colossal 259.3% increase over the same period last year, although passenger volumes remain significantly down on pre-pandemic levels. Cargo throughput and air traffic movements recorded 17% and 3.1% year-on-year drops to 348,000 tonnes and 11,485 movements, respectively. The relaxation of inbound travel and […]

Rome’s Leonardo di Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino) has begun the installation of new carry-on baggage screening systems that it claims will enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of its security operations. The airport has opted to instal 30 HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX machines from Smiths Detection, a computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanner that produces high-resolution volumetric […]

Joe Bates takes a closer look at some of the most innovative IT stories to have made headlines across the globe in the first half of 2022. Duty calls for assistance robots Bengaluru-Kempegowda in India and Christchurch in New Zealand have become the latest airports to embrace humanoid technology – the former on a trial […]

Copenhagen Airport and the Fraport Group have become the latest airport operators to post improved results for the first half of 2022. Denmark’s capital city airport reports that eight out of ten passengers are back, it has taken on an extra 500 staff to cope with rising demand, and that it is close to breaking […]

Technology such as artificial intelligence can help airports increase efficiency and improve the passenger experience without compromising on security, writes Chris Bishop. When it comes to commercial aviation, it would not be an exaggeration to describe the first few months as “difficult” for the industry. Flights have been cancelled with little or no notice across […]

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) is hosting the BNE Careers Expo next month to encourage up to 2,000 new employees to consider a career at the airport precinct. The airport ‘jobs bonanza’ covers a diverse range of roles including: security, baggage handling, government agencies, airlines, customers service, engineering, corporate services, landscaping, bus drivers, hospitality and retail […]

Genetec’s Simon Barnes assesses the risks of IoT devices in airports and the need for a joint approach to cyber and physical security to secure networks. The ever-expanding catalogue of ‘smart devices’ is revolutionising airport operations. Innovative technology is directly improving the passenger experience and making operations more efficient. One of the biggest areas where […]

Spain’s global airport operator, Aena, has announced that it made  a net profit of €163.8 million in the first half of 2022 – nearly a  150% rise on its results for the corresponding period a year ago when it reported a huge €346.4 million loss. The turnaround in its fortunes means that Aena is in […]

CEO, Atif Elkadi, tells Joe Bates more about the transformation in Ontario International Airport’s fortunes over the last five years and its impressive recovery from the global pandemic. Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) is in a good place right now with ambitious owners, a committed and forward-looking management team, and more airlines and a […]

London’s Heathrow Airport has taken the dramatic step of imposing a capacity cap this summer to ensure that it offers “better and more reliable” journeys for passengers during traditionally its busiest time of the year. In an open letter to passengers on the capacity cap, Heathrow CEO, John Holland-Kaye, says: “The global aviation industry is […]

Singapore’s gateway to the world has stepped up the promotion of its Changi Precinct, which it hopes will prove a big hit with passengers wishing to explore and have fun as traffic numbers begin to rise again after the global pandemic. The new ‘Hello, Changi Precinct’ gallery in Terminal 3 is essentially designed to drive […]

SITA’s 2022 Passenger IT Insights research, published today, highlights pent-up demand for both business and leisure travel emerging from the pandemic, with passengers further embracing mobile and touchless technologies to make the journey as convenient and seamless as possible. The survey reveals an increase in passenger use of mobile devices for booking, on board the airplane, and […]

Dublin Airport has reiterated its confidence in its current plan to avoid cutting any flights this summer. The Irish gateway notes that during the first three weeks of June, 93% of all passengers spent 45 minutes or less queuing at its security screening areas, while 77% of passengers queued for 30 minutes or less. And […]

London’s Heathrow Airport has reacted with dismay to the Civil Aviation Authority’s demand to reduce its passenger charges every year until 2026. The airport, which actually wanted to raise its fees, has been told by the regulator that the move reflects the recent rebound in passenger volumes, and would still allow it to invest in […]

On the eve of its 32nd Annual Congress and General Assembly, ACI EUROPE today published its Airport Industry Connectivity Report for 2022, which reveals that the recovery of European air connectivity from the COVID-19 pandemic is uneven and still difficult. According to ACI EUROPE, this reflects the combination of yet not fully lifted travel restrictions, […]

Gebr Heinemann has won the concession to operate the the duty free and travel retail shops at Düsseldorf Airport from January 2023. The licence is for four shops across all three terminals A, B and C, with a total of around 4,000 square metres of shopping area. The product range will include liquor, tobacco, confectionery, […]

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has selected transport security technologists Pangiam to demonstrate its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven accessible screening solution that is said to have the potential to transform aviation security worldwide. Project DARTMOUTH, the collaboration between Pangiam and Google Cloud, utilises artificial intelligence (AI) and pattern analysis technologies to digest and analyse vast amounts […]

A total of 5.3 million passengers travelled through Heathrow in May, around 79% of 2019 levels, which the UK hub claims is in line with its revised forecast. It notes that despite the bad publicity about long queues and flight cancellations at airports across the globe due to the lack of staff, ‘close coordination and […]

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has introduced a new first for India, AI-driven, assistance robots designed enhance passenger experience. Currently at the trial stage, 10 robots have been deployed to help guide passengers through the airport and answer basic queries. It notes that the robot count will be increased in a “calibrated manner” and will be […]

Ferrovial Airports has agreed to acquire a stake in New Terminal One, the consortium appointed to design, build and operate the new $9.5 billion Terminal One at New York–JFK. Under the deal, Ferrovial is acquiring 96% of The Carlyle Global Infrastructure Fund’s 51% stake in New Terminal One. The completion of the transaction is subject […]

The ground-breaking ceremony for DHL’s new 4,880 square metre facility at Brisbane Airport took place earlier today. DHL Global Forwarding is investing A$17 million over ten years on the new complex, which will house the largest international cold chain services in Brisbane to meet the fast-growing demand for perishables. The new facility will also support […]

The opening of the world’s first airport lounge for young travellers and a new innovation programme ensure that 2022 has got off to a good start for Istanbul Airport, writes Joe Bates. Istanbul Airport has been grabbing the headlines since its much-heralded opening in April 2019, and it continues to shine, leading Europe’s traffic recovery […]

The global mishandled baggage rate spiked by 24% to 4.35 bags per thousand passengers in 2021 as the industry began its recovery from the pandemic, according to the SITA Baggage IT Insights 2022, released today. The report shows passenger traffic has evolved since 2020, with most of the 2021 recovery being driven by domestic travel, […]

With over 200,000 passengers per day expected to pass through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the gateway is urging travellers to plan ahead for parking and pick-up well in advance this year. “With passenger traffic reaching the highest levels since early 2020, guests who are travelling through LAX during […]

Fraport AG CEO, Dr Stefan Schulte, delivered a largely positive message to shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) today. Schulte said: “The year 2021 has shown that we have bottomed out and are now climbing back up step-by-step in terms of traffic volumes. “At Frankfurt, we are getting ready for a busy summer. […]

As part of its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, Perth Airport has partnered with Carbon Neutral to offset its bus fleets as well as offering motorists the opportunity to offset their trip to and from the airport when booking parking online. Perth Airport CEO, Kevin Brown, said that Perth Airport has committed to […]

Changi Airport Group today announced that operations in Terminal 2 will resume on 29 May 2022, the first phase of the terminal’s re-opening as the gateway prepares to meet the expected increase in passenger traffic in the months ahead. Closed for an upgrade since May 2020, T2’s phased re-opening will augment Changi’s capacity. When completed […]

Stockholm Arlanda is to re-open Terminal 4 on June 15 to better equip it to cope with rising passenger numbers over what is expected to be a busy summer. Meanwhile, operator Swedavia, has announced that “major recruitment efforts are under way” in a bid to ease congestion at the airport principally caused by the lack […]

Four projects that improved passenger and cargo operations at Miami International Airport were recognised with 2022 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honour innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories, such as Children and Youth, Criminal Justice and Public […]

Perth Airport says that returning passengers will notice ‘some changes’ in its International terminal that it believes will further enhance the passenger experience. “To streamline passenger check-in, an exciting new addition is the conversion of 16 check-in counters at T1 International into automated bag drops and 36 new self-check-in kiosks in what was the queuing […]

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced a Harmonising Air Travel policy, which it says will make international travel to the Kingdom “simpler, easier and more enjoyable by removing the confusion over travel requirements currently discouraging millions of people from booking flights”. Designed in co-operation with the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organisation […]

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has apologised for the inconvenience to air travellers resulting from the recent increase in wait times at some major airports. In a direct message to passengers, CATSA CEO, Mike Saunders, assured the travelling public that the federal Crown corporation is aggressively working to address the situation. Saunders said: […]

Travel retail operator, Gebr. Heinemann, enjoyed an upturn in revenues in 2021 despite ongoing travel restrictions in the wake of the global pandemic. In spite of the restrictions, especially in the first half of the year, and the continued absence of Asian travellers, the Hamburg-based operator says that it “achieved solid turnover and focused on […]

Air travel continued its recovery in Sweden during the first quarter of 2022, with four times as many passengers passing through the country’s airports than the same period a year ago. A total four million passengers used the country’s gateways in Q1, the upturn in traffic providing a much needed financial boost for airport operator, […]

ACI World has today announced the 2021 inductees into the ACI Director General’s Roll of Excellence, recognising airports that have consistently delivered exceptional customer experience in the opinion of travellers. The honour is conferred to airports that have won multiple awards over a five-year period in the last 10 years as part of the Airport […]

The Federal Aviation Administration and US airports have launched an Airport Climate Challenge to help achieve the Biden-Harris Administration goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Airports can take advantage of several FAA funding programmes to meet this goal, including grants for low- or zero-emissions vehicles, renewable energy production, energy assessments and other efforts. The challenge […]

The Design Solution’s Robbie Gill considers some of the challenges facing Europe’s regional airports when it comes to enhancing their retail/F&B offerings. Despite the unprecedented and continuing pressures imposed on non-aviation revenues by the COVID crisis, a number of Europe’s regional airports are developing a stronger position to drive their revenue recovery path, particularly among […]

Last November, President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law, roughly doubling the current infrastructure funding levels to give US airports an unprecedented opportunity to make significant facility reinvestments for the future. With the appropriation of $25 billion of aviation infrastructure funds to be distributed over the next five years, $5 billion […]

Hamad International Airport’s chief operating officer, Badr Mohammed Al Meer, talks to Joe Bates about traffic trends, IT innovation and expansion plans for 2022 and beyond. The opening of Hamad International Airport (DOH) in April 2014 signalled the start of a new era for Doha and Qatar and the gateway certainly hasn’t disappointed, racking up […]

The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, together with the CEO of VINCI Concessions and president of VINCI Airports, Nicolas Notebaert, have inaugurated the new central atrium of the Las Américas International in Santo Domingo. The €14 million upgrade is part of VINCI Airports’ “modernisation and optimisation plan” for the gateway to improve the […]

President and CEO, Jerry Dann, tells Joe Bates more about the ambitions and future development plans of Taoyuan International Airport. Can you tell us more about your planned new Terminal 3 and how big a milestone is it for the airport? It is a huge milestone for Taoyuan International Airport [TPE] as it will boost […]

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is proposing a new concourse at Washington Dulles International Airport to replace outdoor boarding areas currently used by regional flights, upgrade aircraft service facilities and bring new conveniences and amenities to passengers. The proposed Tier-2 Concourse (East) would be a modern 14-gate facility with convenient access to the airport’s […]

Global airport operator, Fraport AG, has announced its intention to sell its 24.5% stake in China’s Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. Fraport, which earlier this month announced plans to divest itself of its shares in St Petersburg’s Polkovo Airport following Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, has agreed to sell its shares in Xi’an Xianyang to Chang’an […]

UK airports have lost £10 billion in revenue since the first lockdown in March 2020 and have taken on more than £4 billion in debt, according to new analysis by the Airport Operators Association (AOA). Its new report, Reconnecting the UK: recovering aviation connectivity, shows that 2021 was worse than 2020, with airports seeing the lowest […]

The first phase of the Will Rogers World Airport Terminal Expansion project in Oklahoma City is complete. Led by HOK and Oklahoma City-based FSB, the expansion is designed to put the “world” back in Will Rogers World Airport, adding a new east concourse with four new gates (along with the flexibility to open six more […]

Cork Airport has introduced significant upgrades to the corkairport.com website, including a 24/7 webchat facility along with flight information details for departing and arriving passengers via WhatsApp. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cork Airport recorded an increased number of queries from departing and arriving passengers, particularly around government travel advice, international travel restrictions […]

Istanbul Airport may just have achieved another first by opening what it believes is the world’s first airport ‘Youth Lounge’ for passengers in the 15-30 year age group. It promises that the new facility – located in the international departures level – will offer “an exclusive, relaxing, and enjoyable travel experience to young people” as […]

Dubai International Airport (DXB) today confirmed plans to close its northern runway for a 45-day period between May 9 and June 22, 2022, to allow for its refurbishment. While regular runway maintenance is scheduled on a weekly basis, it notes that more extensive upgrades such as the one planned require a complete closure of the […]

Air Marakanda, operator of the newly-expanded and redeveloped Samarkand International Airport, officially opened the airport’s new state-of-the-art terminal today. Passengers onboard flight HY-045/046 from Tashkent were the first to use the new terminal. The public-private partnership responsible for the $80 million project comprises Air Marakanda and state partner Uzbekistan Airports JCS. The construction work was […]

Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN) in Italy has begun trials of a new personal mobility devices for passengers with reduced mobility. Ongoing trials are aimed at testing the SEDIA (SEat Designed for Intelligent Autonomy) wheelchair, an innovative device with autonomous driving and voice commands. It has been developed by start-up Alba Robot as part of Torino City […]

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Terminal 1 on Monday, March 14. When it opened, Terminal 1 was one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Europe and meant that for the first time at the German airport, all key passenger-facing processes, from check-in to boarding, were under one roof. […]

ACI World has today revealed the recipients of this year’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards which celebrate and showcase the world’s best airports as voiced by travellers. The COVID-19 pandemic continued to have a major impact on passenger traffic in 2021 with evolving health measures and a new set of expectations affecting how the airport […]

Passengers flying from London Stansted this summer will be able to enjoy a range of new bars, restaurants and retail outlets thanks to a major refurbishment of its departure lounge. More than £12 million is being invested by the airport and its retail partners to improve the customer experience as it prepares for the expected […]

Global airport operator, Fraport, is looking to offload its interests in Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “There is no justification for the attack on Ukraine by Russian forces. We condemn this war for being an armed attack on a sovereign state and its people – a clear […]

Gatwick Airport believes that it has developed a new handheld digital platform that will transform the efficiency of aircraft turnarounds, reducing delays and unnecessary fuel burn on the ground. Its AirTurn platform allows ground handlers to update air traffic controllers about changes to the turn process – in real time, direct from the apron. This […]

Dublin Airport has a potential new haunt for St Patrick’s Day after celebrating the official opening of a new immersive Guinness Bar Experience in Terminal 1. The new Guinness Bar will offer passengers an immersive experience pre-flight where they can sample a range of beers and ciders including Guinness, Ireland’s favourite stout, and Guinness 0.0, […]

Ferrovial Airports is about to widen its international portfolio after entering negotiations to secure a stake in the consortium responsible for building the new $9.5 billion Terminal One at New York JFK and agreeing to acquire a major interest in Dalaman Airport in Turkey. It announced today that it has reached an “exclusivity agreement” with […]

Aer Rianta International (ARI), a subsidiary of the state owned daa and the first company to operate duty-free shops in the world, has been chosen as the partner of choice by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal (ANA) to form a joint venture company to operate their portfolio of duty free and duty paid retail concessions in […]

London’s Gatwick Airport is to reopen its South Terminal in March – nearly two years after its ‘temporary closure’ – to help meet the expected strong demand for international travel this summer and beyond. The news comes on the day that testing requirements for those arriving into the UK have been eased significantly, with fully […]

National Aviation Services (NAS) and NAC2000 Corporation today launched their Pearl Lounge at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, Zambia. Located in the airport’s new terminal, the lounge is part of Zambia Airports Corporation Limited’s (ZACL) efforts to upgrade international airports in the country. Last June, ZACL awarded a five-year tender to NAS and […]

The airport security market size is anticipated to record a valuation of $25 billion by 2028, according to the most recent study by Global Market Insights Inc. The market growth can be attributed to an increase in the volume of air passengers across the globe. According to its findings, the Real-Time Locating System (RTLS) segment in the […]

The newly remodelled Adelholzener Bar in Terminal 2 at Munich Airport offers visitors an Alpine setting to enjoy their soft drinks, draft beers or Bavarian favourites such as veal sausages and meatloaf! The airport used the pandemic forced closure of the departures area bar to carry out extensive renovations, and according to the gateway, the […]

ACI Europe and IATA are urging Europe’s governments to lift all travel restrictions for fully vaccinated/recovered individuals holding a valid COVID Certificate – as advised by the new regime for travel within the EU which comes into force today. This new regime, set out by an EU Council Recommendation adopted on January 25, is based […]

LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), the private entity managing and redeveloping LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, has announced the opening of the second pedestrian skybridge, making the New York gateway the first airport in the world with dual skybridges. Spanning 482 feet the western skybridge is the final piece of the interior of the Terminal B facility to […]

Heathrow’s latest F&B offering, a 1930s Shanghai inspired Chinese restaurant, Shan Shui, has opened for business in Terminal 2. The outlet, officially opened this week by renowned restaurateur Ellen Chew, will double as a private viewing gallery with panoramic views of the runway. According to the operator, at its heart, Shan Shui will be all […]

Never have the restroom habits of travellers been of quite as much interest to airport operators as they have become over the last two years. While airports have always had to maintain high hygiene standards, the pandemic has forced a renewed focus on how high-touch, high-traffic areas are used, cleaned, and sanitised. Previously, for example, […]

Outdoor navigation technology has been in your pocket for years. In fact, you have to make a real effort to buy a phone that isn’t capable of providing a detailed map of the world. But as fantastic as this technology is, the navigation – which is enabled via GPS – often drops out when you […]

Lagardère Travel Retail has joined forces with Four Pillars to bring a pop-up gin shop to Terminal 1 at Melbourne Airport. Open now, the one-stop gin shop offers a selection of Four Pillars gins, including core and limited releases. A select range of ‘Made from Gin’ products is also available to purchase, including Breakfast Negroni, […]

Airport World reports on the opening of the world’s first digital duty free vending machine, the introduction of automated pizza kitchens at airports and the growth of food pick-up and delivery services. The duty free industry recently celebrated a new first at Geneva Airport – the launch of the world’s first digital duty free vending […]

A rare bottle of whisky on offer at a duty free store in Istanbul Airport has been sold for an incredible €488,000. Described as an extremely limited Yamazaki 55 year old whisky, it had been on sale at one of Unifree Duty Free’s outlets at the airport since December 2021. Due to the exceptionally limited […]

CEO, Luke Bugeja, tells Joe Bates more about Ferrovial Airports’ business strategy and expansion plans that include developing a network of vertiports in the US and UK. What is the appeal of airports to Ferrovial and do the company’s global ambitions burn as brightly today as when it first entered the market in 1998? Our […]