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Colourful new artwork unveiled at Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has unveiled its latest art installation, ‘Everyday Transcendence’, a hand-painted mural by renowned local artist Allison Kunath. Situated on the Departures Level in Terminal 4’s concourse, this site-specific mural is a vibrant addition to the airport’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through art. “LAX’s murals have been curated […]

Commissioning date set for Hong Kong’s new Three Runway System

Hong Kong International Airport’s new Three Runway System (3RS) is set be commissioned on November 28th. After the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has acquired the aerodrome licence and the 3RS has been commissioned, all three runways will be operating under the 3RS. AAHK targets to obtain the aerodrome licence in November 2024, covering the […]

Records continue to tumble at Cork and Dublin airports

Cork and Dublin airports continued their record-breaking streak in October, welcoming a total of 3.1 million passengers through their terminals. Announcing its monthly passenger numbers, daa confirmed that October 2024 was the busiest ever October for both airports, with passenger numbers up 2% compared with 2023. Inward tourism helped boost numbers. The annual Cork Jazz […]

Onboard for growth at Mactan Cebu International Airport

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 […]

Rising airfares concern airports in ACI’s Asia-Pacific & Middle East region

The topic of rising airfares was one of the focal points of discussions among airport leaders during the Board Meeting of the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. An airfare study, undertaken by ACI APAC & MID, in partnership with Flare Aviation Consulting, examined airfare trends across approximately 60,000 routes in 19 […]

Singapore Changi Airport celebrating 50 years of Hello Kitty

Changi Airport is turning up the magic with the fifth edition of the Changi Festive Village, celebrating Hello Kitty’s golden jubilee in the most kawaii way. From today until February 16, 2025, travellers and fans of the Sanrio characters can immerse themselves in a festive wonderland bursting with cuteness, as Hello Kitty and Friends take […]

Sustainable asphalt based on cashew nuts tested at Frankfurt Airport

Fraport AG is exploring new, innovative approaches for the use of construction materials. Together with the startup B2Square – Bitumen Beyond Oil – the airport operator is using sustainable asphalt concrete to build and test a 200-metre-long section of road located on the airport apron. This is the first time that organic cashew-based bitumen has […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2024, ISSUE 05

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Mactan Cebu Special report: Sustainability Plus: Customer Experience Summit & Master planning and design In demand Editor, Joe Bates, considers the attraction of airports to private investors in this ‘global airport operator’ themed issue of Airport World While there are plenty of examples to show […]

New CT X-ray technology for Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

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 […]

Saudi Arabia’s airports enjoying record breaking traffic figures

Saudi aviation is on track for a record breaking year with more passengers than ever before passing through the Kingdom’s airports. Indeed, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) believes the country has enjoyed an outstanding year based on the upturn in traffic, with record growth in passenger numbers, connectivity, and aviation cargo. It […]

Planning process set to begin for Newark Liberty’s new Terminal B

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners yesterday approved additional funding to begin the planning process for the redevelopment of Terminal B at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The action marks the first major step in executing the newly unveiled EWR Vision Plan, which serves as a wide-ranging blueprint setting […]

UK Aviation Minister visits Birmingham Airport’s new solar farm

The UK’s Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, has visited Birmingham Airport’s new 6.8-megawatt solar farm, made up of 12,000 panels, responsible for providing at least 20% of the airport’s electrical power requirement. Birmingham Airport has committed to beat the government’s deadline and become net zero by 2033. An ambitious target that the multi-million-pound sustainable investment will […]

PPG to open Aerotel at Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has signed an agreement to open an Aerotel in Shanghai Pudong International Airport’s Terminal 2. The Aerotel Shanghai Pudong Airport Hotel will be an integrated hospitality facility combining accommodation, dining, and wellness, with 82 hotel rooms in total. Set to open in the second quarter of 2025, this new development marks […]

Robots at the ready at Queen Alia International Airport

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 […]

MIA unveils first phase of modernised check-in area

Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, and Miami International Airport (MIA) officials have hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the first phase of MIA’s new Central Terminal check-in area. The first of three ticket counter pods in the new airline check-in area, which includes the latest in self-service bag drop technology, is part of a $38-million […]

Singapore Changi Airports upgrades its fleet of sea rescue vehicles

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 unveils new bar and observation deck

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 […]

New daily non-stop service to Washington DC for San Antonio

American Airlines has received tentative approval to begin a round-trip daily flight between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). The non-stop service between SAT and DCA will provide unparalleled benefits for both cities and their respective regions. “American would like to thank the […]

LEED Gold Certification for Hamad’s ORCHARD

Hamad International Airport’s Central Concourse, which includes the indoor tropical garden, ORCHARD,  has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification. The certification showcases the airports commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible construction practices. LEED certification is a globally recognised symbol of sustainability achievement and one of the most widely used green building […]

Stockholm Arlanda unveils latest F&B offering at T5’s Marketplace

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 […]

New milestone for Poland’s planned mega hub project

The company behind the plans for Poland’s new CPK mega hub, which will contain an airport, railway station and public transport interchange, has announced that the project has entered “the design acceptance process”. It has received the construction design for the project from the master architect and notes that the design acceptance process has begun […]

Traffic figures on the rise across Aena’s global airport network

Global airport operator, Aena, welcomed 34.7 million passengers across its network in September, 7% more than in the corresponding month a year ago. Aena – which operates 46 airports and two heliports in Spain, London Luton in the UK and 17 airports in Brazil – handled 292,139 aircraft movements (+5.8%) and 120,781 tonnes of cargo (+14.3%) […]

UK government welcomes London Stansted’s expansion plans

More than 5,000 jobs will be created as a result of a five-year, £1.1 billion investment in London Stansted Airport, welcomed today by UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh. The plans were unveiled by the Prime Minister at the International Investment Summit in London and will see Stansted unlock the potential of […]

Green loan part of Newcastle Airport’s sustainability focused future

Newcastle Airport in Australia has joined forces with CommBank to fund a raft of pioneering sustainability programmes via an innovative A$235 million Green Sustainability-Linked Loan (GSLL). The GSLL converts existing loan funding to one linked to specific sustainability actions and outcomes. Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock said with the support of the GSLL, Newcastle Airport […]

Partner and grow

Errol McGlothan explans why strategic partnerships are cornerstone to the success of lounge operator, Airport Dimensions. In today’s fast-paced aviation sector, partnerships are becoming increasingly important in creating new opportunities and delivering progress. For Airport Dimensions, these alliances are not just simple business deals, they are at the heart of our approach to innovation and […]

DFW boss Sean Donohue to retire early next year

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has announced that CEO, Sean Donohue, is to retire after 11 years in the hot seat at the Texas gateway and a 40-year career in aviation. Since joining DFW in 2013, he has overseen significant growth and development, strengthening DFW’s position as a key transportation hub that connects the […]

ACI EUROPE calls to extend EU State aid Guidelines to regional airports

ACI EUROPE has called on the European Commission to extend the EU State aid Guidelines to regional airports, so that they can continue contributing to the connectivity, competitiveness and cohesion of Europe’s regions but also decarbonise and facilitate the deployment of zero-emission aircraft. Responding to the recent initial public consultation on the review of the […]

Guitars and surfboards up for grabs at BNE Lost Property Auction

The 2024 Brisbane Airport Lost Property Auction is officially underway, featuring some 500 items left behind by the 22.6 million passengers who travelled through the terminal in the past year. Despite efforts to reunite owners with their belongings, many items remain unclaimed well beyond the standard holding period. Brisbane Airport (BNE) holds an auction once […]

Shannon Airport provides top travel experience

Shannon Airport has claimed the top spot in the travel category and ranked fourth overall in Ireland’s Customer Experience Insights (CXi) Report 2024. The national report, widely regarded as a benchmark for customer satisfaction, evaluated 175 organisations, of which 150 were ranked across 11 categories. Shannon Airport’s rise in the rankings is a major achievement, […]

Popular Indian street food café to open at Birmingham Airport

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 […]

Queenstown achieves Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation status

Queenstown Airport has achieved Level 4+ ‘Transition’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The New Zealand gateway says that the achievement acknowledges its commitment to sustainability and progress towards decarbonisation. The highest tier in the programme, which was launched in 2009 to independently assess the efforts of airports to reduce carbon emissions, is Level […]

Game changing runway extension for Chatham Islands

New Zealand’s Inia William Tuuta Memorial Airport has completed a 480 metre extension to its runway meaning that it is now possible for a B737 size aircraft to operate between the Chatham Islands and Auckland. A  converted TEXEL Air Boeing 737 freighter became the first aircraft to use the newly extended runway, operating a return […]

New international airport for Antigua and Barbuda

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. […]

PEOPLE matters

Customer facilitation Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on the importance of designing for a diverse range of travellers. A few years ago, one of the authors (Terri) badly sprained both of her ankles, luckily not at the same time, but within the same year. The experience of having to wear a specially designed boot […]

Cork and Dublin latest airports to reveal record traffic figures

Cork and Dublin airports saw record-breaking numbers of passengers passing through their terminals again in September, daa confirmed today while releasing monthly passenger numbers. The two airports welcomed a total of 3.38 million passengers in September, a 5% increase on the same month last year. Demand for travel was buoyed by late summer breaks, the […]

Record breaking September for Copenhagen Airport

Copenhagen Airport enjoyed its busiest ever September, welcoming 2.8 million passengers during the month, despite handling fewer flights than in the corresponding period five years ago. The monthly total was 11% higher than a year ago and slightly higher than in September 2019. Both Danes and other Europeans still have a great appetite for travel, […]

New check-in hall planned for Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, has launched a £5.8 million project to redesign its check-in hall. This project will deliver more space for passengers and introduce new self-service technology and digital wayfinding. The investment will see zones A and D redesigned to create an improved, more seamless experience for passengers, with works […]

The power of technology

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 […]

Upgrade of Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal gathering pace

The transformation of Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal hits overdrive in October with new temporary security screening points, check-in, and bag drop locations opening for thousands of domestic passengers. These changes are to make way for the future era self-check-in, automated bag drop and next generation passenger and baggage screening equipment upgrades.  Passengers will experience the […]

London Gatwick recognised for its accessibility efforts

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 […]

New history making lounge opens at Chicago Midway

Chicago Midway Airport has opened the first shared use lounge in its 96-year history. A multi-functional space by Airport Dimensions, The Club MDW is designed to be a celebration of Chicago’s architectural and cultural legacy, reflecting the spirit of the city and offering travellers an elevated experience with local cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere. Providing […]

PIT’s sensory room set to celebrate fifth anniversary

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 […]

Open for business – WBP News

We round-up some of the latest ACI World Business Partner stories from across the globe. Stantec to play key role in Newark AirTrain replacement project Stantec has been selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to lead preliminary and final design work for key elements of the planned $2 billion Newark […]

Going green

We shine the spotlight on the latest sustainability efforts of Munich, LaGuardia and Washington DC’s airports and a handful of the award winning projects in ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East’s Green Recognition 2024 programme. Munich Airport trialling new sustainable energy system An innovative system for sustainable energy generation from both wind and solar power is […]

JFK’s new Terminal One to boast New York City’s largest solar array

Construction work has begun on a new 13,000 solar panel array that will sit on the roof New York-JFK’s new Terminal One. According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the New Terminal One consortium that was selected to design, build and operate the new terminal, the solar array will be […]

Norway’s airports to undergo major digital transformation

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 […]

Hong Kong International Airport’s traffic figures continue to soar

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) handled 4.92 million passengers in August, a healthy 23% rise on the corresponding month a year ago. The gateway also registered year-on-year growth in August for both cargo volumes (+10.6%) and aircraft movements (+26.1%), handling 406,000 tonnes of cargo and 31,605 flights respectively during the month. Airport Authority Hong Kong […]

Abu Dhabi’s game changer

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 […]

LAX celebrates inclusion of T3’s local, minority owned businesses

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 […]

London Stansted Airport prepares early for winter snow!

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 […]

Global passenger numbers expected to grow by 10% in 2024

Global passenger traffic is projected to rise by 10% in 2024 to reach 9.5 billion by the end of the year, according to ACI World’s new Annual World Airport Traffic Report. Drawing data from over 2,700 airports across more than 180 countries and territories, the report offers the most comprehensive overview of the global airport […]

Easy come, easy go!

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’ […]

Etihad to increase services to Sydney Airport

Etihad Airways has announced a significant boost to its connectivity to Sydney, with an increase from daily services to 10 services per week set to commence from July 2025. The Australian gateway notes that the decision will cement Sydney Airport’s status as the country’s most connected gateway to the Middle East. Greg Botham, Sydney Airport’s […]

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: Future focused

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 […]

World in motion: ACI News

The latest news stories from ACI World, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, and ACI Latin America and Caribbean show that the focus is clearly on the sustainable growth and development of the world’s airports. Working to support aviation’s decarbonisation efforts ACI World and Airbus have signed a co-operation agreement to support the industry’s efforts to […]

Brisbane Airport unveils bold plans for revamp of Terminal 5

Brisbane Airport (BNE) believes that the revamp of its Terminal 5 will revolutionise the passenger experience at the gateway. The upgrade is part of the Australia airport’s A$5 billion Future BNE  transformation and will include the most significant changes to the terminal since it opened 29 years ago. Driven by the need to upgrade security […]

Asia’s big build

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 […]

New fleet of electric buses in operation at Munich Airport

Munich Airport’s wholly owned ground handling subsidiary has taken delivery of the first 10 electric passenger buses, with another 27 on the way before the end of the year. AeroGround Flughafen München GmbH has the option to purchase a further 25 buses from MAN Truck & Bus Germany in the future. The German gateway claims […]

SMART talk

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 […]

Fraport to sell stake in Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport

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 […]

Santiago’s new Terminal 1-A officially opens for business

The new Terminal 1-A at Santiago’s Arturo Benítez International Airport has been inaugurated by the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric. Other VIPs at the airport to celebrate the milestone occasion included Chile’s Minister of Defence, Maya Fernández;  Minister of Public Works, Jessica López; and Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela. The expansion of T1 has added […]

New donut outlet at YVR offers a “dynamic and hyperlocal concept”

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 […]

Works of art

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 […]

Shannon Airport Group celebrates 10th anniversary

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 […]

View from the top

ACI World director general and CEO, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, addresses the global challenge of passenger facilitation and ACI World’s commitment to building a more accessible and inclusive air transport system. This is my last View from the Top as my tenure as ACI World director general and CEO comes to the end after an […]

Giant sunflowers bring splash of colour to Singapore Changi

Singapore Changi has unveiled the world’s largest ever display of sunflowers at an airport, with some larger than life sculptures being eight metres tall. ‘A Sunflower Sojourn’ features over 5,000 sunflowers of more than 10 exquisite varieties, beautifully arranged at over 20 locations across all four terminals. The showcase extends outdoors to Hub & Spoke […]

New virtual queuing system introduced at Montevideo airport

ACI World Business Partner, Copenhagen Optimization, has entered the South American market with the implementation of its virtual queuing technology at Montevideo’s Carrasco International Airport (MVD) in Uruguay. The service, which allows passengers to reserve a specified time for security checks to help them pass through security more quickly and efficiently, also marks the first […]

Family matters

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 […]

London Gatwick launches new accessibility guides

London Gatwick has partnered with AccessAble to launch a series of bespoke Detailed Access Guides helping passengers navigate more easily, safely and confidently through the airport. The free guides cover 30 different areas of London Gatwick – including departures and arrivals, car parks and the train station – and provide passengers with information such as […]

Budapest Airport celebrates return of easyJet’s Lyon service

Budapest Airport (BUD) has celebrated the return of easyJet’s twice-weekly service connecting the Hungarian capital with Lyon. BUD and Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) are part of global airport operator VINCI Airports’ network of European airports. Last operated pre-pandemic, the resumption of the link between these two captivating cities will serve the airport’s rising tourism […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2024, ISSUE 04

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Amsterdam Schiphol Special report: Asia’s big build Plus: ACI News, Sustainability & SMART Airports review Everything counts Editor, Joe Bates, reflects on the importance of good customer service in this ‘passenger facilitation’ themed issue of Airport World. Some 16 years ago, I pondered what constituted good customer service […]

New high for traffic between Munich and the United States

Long-haul non-stop flights between Munich Airport and the USA have undergone an enormous development and are continuing to grow, according to the German gateway. When the airport opened in 1992, there were 39 departures to five destinations each week. Today, there are 140 departures to 14 different airports. Yesterday, on Monday, the airport recorded the […]

New look lounge area at Melbourne Orlando International Airport

Award-winning metal experts, Móz Designs, believes that it has created a unique and engaging lounge environment for airport visitors at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. In collaboration with RS&H Architects, Móz designed four custom backlit round column covers and storefront soffit facades, all featuring their signature Laser-Cut Stream pattern. The design is said to reflect […]

New carbon accreditation milestone for Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport has been recognised for the work done to reduce absolute emissions after becoming the first in Scotland to achieve a global carbon accreditation. The airport has reached Level 4 ‘Transformation’ in the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme. This is one of the highest levels in the global carbon management certification programme for airports. This […]

New routes help boost traffic growth at Gatwick Airport

New long-haul routes and strong demand for travel saw 19.9 million passengers travelling through London Gatwick in the first half of this year. The continued collaboration with partners and the hard work of front-line colleagues has supported London Gatwick’s continued recovery and delivered a successful start to the year, the airport said today when publishing […]

SFO’s $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has launched the Terminal 3 West Modernization project, a $2.6 billion construction project which will renovate the existing 650,000 square foot western half of Terminal 3, including a seismic retrofit, an expanded security checkpoint and new passenger amenities. The project will also create 200,000 square feet of additional space, allowing […]

Plans progressing for Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport

Mace has been appointed as delivery partner by King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) to oversee the planning and construction for its airport development programme in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The global consultants and construction experts, working alongside KSIADC that is owned by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), will lead the full range of delivery […]

Strong half year performance by Zayed International Airport

Nearly 14 million passengers passed through Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport in the first half of 2024. The gateway welcomed 13.7 million passengers between January and the end of June – a significant 33.8% rise on the same period last year. This growth was complemented by a 24.3% rise in flight movements, recording 84,286 movements […]

Passenger cap raised at London City Airport

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 […]

DFW opens US’s first CBP Centralized Examination Station

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 […]

New passenger record set at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

Maryland governor, Wes Moore, today announced that Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport logged record-breaking passenger traffic in June 2024. According to Maryland Department of Transportation records, 2,603,847 commercial passengers flew through the airport, which represents a new all-time monthly passenger record and is an increase of 11% increase over June 2023. Fiscal Year 2024 also […]

Heathrow on target for busiest ever summer

London’s Heathrow Airport is set for its busiest ever summer after handling close to eight million passengers in July. The total, which saw it hold on to its status as Europe’s busiest airport in 2024, included three weeks when it handled in excess of 1.8 million passengers despite never previously welcoming that many people in […]

Leeds Bradford Airport unveils its Vision 2030

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in the UK has unveiled its Vision 2030 strategy, signalling plans for significant private sector investment to improve passenger experience and drive sustainable growth over the coming decade. It is hoped that the strategy will create economic growth opportunities and enhance international connectivity for Yorkshire. LBA’s Vision 2030 strategy will be […]

Liege Airport enjoys strong cargo growth in 2024

Liege Airport in Belgium recorded its seventh consecutive month of cargo growth in July in terms of aircraft movements and freight volumes. It handled a total of 2,259 cargo flights and 81,474 tons of cargo in July, healthy upturns of 18% and 17% on the same month a year ago. Based on ACI figures for […]

Newcastle Airport’s expansion project gathering pace

The terminal expansion project at Newcastle Airport in Australia is progressing rapidly with the crown of the building, a vaulted roof and structural steel installations the current work focus. Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock, said it was exciting to see the superstructure taking shape on this iconic building and was looking forward to seeing it […]

Double-digit growth for global airport operator Fraport

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). […]

Work resumes on expansion of Quito’s international airport

Work has resumed on the expansion of Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Ecuador. Airport operator, Corporación Quiport, notes that it is funding the upgrade, which is designed to improve the passenger experience and increase the gateway’s operational capacity. The expansion of the passenger terminal started in November 2019, but was interrupted in March 2020 […]

Western Sydney Airport set to open in late 2026

Western Sydney Airport is one step closer to reality following the completion of its roof, paving the way for the acceleration of its internal fit out. According to a new statement, more than 80% of the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is now complete, with domestic, international and air cargo services expected to […]

Records tumble as Copenhagen Airport enjoys busiest ever month

More than three million passengers passed through Copenhagen Airport in July making it its busiest ever month. A total of 3.18 million passengers used the Danish gateway in July, the highest number in CPH’s 99 year history and 13% more than in the same month a year ago. The previous passenger record for a single […]

New family friendly lounge opens at London Gatwick

Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has opened its new Plaza Express lounge at London Gatwick Airport’s north terminal departure. According to PPG. the new opening is ideal for larger groups and families alike looking to kick-start their holiday in a fun and casual way, offering leisure travellers the ‘Plaza Premium Lounge’ hospitality but with more affordable […]

Record breaking July for Italy’s Cagliari Airport

An impressive two million passengers passed through Cagliari Airport between April and July this year cementing its status as Sardinia’s busiest gateway. The airport is currently served by 20 airlines that between them operate 81 routes to 68 destinations across Italy and the surrounding region. It notes that it set a new record in July […]

Stantec to play key role in Newark AirTrain replacement project

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has been selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to lead preliminary and final design work for key elements of the planned $2 billion Newark AirTrain replacement. When complete, the new AirTrain will promote increased adoption of public transportation to Newark Liberty […]

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport enjoying “exceptional growth” in traffic

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) today released its traffic figures for the first half of 2024, describing the year-on-year upturn in passengers, cargo and aircraft movements as “exceptional growth”. In facts and figures, during in the first half of 2024, passengers numbers increased by 25% over the same period last year, while aircraft movement soared […]

Shanghai Pudong turns to SITA technology to enhance efficiency

Shanghai Pudong International Airport has opted to install SITA’s passenger verification and check-in solutions to enhance the experience of travellers passing through its facilities. Through the partnership, SITA will deploy common-use self-service bag drops (SBD) and kiosks for Pudong Airport’s foreign airlines and their passengers, making the journey through the terminal much easier and efficient. […]

Open for business – WBP News

We round-up some of the latest ACI World Business Partner stories from across the globe. TAV Technologies expands in South America TAV Airports subsidiary, TAV Technologies, has expanded its operations in South America by adding new projects in Chile and Panama to its portfolio. The projects will support the digitalisation efforts of Sanitago’s Arturo Merino […]

London Luton completes roll-out of new security scanners

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 […]

Traffic enjoys healthy Q2 rise at Singapore Changi

Singapore Changi Airport handled 16.5 million passengers from April to June 2024, an increase of 13.4% compared to a year ago. The upturn means that the airport is now operating close to pre-pandemic traffic levels – in fact, the Q2 number is just 1.8% down on the corresponding period in 2019. Aircraft movements, including landings […]

Self-driving bus transporting KLM crew at Schiphol

The second phase of the trial of electric self-driving buses has started at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. During this phase, the airport, together with KLM Cityhopper and KLM Ground services, is testing a fixed, pre-programmed route to and from the apron. Crew from KLM Cityhopper arriving at Schiphol can use the shuttle service. Earlier this year, […]

PEOPLE matters

Bureaucracy and innovation Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on the importance of encouraging innovation in the workplace. Could excessive bureaucracy and red tape be slowing down your organisation’s innovation process? It’s an important question for airports to ask themselves at a time when the need for innovation has never been greater. And it is […]

Fuel for thought

Andrew Caughey, head of sustainable aviation at AtkinsRéalis, offers advice to airports seeking to become future fuels ready. Airports will be a critical enabler for the transition to zero emission flights. While future flight aircraft are progressing swiftly through their development cycle, they won’t be able to deliver on their promise of cleaner aviation and […]

SEA looking at eVTOL network in Lombardy region

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is certainly making news at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK, with Milan airport operator, SEA, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today that lays the groundwork for the development of a passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) network across Italy’s Lombardy region. SEA’s MoU partners are Lilium NV, […]

Perth Airport extends Avolta’s duty free concession

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 […]

The world’s most advanced Vertiport?

Urban-Air Port (UAP) and LG have unveiled their industry-leading next generation Vertiport, which combines LG’s AI-powered technology with UAP’s vertical airfield robotics system. They claim that the Vertiport is the world’s most advanced solution – the first to incorporate AI-enabled systems – and merges cutting-edge technology with customer-centric designs to define the future of air […]

Autonomous tugs on trial at Stuttgart Airport

Autonomous technology born in the UK has been given a high-profile German seal of approval after a demonstration at Stuttgart Airport. Aurrigo International plc’s Auto-DollyTug was successfully deployed as part of the Digital Testbed Air Cargo (DTAC) Demonstration. The demonstration was led by the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for […]

Working to support aviation’s decarbonisation efforts

ACI World and Airbus have signed a cooperation agreement to support the industry’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation. This partnership leverages the strengths of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer and the largest and most important international association of airports to make significant progress in both decarbonising aviation and mitigating aircraft noise impact. […]

Weather watch

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 […]

Appetite growing for elevated airport experience in India

Travellers in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, India, are some of the world’s most enthusiastic lounge users with an ever-growing appetite for an elevated airport experience, according to new research. ‘AX24: The Age of the Airport Experience’, the latest round of research from global airport lounge and experience specialists Airport Dimensions, is a comprehensive study […]

Top technology priorities

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 […]

New CT technology and security lane concept at Frankfurt Airport

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 […]

ACI data confirms top 20 busiest airports in world

ACI World today officially confirmed the top 20 busiest airports in the world in 2023 with the publication of its latest ACI World Airport Traffic Dataset. The dataset’s key findings confirm total global passenger traffic for 2023 was close to 8.7 billion, driven by a continued resurgence in international traffic. This segment was propelled by […]

Heathrow signs new deal with SITA to bolster IT infrastructure

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 […]

World in motion: ACI News

Key new appointments at ACI World, WAGA resolutions and a new training MoU plus ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East’s new connectivity study and ACI Africa looks forward to its annual regional conference in Johannesburg. All change at the top for ACI World It will soon be all change at the top for ACI World with […]

Airport anniversary special!

Editor, Joe Bates, goes on a whistle stop tour of the world to report on the host of airports celebrating key anniversaries and milestone events this year. Half century for Paris Charles de Gaulle Europe’s third busiest airport for passenger traffic, Paris-Charles de Gaulle (Paris CDG) is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and while rejoicing in […]

Innovation time

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 […]

Cargo drone completes successful trial at Milan Malpensa

Milan’s Malpensa Airport handled its first electric drone shipment last night when a package was successfully transported four kilometres from the gateway’s cargo area to a nearby warehouse. According to the Italian airport, a Nimbus drone from Techno Sky carried “a light load” from Milan Malpensa Cargo City to Barbarini & Foglia’s logistics warehouse, covering […]

Denver International Airport: The high life!

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’s €1 billion impact on the Irish economy

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 […]

New technology: Smart decisions

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 […]

View from the top

Director general and CEO, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, reflects on the first ever ACI World Committee Forum and the transformative power of technology. Today, as I pen this editorial, top airport experts from around the globe converge in Montréal, the Civil Aviation Capital of the World, for the first-ever ACI World Committee Forum, a gathering […]

Record breaking June for Tirana International Airport

Albania’s Tirana International Airport (TIA) handled more than a million passengers in a month for the first time in June when a record 1,067,405 travellers passed through its facilities. The airport notes that “this outstanding figure” marks a 61.6% increase on last year’s June total of 667,521 passengers. The bumper month means that the airport […]

Harnessing the AI revolution

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 […]

Copenhagen Airport set for summer of ‘intense travel activity’

Copenhagen Airport claims that it is expecting a “summer of intense travel activity” following a busy June, which saw 2.8 million passengers pass through its facilities. The Danish gateway’s optimism is based on the fact that the total was was 12% up on the same month a year ago, with June the first month of […]

New joint venture lounge opens at Hong Hong International Airport

A new lounge that its creators believe will ‘redefine airport hospitality” opened today at Hong Kong International Airport. The new Kyra Lounge in Terminal 1 is the result of a groundbreaking venture between Airport Dimensions, SSP and Travel Food Services (TFS). Strategically located off Terminal 1’s central concourse by Gate 23, it spans 744 square […]

ACI World Annual General Assembly: Right place, right time

Editor, Joe Bates, looks back at some of the many highlights of the recent ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East/ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh. With the worst days of the global pandemic fast becoming a distant memory for airports and global passenger numbers either already above or set to exceed 2019 […]

DFW expecting bumper crowds during Independence Day holiday period

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is expected to handle 1.5 million passengers during this year’s US Independence Day holiday celebrations. If it proves accurate, the total – for the travel period between July 3-8 – will be 5.5% up on last year ahead of what the Texas hub is confident will be its busiest summer on […]

Drones: The rising security threat for today’s smart airport

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 […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2024, ISSUE 03

DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Denver Special report: WAGA review Plus: Airport anniversaries, Sustainability & ACI news Showtime! Editor, Joe Bates, reflects on the recent ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition (WAGA) in Riyadh and the ‘IT innovation’ theme of this issue of Airport World. It was nice to be ‘on the […]

SAS commits to New York JFK’s New Terminal One

The New Terminal One at New York John F Kennedy International Airport has announced a partnership with SAS, enabling the Scandinavian airline to operate from the new world-class international terminal scheduled to open in 2026. SAS is the eighth airline to commit to operating at The New Terminal One, an all-international terminal that its backers […]

Aberdeen runway run raises £50,000 for charity

Aberdeen International Airport has held its biggest ever Runway Run raising thousands of pounds for charities. Nearly 400 runners were able to take on the four kilometre Runway Run lit up runway on Saturday night. It is the fifth time the Runway Run – organised in partnership with CHC Helicopters – has been held, and […]

Big monthly upturn in traffic at Hong Kong International Airport

Traffic numbers continue to rise at Hong Kong International Airport as it recovery from the global pandemic gathers pace. Figures released by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) today show that 4.07 million passengers and 29,855 aircraft movements were handled at the airport in May, upturns of 30.8% and 34.5% respectively on the corresponding month a […]

Heathrow to stage live music shows in Terminal 5 this summer

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 […]

San Diego International Airport expecting busy summer

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is expecting to see more passengers this summer than any time since 2019. With the upcoming Independence Day holiday and construction on the new Terminal 1 (New T1) in full swing, the airport is encouraging travellers and those picking up and dropping off to plan ahead. “We are about one […]

Munich Airport trialling new sustainable energy system

An innovative system for sustainable energy generation from both wind and solar power is currently in use at Munich Airport. The system utilises a container with photovoltaic panels and wind rotors from FlowGen, a company that specialises in green energy system solutions. In cooperation with Munich Airport, the mobile energy container is being used to […]

New flow management system to enhance JAX passenger experience

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 […]

Passenger growth and revenue bonds upgrade at MIA

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 […]

SFO wins top award for its human resources programmes

ACI North America (ACI-NA) has honoured San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with the overall award for human resource programmes. In their 2024 Excellence in Human Resources Recognition Awards, ACI-NA named SFO as the winner of its ‘Overall Human Resources Program Award’. “Human resources play an integral role in establishing and implementing a positive workforce culture […]

ACI World welcomes airport experts to Montréal for new forum

ACI World will this week welcome top airport experts from around the world for the inaugural ACI World Committee Forum focused on strengthening global aviation collaboration. The forum, which is being held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Montréal brings together over 300 committee members from all six ACI World Standing Committees and their sub-groups. […]

Aviation industry getting better at baggage handling

The aviation industry is getting better at baggage handling, reducing the amount of luggage mishandled or ‘lost’ on its journey in 2023, according to a new report out today. Based on the findings of the new SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024 report, the number of bags mishandled by the industry falling from 7.6% to 6.9% […]

New green milestone for Brussels South Charleroi

Brussels South Charleroi Airport has successfully achieved level 4 ‘Transformation’ status in ACI EUROPE’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. This recognition confirms and recognises the airport’s environmental commitments. Operator BSCA notes that Level 4 of the ACA programme means that its strategy for managing carbon emissions is in line with international climate goals. Among other things, […]

Record breaking times for London’s Heathrow and Stansted airports

London’s Heathrow and Stansted airports have set new traffic records – the former for handling 81.5 million passengers in a 12 month period, and Stansted for experiencing its busiest ever May. Heathrow’s milestone was reached as the UK hub welcomed 7.2 million passengers last month, the first time May traffic has ever exceeded seven million. […]

New art exhibition opens at iGA Istanbul Airport

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 […]

New solar farm to provide 10% of Dublin Airport’s electricity

More than 10% of Dublin Airport’s current annual electricity needs will soon be provided by a new 9MWp solar farm under construction on the airport campus. Airport operator, daa made the announcement while welcoming Jack Chambers, Minister of State for Transport, on a visit today to the 28-acre site located close to the south runway […]

Maximising their potential

In this two-part article, Marnix (Max) Groot, managing editor of the Momberger Airport Information newsletter, reports on a selection of infrastructure development projects that are either underway or planned across Asia. While Asia has been slower to recover from COVID-19 than other regions, the future looks bright, with hundreds of airports either being built, upgraded […]

Construction of new T1 pier at Munich Airport “progressing rapidly”

Construction work on the new pier at Munich Airport’s Terminal is progressing rapidly and on target for completion at the end of 2025, the German gateway revealed today. The exterior façade was completed last year and  the interior fit-out is said to be making great strides, The new €665 million pier will bundle the non-Schengen […]

New majority shareholder for Parma International Airport

Parma International Airport has a major new shareholder after Canadian aviation company, Centerline Airport Partners, announced the acquisition of a 51% stake in the Italian gateway. Centerline believes that the strategic investment underscores its commitment to enhancing connectivity, air service development, customer experience, and safety at the airport in line with its approved master plan […]

Hurling fever building up at Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport is well and truly ‘up for the match’ as friendly rivalries kick up a notch ahead of this weekend’s Munster Hurling Final clash between Clare and Limerick. The competition is soaring to new heights at the airport as passengers and staff gear up for the hotly anticipated provincial decider. While staff are busy […]

Long time investor AviAlliance sells stake in Budapest Airport

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 […]

SITA looking at remote passenger processing facilities for airports

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 […]

Heathrow’s Terminal 2 celebrates its 10th anniversary

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 […]

PEOPLE matters

The design of work Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on the importance of paying attention to designing a people-centric working environment. As we write this article, we have just completed running the April 2024 ACI Human Resources programme, a five-day course which educates airport leaders and future leaders on key concepts and frameworks in […]

Brisbane Airport welcomes launch of new tourism and events campaign

Brisbane Airport has welcomed the launch of the latest campaign by Tourism and Events Queensland. The campaign – Queensland is Bluey’s world for real life – was launched on Sunday, June 2, by Premier, Stephen Miles, Tourism Minister Michael Healy, and Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Patricia Callaghan. Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff, attended the […]

Diversity and inclusion in focus at Swedavia’s airports

Swedavia is celebrating Pride season by raising the Pride flag at its airports and participating in Stockholm Pride in August. In addition, it is temporarily changing the logo on its social media accounts in June to show Swedavia’s support for Pride. Sweden’s airport operator notes that it has a long-term commitment to issues of diversity […]

Almaty Airport’s new showpiece terminal opens for business

The new international terminal at Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan welcomed its first passengers today. The gateway is targeting Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification for the new $200 million terminal, which raises the airport’s capacity to more than 14 million passengers per annum. The first passengers arrived at the new TAV Airports funded terminal this […]

New terminal and parallel runway to deliver growth at Perth Airport

Qantas and Perth Airport have today reached an historic commercial agreement which will unlock a multi-billion-dollar wave of investment and deliver new international and domestic flights, giving a major boost to Australia’s tourism industry. As part of the 12-year agreement, Perth Airport will invest around A$3 billion in new terminal facilities and a new parallel […]

Open for business: WBP News

We round-up some of the latest ACI World Business Partner stories from across the globe. New terminals to transform travel to Mobile and Monterey Global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm, HOK, has unveiled new five-gate terminal designs for Mobile and Monterey airports, which are expected to transform travel and provide an intuitive and elevated […]

World in motion: ACI News

The world’s busiest airports in 2023, Airport Service Quality (ASQ) customer experience excellence, and a call for greater funding to help Europe’s airports decarbonise. ACI World news: The top 10 busiest airports on the planet in 2023 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) maintained its status as the world’s busiest airport in 2023, the 104.6 million passengers that […]

Step near reality for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport’s US CPB facility

These are exciting days for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is to get its own United States Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) Preclearance facility in late 2025. Yesterday it announced the selection of Pomerleau as the construction management firm and Alstef Canada as the baggage handling system provider for facilities work associated with the […]

Busy Bank Holiday weekend expected at Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport is looking forward to welcoming around 450,000 passengers over the coming June bank holiday weekend. The four day period between Friday and Monday will see 240,000 passengers departing from Dublin Airport, with 210,000 passengers arriving. The busiest day this weekend will be Sunday (June 2) when around 117,000 passengers are expected to travel […]

Hamad International Airport celebrates its 10th anniversary

It seems hard to believe, but Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) is celebrating its 10th anniversary of connecting passengers to the world. In facts and figures, in its first decade, Hamad has welcomed a total of 325.1 million passengers, accommodated 2.1 million aircraft movements, handled 20.5 million tonnes of cargo and processed 258 million bags. Qatar […]

Analytics, biometrics and cloud to enhance passenger experience

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 […]

Samarkand recognised as one of the fastest growing airports in Europe

Samarkand International Airport (SKD) in Uzbekistan is one of the fastest growing airports in ACI EUROPE’s membership region based on its passenger numbers soaring by 158.9% on pre-COVID levels. The gateway notes that the upturn is the third largest of any airport measured by ACI EUROPE, which represents over 500 airports in 55 countries. SKD […]

All systems go!

With traffic levels hitting new highs, an ever increasing number of US airports are investing in new infrastructure and technology to avoid a potential capacity crunch in the near future, writes Mary Scott Nabers. Following a near-total collapse of air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, early 2024 marks a significant milestone as North American air […]

New research shows popularity of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

New research by PortsToronto shows that Torontonians’ have an overwhelmingly positive opinion of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. According to the 2024 survey, conducted among more than 2,000 Toronto residents aged 18 years and older with an oversample of those living along Toronto’s Waterfront, 78% of respondents characterise their opinion of Billy Bishop Toronto City […]

La Colombe expands offerings at Philadelphia International Airport

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 […]

Delta increases seat capacity on Shannon-New York service

Shannon Airport has welcomed Delta Air Lines decision to increase seat capacity on its new daily Shannon to New York-JFK service. Delta Air Lines will deploy the larger Boeing 767-300 aircraft for the Shannon – New York JFK service, in place of the Boeing 757-200 aircraft that was originally planned. The airport notes that the […]

Time to share?

Improving communication and operations through democratised data can have huge benefits for airports, writes Uri Guterman, vice president of product at AeroCloud. Airports are busy places, with the world’s busiest hubs regularly handling over 100,000 passengers per day and daily operations supported by many different stakeholders. And the intricate workings of terminals can present significant […]

LAX story

Justin Wortman and Jon Phillips update us on the role HOK and Arup are playing in the ongoing upgrade of Los Angeles International Airport. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is in the midst of a $30 billion transformation centred around elevating guests’ experiences through efficiency, thoughtful design and unexpected delights. This comprehensive modernisation is underway […]

Design and build

Joe Bates considers the infrastructure development challenges facing airports and reviews 12 different projects that are either planned, underway or have been recently completed across the globe. With global passenger traffic on the rise and set to exceed pre-COVID levels by the end of the year, the need for new infrastructure to ensure that airports […]

New resolutions adopted at ACI World’s Annual General Assembly

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 […]

On the menu at Manchester Airport

Michael Murphy-Pyle, head of media at Manchester Airport, tells us more about the sense of place strategy behind the ongoing transformation of the gateway’s retail offerings. Manchester in the UK has always had a very clear sense of its own identity. Its culture, history, architecture, and attitude are all unique and things that its people […]

More than 7,500 jobs on offer at Hong Kong International Airport

A staggering 7,500 jobs are up for grabs at Hong Kong International Airport this weekend as the gateway hosts Career Expo 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. More than 45 airport companies are recruiting for over 7,500 vacancies during the three-day event, which has been organised by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) […]

New report highlights economic importance of London Gatwick

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, […]

Capacity boosting new terminal required at Phoenix Sky Harbor

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 […]

Positive start to 2024 for Fraport Group

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 […]

WSP to play key role in expansion of ATL’s Concourse D

The long-awaited $1.4 billion expansion of Concourse D at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has begun, and US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, was among the dignitaries on site to mark the occasion. WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering, environment and professional services firms, is serving as programme manager for the project, providing support for an […]

New science and innovation campus next to Manchester Airport

A revised masterplan has been developed for the creation of the “UK’s best-connected science, innovation and manufacturing campus” at Manchester Airport. If it becomes reality, MIX MANCHESTER will be one of the largest science and innovation campuses in the UK, delivering two million square feet of high-quality advanced manufacturing and science space. It will also […]

Noida awards retail and duty free concession to Heinemann and BWC

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 […]

Expansion milestone at Mexico’s Monterrey International Airport

Mexican airport operator, Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA), has inaugurated the first phase of a €400 million investment programme at Monterrey International airport. The delivery of the new East Concourse of Terminal A is a major milestone of a five-year expansion programme that will bring a significant step in the ongoing expansion of Mexico. […]

Sustainability news: Green power

Airport World reports on a handful of new sustainability initiatives taking place at airports across Europe. New green storage battery milestone for Copenhagen Airport Denmark’s air gateway to the world, Copenhagen Airport (CPH), has installed a battery for storing green power. The airport is a key partner in the EU-back ALRIGHT project that is designed […]

All change at the top for ACI World

It will soon be all change at the top for ACI World with the news that former Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) CEO, Justin Erbacci, will replace the outgoing Luis Felipe de Oliveira, as director general and CEO in September. Erbacci, who briefly served as CEO of NEOM Airports after leaving LAWA, brings a wealth of […]

Outstanding effort!

Airports big and small across the world have been recognised for their customer experience excellence throughout 2023 in ACI World’s annual Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. There are plenty of familiar names and a number of new ones honoured in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards for 2023, with the winning airports ranging from small […]

New routes boost traffic at Stockholm Arlanda and across Sweden

Traffic continues to grow at Sweden’s airports with a total of 2.6 million passengers (+1.5%) passing through Swedavia’s ten gateways last month. According to the airport operator, the upwards trend is being driven by increased demand for international travel, primarily from Stockholm Arlanda Airport, where the airlines continue to expand their route networks. Indeed, this […]

Keflavík Airport: Lean, green and ambitious

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 […]

Munich Airport reintroduces shopping assistants for Chinese travellers

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 […]

Green light for Reno-Tahoe’s new Ground Transportation Center

Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) today announced the official approval and financial close for the highly anticipated Ground Transportation Center (GTC) project designed to improve ground transportation services at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). In a strategic partnership, Conrac Solutions, owned by leading sustainable infrastructure asset manager Meridiam, have been named the Public-Private Partnership (P3) for the $299 […]

Finnish regional airports achieve net zero carbon emissions

Ivalo, Kittilä, Kuusamo and Rovaniemi airports in Finland have achieved net zero carbon emissions for operations under their direct control. According to Finavia, carbon emissions have been cut by reducing energy consumption in terminals and refuelling airport vehicles with renewable diesel and work machines and emergency power generators with renewable motor fuel oil. In addition, […]

Sydney Airport’s annual Lost Property Auction begins

Sydney Airport’s popular annual Lost Property Auction for charity has commenced, with more than 2,500 unclaimed items up for grabs. All the money raised in the auction will be donated to the Harding Miller Education Foundation, which awards four-year scholarships to high school girls with high academic potential who are experiencing disadvantage. The airport’s general […]

Planning cap stymies growth prospects at Dublin Airport

Over 3.1 million passengers travelled to and from Ireland’s two busiest airports in April, according to daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork airports. The number of passengers travelling through Dublin Airport in April was up marginally versus the same month last year, at just 1%. At Cork Airport, passenger traffic was marginally down by […]

Shannon Airport completes airbridge upgrade programme

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 […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2024, ISSUE 02

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Keflavík Special report: ASQ Winners Plus: Democratising Data, People Matters & Sustainability Worth the wait Editor, Joe Bates, reflects on the development of key aviation infrastructure in this ‘master planning & design’ themed issue of Airport World. With so much at stake for local communities, […]

Changi subsidiary to boost non-aero business at Chinese airport

Changi Airport Group subsidiary, Changi Airports International (CAI), has established a joint venture to manage the non-aeronautical business at China’s Wuxi Shuofang International Airport (WUX). The new JV is with Wuxi Sunan International Airport Group Co Ltd (Wuxi Airport Group), a company wholly-owned by Wuxi Municipal People’s Government of China. Under the terms if the […]

Abu Dhabi’s airports experience “exceptional” traffic growth

Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of five airports across the UAE Emirate, has released what it is calling “exceptional” passenger traffic results for the first quarter of 2024. The high praise for its Q1 performance is based on a 35.6% upturn in passenger numbers across its airport network between January and March 2024 compared to […]

Room with a view: new hotel for Singapore Changi

Singapore Changi is to get a new hotel next to Terminal 2, which is expected to be completed and fully operational by 2028. Changi Airport Group (CAG) and SGX Mainboard-listed OUE Limited (OUE) announced the news today, with OUE awarded the tender by CAG for the lease and development of the facility, which will be […]

Shannon Airport set up for a strong performance in 2024

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 […]

JFK to boast New York state’s largest onsite solar storage project

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and the New York Power Authority have begun construction of New York State’s largest onsite solar plus storage project. Once operational, the solar carport project will generate electricity to help power the AirTrain and to reduce electricity costs for residents of low-income neighbourhoods in Queens. […]

Budapest Airport achieves new carbon accreditation milestone

Budapest has become the first airport in Central Europe to achieve level 4+ ‘Transition’ status in ACI’s  Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The achievement means that the Hungarian gateway is on target to achieve net zero emissions by 2035. The airport says that it has been working closely with its partners to reduce the environmental impacts […]

Tulsa celebrates Earth Day by unveiling electric vehicle chargers

Tulsa International Airport celebrated Earth Day by unveiling additional state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers located in the airport’s parking garage, which will accommodate an additional 32 vehicles. It believes that the project, which was realised through a collaboration with the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG), Tulsa International Airport and Public Service Company of Oklahoma […]

Enhancing passenger flows at busy YVR security checkpoint

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 […]

Hong Kong enjoys strong traffic growth in March

Hong Kong International Airport handled 4.36 million passengers and 29,840 flight movements in March, increases of 56.7% and 48.2% respectively on the same month a year ago. Partly driven by the long Easter holidays starting at the end of March, all passenger segments saw growth, with Airport Authority Hong Kong reporting that traffic to and […]

Second LEED Gold accolade for LaGuardia’s Terminal B

LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) has announced that Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport has been awarded its second LEED Gold certification, this time for its operations and maintenance (O&M) practices. It believes that the prestigious accolade underscores LGP’s “unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in aviation infrastructure”. LEED certification by the US Green Building Council […]

Travellers looking for new experiences at airports

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 […]

VINCI Airports acquires stake in Edinburgh Airport

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 […]

PEOPLE matters

Making new connections Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on how the global pandemic has changed the way we connect and communicate with each other. To what extent did the COVID pandemic fundamentally change the way in which we connect: physically, geographically, socially, and psychologically? Prior to 2020, if we wished to see distant relatives […]

New airport carbon accreditation milestone for Quito

Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport has become the first airport in Latin America and the Caribbean to receive Level 4+ ‘Transition’ certification in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. Driven on by operator Corporación Quiport’s commitment to being a good neighbour, the Ecuadorian gateway has been part of the programe since 2015. All airports achieving Level […]

Work begins on terminal regeneration project at Leeds Bradford Airport

A ground breaking ceremony has officially marked the start of construction work of a terminal regeneration project at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in the UK. The privately funded £100 million development, known as LBA:REGEN, is expected to transform LBA’s existing terminal building into a modern, efficient and sustainable facility, enhancing passenger experience and supporting the […]

ACI World officially announces world’s busiest airports in 2023

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) maintained its status as the world’s busiest airport in 2023, the 104.6 million passengers that passed through its facilities leaving all others in its wake. Dubai International (DXB), was the second busiest gateway, welcoming 86.9 million passengers during the year to finish ahead of third placed Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), despite […]

Dublin Airport rolling out new security scanning technology

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 […]

Traffic up at Frankfurt Airport despite flight cancellations due to strikes

Some 4.6 million passengers passed through Frankfurt Airport in March 2024 – 7.8% more than during the same month a year ago. Operator, Fraport, notes that the upturn in traffic is even more impressive as strikes caused the cancellation of about 2,200 flights from FRA during the month, disrupting the travel plans of almost 300,000 […]

Hong Kong becomes first Asian airport to use renewable diesel

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has announced the launch of a renewable diesel pilot project at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) as part of its ambition to make it the world’s greenest airport. Hong Kong claims to be the first airport in Asia to use renewable diesel, which can reduce greenhouse gas emission by 87% […]

Nothing to fear

Amadeus’ Holger Mattig explains how airports can potentially benefit from new technology that will allow the airlines to sell retail products and other non-aeronautical related goods and services direct to passengers. Are airports ready for the airlines moving to offer and order retailing, and what will it mean for airports? It’s all change in the […]

Hydrogen refuelling trial carried out at Bristol Airport

A ground-breaking airside hydrogen refuelling trial has been successfully completed at Bristol Airport. The trial, led by easyJet and supported by several cross-industry partners, is the first of its kind at a regional UK airport. Hydrogen was used to refuel and power ground support equipment (GSE) – specifically, baggage tractors – servicing easyJet passenger aircraft. […]

Records tumble at London Stansted after strong winter season

A record-breaking March rounded off a very strong winter season at London Stansted that resulted in the airport registering its busiest ever 12-month period. The early Easter helped boost monthly numbers to record levels as more than 2.18 million passengers passed through the terminal, beating the previous high set in 2019 by almost 80,000. The […]

New geospatial platform for London Gatwick

London Gatwick has created a new geospatial platform using Esri’s GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to support multiple operational areas at the airport, including engineering and environmental services. The system is already making engineering and construction works safer by reducing accidental strikes on buried utilities and enabling better management of the airports biodiversity. The geospatial […]

London Luton making headway on demolition of fire ravaged car park

London Luton Airport (LLA) is continuing to progress on improvements to benefit passengers travelling to and from the airport. Six months after the fire that destroyed one of LLA’s main car parks, the airport is forging ahead with a major reconstruction project that will begin once the final stage of the structure’s dismantling is complete […]

Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport launches its own rewards programme

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 […]

London Gatwick’s growing route network to Asia and Middle East

London Gatwick will be offering passengers more than 90 weekly flights to Asia and the Middle East this summer, following the launch of new routes to Baku, Ashgabat and Tashkent. The airport has welcomed new carriers Azerbaijan Airlines, Turkmenistan Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways in recent weeks, with three services per week to Baku starting in […]

Open for business: WBP News

We focus on some of latest security, concessions, hospitality and IT focused news stories from ACI World Business Partners across the globe. Fukuoka International Airport to deploy Smiths Detection technology Smiths Detection is to supply Fukuoka International Airport (FUK) with 12 HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX X-ray scanners and 12 automatic tray return systems (iLane A20) for […]

Tourism agency opens welcome centre at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

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 […]

Cork and Dublin airports enjoy a busy March

A total of 2.9 million passengers travelled to and from Ireland’s two busiest airports during the month of March, according to figures released today by airport operator, daa. Across the month, the number of passengers travelling through Dublin Airport was 9% higher than the same month last year. At Cork Airport, passenger traffic increased by […]

Project Watch: Jackson Hole Airport

The Wyoming gateway is arguably a thing of beauty after the completion of its multi-phased terminal renovation and expansion programme. Its status as being the only commercial airport in the United States to be located inside a national park (Grand Teton) means that Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) takes its sustainable development responsibilities very seriously, so […]

Etihad awards dnata inflight catering contract at Boston Logan

Global air and travel services provider, dnata, has been awarded a multi-year contract by Etihad Airways in the USA. The new partnership will see dnata provide inflight catering services to the Abu Dhabi-based airline from its facility at Boston Logan Airport (BOS). Under the terms of the deal, dnata will produce and uplift more than […]

Oakland International Airport considering changing its name

The Port of Oakland is considering changing the name of Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK) to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. It believes that changing the airport’s name – it is most commonly known as Oakland International Airport – could boost its market presence by making global travellers more aware of its location. The […]

Terminal in a garden

The new Terminal 2 at Bengaluru’s Kempegpowda International Airport puts nature and biodiversity at the heart of the passenger experience, writes Andrew Haines, senior associate at Grant Associates. The lush landascapes within its walls make Terminal 2 at Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport one of the most unique and greenest airport buildings on the planet. Indeed, […]

San José Mineta completes triennial emergency exercise

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) completed its triennial emergency exercise yesterday, simulating a safety incident to test emergency procedures for communication, incident command and coordination between Airports staff and multiple agencies. Every three years, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that passenger service airports conduct a full-scale emergency exercise to simulate a response to […]

New terminals planned for Mobile and Monterey airports in the US

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 […]

A team approach

Engaging with communities and taking steps to show the economic benefits of projects can help secure the long-term future of US airports and the regions they serve, writes Ryan Pearce. It was an adage that drove development in the western United States: When the railroad came to town, you thrived. When it left, you died. […]

London Gatwick expecting its busiest two weeks of the year so far

Like many airports across the globe, London Gatwick says that it is gearing up to welcome passengers travelling over the Easter holidays, which will be its busiest two weeks of the year to date. The highest number of departures at London Gatwick are expected to be on Easter Sunday (March 31), while Sunday, April 7, […]

Port Authority to transform access to Newark Liberty’s rail station

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 […]

Spokane awards retail and F&B concession to SSP America

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 […]

The future is multimodal

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, […]

FAA to fund enhancements to ATC towers at 20 small US airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US is awarding $20 million to 20 airport-owned airport traffic control towers across the country, spanning 17 states. The funding will be used to upgrade existing or build new control towers, delivering on President Biden’s Investing in America agenda that is rebuilding our infrastructure in every corner of […]

New developments to raise capacity of Madinah Airport

TAV Airports is to invest $275 million on expanding the existing terminal and building a new domestic terminal at Madinah Airport (Medina) in Saudi Arabia. It says that the investment is needed to ensure that the airport is equipped to handle 18 million passengers per annum, allowing it to meet “surging passenger traffic”, which last […]

View from the top

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, considers some of the key connectivity-related challenges facing airports today. With the recent release of our latest air traffic forecasts covered in this edition, ACI World predicts that global passenger numbers are expected to approximately double from 2024 (9.7 billion) to 2042 and to be 2.5 times […]

Amsterdam Schiphol reports positive February traffic figures

Amsterdam Schiphol today announced that it handled 4.6 million passengers in February – a healthy 22% rise on the same month a year ago. Around 3.2 million passengers arrived from or flew to a destination in Europe, meaning that 1.4 million passengers travelled between Amsterdam and a intercontinental destination outside Europe. The United Kingdom was […]

Commercial programme launched for a new ‘world-class’ New York-JFK

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 […]

Record revenues and EBITDA for global airport operator Fraport in 2023

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) […]

Best start ever to a new year for Miami International Airport

Passenger growth at Miami International Airport (MIA) is off to its fastest start ever this year and is expected to continue to the end of the month. Up until March 16 this year, MIA had served 12.3 million passengers, which is one million travellers  or 9.6% more than at the same time last year. Since […]

Route development – a balancing act

Airline services and route networks ultimately decide the fate of any airport. As global environmental concerns grow, navigating air service development towards sustainable aviation will be a key challenge going forward, writes George Karamanos. Air travel is vital in facilitating global mobility, trade, and tourism. However, the rapid growth of the aviation industry is gradually […]

Sustainable aviation: A work in progress

Airport World takes a closer look at some of the sustainability stories making headlines across globe in the first quarter of the year. Ambitious daa unveils environmental sustainability initiatives Irish airport operator, daa, has unveiled a 20-point plan to “accelerate its environmental sustainability ambitions” at Dublin (DUB) and Cork (ORK) airports and ensure that it […]

Fun new area for kids opens at Tulsa International Airport

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 […]

Swedavia committed to SAF incentive programme

Swedish airport operator, Swedavia, today announced that its investment in sustainable aviation will continue through its SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) incentive programme. The initiative offers discounts and reimburses airlines up to 50% of the premium cost for refuelling with environmentally friendly renewable aviation fuel. This year is the fifth in a row that Swedavia has […]

Travel technology investment trends

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 […]

Traffic recovery continues at Frankfurt Airport

Some 3.9 million passengers passed through Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in February 2024, almost 13% up on the corresponding month a year ago, despite strikes on several days. The strikes resulted in the cancellation of about 1,770 flights, preventing roughly 225,000 passengers from traveling via Frankfurt as planned. This shortfall was only partially offset by the […]

Aviation’s changing markets

Global connectivity is undergoing subtle changes as the airlines adjust their schedules to the post pandemic market, writes OAG’s chief analyst, John Grant. The great pandemic recovery is complete, well unless you are still waiting for the elusive Chinese international traveller to reappear, then most markets in the world are back to 2019 capacity levels […]

Traffic building up at Ireland’s airports ahead of St Patrick’s Day

Ireland’s airports are expecting a busy St Patrick’s Day, with over 50,000 passengers expected at Cork Airport over the Bank Holiday weekend and more than 33,400 anticipated at Shannon Airport, while some 650,000 are scheduled to pass through Dublin Airport over the next eight days. Horse racing fans attending the Cheltenham Festival and rugby supporters […]

Hong Kong cargo operators achieve new environmental accolade

Hong Kong International Airport’s two biggest cargo operators have become the first cargo handling companies in Asia to achieve IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification. Cathay Cargo Terminal and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) between them handle over two million tonnes of cargo per annum at the airport. IEnvA is a comprehensive certification programme developed […]

UK aviation coalition outlines new manifesto for sustainable development

The UK’s Sustainable Aviation (SA) coalition has launched a new manifesto outlining the aviation industry’s commitment to achieving net zero and minimising the impact of noise, while maximising the economic benefits that aviation delivers across the nations and regions of the UK. SA is a coalition of UK airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and fuel producers […]

ACI World unveils ASQ customer experience champions

ACI World today revealed the best airports on the planet for customer experience chosen by passengers in its Airport Service Quality (ASQ) programme. The ASQ award winners include Casablanca and Marrakech in Africa; Incheon International Airport, Singapore Changi and Shenzhen Bao’an in Asia-Pacific; Rome Fiumicino and Barcelona in Europe; Quito and Los Cabos in Latin […]

Heathrow takes dig at government despite being on target to set new records

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 […]

Antonov An-124 picks up climate monitoring satellite at Munich Airport

Munich Airport welcomed a giant Antonov An-124 last week to pick up a 2.3 ton climate-monitoring satellite on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). The EarthCARE (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer) satellite, constructed by Airbus, is a joint project between ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and will investigate the role played […]

World in motion: ACI News

We report on milestone appointments for ACI World and ACI Latin America & Caribbean, the end of year departure of Luis Felipe de Oliveira, the strengthening of ties with China’s airports and a round-table discussion in India. Candace McGraw becomes first female chair of ACI World Governing Board Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International […]

Passenger traffic in Spain to exceed 300 million in 2025

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 […]

The future of global air travel

ACI World’s economics data scientist, Hyuntae Jung, and senior director for economics data and analytics, Diederik Meijerink, highlight some of the key findings of ACI World’s new long-term traffic forecast. ACI World’s newly released World Airport Traffic Forecasts (WATF) 2023–2052 sheds light on the trajectory of air traffic over the next three decades. This year’s […]

Cork and Dublin airports welcome February traffic rise

Around 2.3 million passengers used Dublin and Cork airports in February, according to the latest figures released by operator, daa. A total of 2.1 million passengers passed through Dublin Airport’s two terminals an increase of 5% versus February 2023, while 193,000 went through Cork Airport, a 23% increase versus the same month last year. The […]

Food serving ‘snackbot’ on patrol at Munich Airport

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 […]

New ground handling service provider at Belgrade Airport

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has announced that Menzies Aviation will assume responsibility for all ground handling operations at the Serbian gateway. From today, Menzies will provide ramp handling and baggage, de-icing, cargo and passenger services, including looking after passengers with reduced mobility. The contract at the VINCI Airports gateway will see the airport transfer all […]

Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport: Looking good

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 […]

New training initiative between Incheon and Munich airports

Hag Jae Lee, CEO of Incheon International Airport Corporation, and Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Munich Airport’s Airport Academy. The airport’s state that the partnership “will focus on joint initiatives to develop and implement innovative training programmes that address the changing needs and requirements of the […]

Accessibility technology to be trialled at Glasgow Airport

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 […]

Qatar hub introduces dedicated screening areas for families

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 […]

Eight new restaurants to open at Helsinki Airport

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’s half-yearly financials deliver for city

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 […]

New York-JFK’s new Terminal 6 a year closer to becoming reality

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 […]

Vehicles powered by vegetable oil cut CO2 emissions at London Gatwick

London Gatwick says that it has cut carbon emissions from its diesel vehicles by 90% by swapping the fuel for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The switch means London Gatwick will save more than 950 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum. HVO is a low-carbon biofuel made from plant waste, oils and fats making it a […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2024, ISSUE 01

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Santiago de Chile Design & Build: Bengaluru-Kempegowda & Jackson Hole Plus: Sustainability; IT Innovation; People Matters; and ACI news Growth trajectory Editor, Joe Bates, reflects on the continued upturn in global traffic and the ‘connectivity’ theme of this issue of Airport World. While it is, […]

Brisbane to get new Delta Air Lines service to Los Angeles

In another big win for Queensland, Delta Air Lines is set to spread its wings by commencing services to Brisbane from December this year. The announcement heralds another leap forward in connectivity and, according to Brisbane Airport (BNE), is poised to further invigorate Queensland’s tourism and export sector. Delta Air Lines will launch with three […]

Making history: Aberdeen International Airport celebrates 90th year

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 […]

Work to start on ‘sustainable’ car park expansion at Brisbane Airport

Construction is set to commence on an expanded car park at Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal as part of the ongoing $5 billion Future BNE transformation. Future BNE encompasses more than 150 projects including upgrades to the Domestic and International Terminals, the construction of Terminal 3’s first stage, and additional commercial, industrial, and retail developments. The […]

Ryanair to increase services from Stockholm and Gothenburg

Swedish airport operator, Swedavia, today revealed that Ryanair will launch four new routes at Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport respectively this summer. Ryanair is to expand at both Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport ahead of the summer programme 2024 and will launch four new routes. From Stockholm Arlanda, the Irish airline […]

AIG to enhance water infrastructure at Queen Alia International Airport

Airport International Group (AIG) and Jordan Water Company (Miyahuna) have formed a strategic partnership to enhance the water infrastructure of Queen Alia International Airport. The agreement paves the way for a new water pipeline spanning over 11 kilometres from Miyahuna’s Al Qastal substation to the airport, of which 4.6km are outside airport premises and 6.7km […]

All time high for passenger traffic at Washington DC’s airports

The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority hosted 50.6 million total passengers in 2023, setting a new travel record at Reagan National and Dulles International airports. This achievement was driven by strong demand at both airports, resulting in a new passenger record at Reagan National and an international passenger record at Dulles International. “Setting a new record […]

Heathrow back in profit after strong traffic recovery in 2023

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 […]

New carbon accreditation milestone for Belfast City Airport

Belfast City Airport has further reinforced its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by becoming the first airport in Northern Ireland to achieve a Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. Judith Davis, airport operations manager at Belfast City Airport, enthused: “At Belfast City Airport, we consistently and proactively review the environmental […]

Rising traffic figures ensure healthy start to new year in Hong Kong

A total of 4.1 million passengers passed through Hong Kong International Airport last month – twice as many as it handled in January a year ago. The airport also experienced healthy increases in flights and cargo volumes during the month, the 28,755 air traffic movements and 377,000 tonnes of freight handled across its facilities representing […]

Menzies unveils new solar panel array at Prague Airport

Menzies Aviation has successfully installed hundreds of solar panels at its cargo facility at Prague Airport (PRG) which are expected to save around 140 tonnes of CO2 yearly. Almost 900 panels have been installed at the 14,000sqm cargo warehouse, a neighbouring administrative building and on the building’s façade. The panels are set to produce more […]

London Stansted expecting to be busy during school holidays

Hot on the heels of a record-breaking January, London Stansted is set for its busiest week of the year so far as thousands jet away for half-term. More than 360,000 passengers are expected to fly from the airport over the next 10 days, with families from across the East of England heading away for some […]

Hydrogen fuel and supersonic travel

The development of new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) alternatives and supersonic flight are two of the issues that I predict will influence commercial aviation this year. Prediction 1: Demand for hydrogen fuel will grow – starting the trajectory towards 70 million tons a year by 2050 Aviation is responsible for around 2.5% of global CO2 […]

Positive year expected for airports in Asia-Pacific and Middle East

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 sees revenues soar to €1.3 billion in 2023

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: […]

Global passenger traffic set to double over next 20 years

ACI World’s newly released annual World Airport Traffic Forecasts (WATF) 2023­–2052 dataset shows that global passenger traffic is set to double over next 20 years, by which time China will have replaced the US as the world’s biggest aviation market. The latest WATF extends its horizon by an impressive 10 years, offering a comprehensive 30-year […]

Singapore Changi investing in new rooftop solar photovoltaic system

A new solar photovoltaic (PV) system is to be installed on the rooftop areas of Singapore Changi’s terminal buildings, terminal auxiliary structures, airfield and cargo buildings. The new sustainability friendly addition will be designed, built, owned and operated by Keppel Ltd (Keppel) for 25 years when it is completed in early 2025. When up and […]

Good start to year for host of European airports

A host of European airports today released their traffic data for the first month of 2024, with Barcelona, Copenhagen, London Stansted, Madrid and Manchester among those reporting impressive upturns in traffic. Aena reports that 18.6 million passengers (+10.3%) passed through its Spanish airport network in January 2024, Madrid (+8%) and Barcelona (+13.9%) leading the way. […]

Glasgow Airport Hydrogen Innovation Summit hailed a success

Attendees at the Glasgow Airport Hydrogen Innovation Hub summit heard that the infrastructure needed to support zero-emission flight could be in place as early as 2027. The first-of-its-kind aviation hydrogen summit, held at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), brought sector leaders in aviation, finance, aerospace, renewables and engineering from across the world together with […]

Irish airport operator unveils raft of new sustainability initiatives

Irish airport operator, daa, today unveiled details of 20 environmental sustainability initiatives being rolled out at Dublin and Cork Airports. It is confident that each which will help accelerate both airports’ climate and sustainability related ambitions, including achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. The projects are also matched by a planned investment […]

iGA Istanbul Airport planning ‘year of investments’

IGA Istanbul Airport has outlined its plans for 2024, with CEO, Selahattin Bilgen, promising that it will be a “year of investments”. Speaking during the Turkish gateway’s annual press conference, Bilgen stated that the airport invested €160 million in 2023 and would increase that to €656.5 million this year. He also revealed the airport’s key […]

Enhancing the passenger journey and sustainability key to airport IT spend

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 […]

Denver celebrates opening of West Security Checkpoint

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 […]

Elena Sorlini confirmed as new CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports

Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of Abu Dhabi International Airport and four other commercial gateways in the emirate, has announced the appointment of Elena Sorlini as its managing director and CEO. Sorlini transitions into the role permanently after serving in an interim capacity since June 2023. Since joining Abu Dhabi Airports, Sorlini has overseen the […]

Bus operators to offer 35 million seats on Dublin Airport routes from 2025

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 enhances experience for US bound travellers

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 […]

People matters

Sustainability: The social pillar Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on the human factor in sustainability. We are very proud to say that this article marks the completion of 10 years of ‘People Matters’ columns that we have written for Airport World. We didn’t expect the column to be in demand for so long, but […]

Open for business – WBP News

Announcements, news stories and opinions from ACI World Business Partners across the globe. Rebuilding Kyiv’s Boryspil International Airport AECOM has signed a memorandum of understanding to act as the reconstruction delivery partner for the rebuilding of Boryspil International Airport (KBP) and support the reconstruction of the broader aviation sector in Ukraine. Boryspil is Ukraine’s largest […]

Technology transformation is a 2024 priority – new report

A survey of 200 global airport leaders signals an incoming overhaul of, and investment in, technology in the aviation industry, following years of relatively low innovation, according to a new report. According to AeroCloud’s Getting on the Runway to Growth report, 92% of airport leaders rank moving on from legacy technology as a top commercial […]

Traffic at Warsaw Chopin on strong upward trajectory

Warsaw Chopin Airport admits its traffic volumes ‘surpassed expectations’ last year, when nearly 18.5 million passengers and a record 103.6 thousand tonnes of cargo passed through its facilities. It says that the performance in 2023 “significantly exceeded forecasts” that projected it would handle slightly over 15 million passengers. In reality, Chopin Airport served precisely 18,499,527 […]

Cannes and Saint-Tropez airports to stop using diesel vehicles

Cannes-Mandelieu and Golfe de Saint-Tropez airports
in France today announced that they plan abandoning diesel vehicles to reduce their joint emissions
by more than 50 tonnes of CO2 per year. The Côte d’Azur airports state that any internal combustion vehicle that cannot be converted to fully electric engines will now be fuelled with biodiesel, which will result […]

Munich Airport set to handle record number of flights to Asia

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 […]

Phnom Penh International Airport achieves new carbon reduction milestone

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in Cambodia has provided further evidence of its green credentials by achieving Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ certification in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The programme requires the monitoring of the airport carbon footprint and the implementation of actions to reduce the footprint over the years. To achieve its targets, PNH has […]

Destination net zero

SNC-Lavalin and Engineering Net Zero director, Isabelle Smith, shares insight on the challenges ahead and explains why data-driven decisions will be fundamental in achieving the industry’s green ambitions. The long, steady journey to reduce carbon emissions is becoming urgent. Against the unrelenting pressure of a changing, unpredictable climate, the task is enormous. Aviation accounts for […]

Work starts on new CBP facility at Tulsa International Airport

Tulsa International Airport yesterday held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of construction on a new international customs facility, which will allow commercial air carriers to offer non-stop international flights out of TUL for the first time. The new 45,000 square foot addition to the existing terminal is expected to be completed in late […]

Sustainability 2.0

RS&H’s Ben Moore and Nathan Stinnette discuss the importance of sustainability management plans and getting sustainability programmes to take-off at US airports. Sustainability is increasingly seen as a critical facet of airport planning, but getting sustainability programmes to take off at airports is no easy feat, requiring substantial effort in data collection and management, planning, […]

Passenger numbers continue rising at Singapore Changi

While yet to hit pre-COVID traffic levels, passenger numbers at Singapore Changi continue to travel in an upwards direction, reaching 58.9 million in 2023, representing 86% of the traffic recorded in 2019. Aircraft movements, which include landings and take-offs, totalled 328,000, as compared to 382,000 in 2019. Against a volatile global economic environment, airfreight throughput […]

Valentine’s Day flower season begins at Quito Airport

The Valentine’s Day cargo season for fresh flowers begins at Quito Airport today and will last until just before the big day. The airport is one of the world’s biggest handlers of fresh flowers, regularly processing in excess of 20,000 tonnes of flowers in the 23 days leading up to Valentine’s Day. With its extensive […]

Three steps to net zero

Focusing on three key issues will help the aviation industry reduce carbon emissions, writes Landrum & Brown’s sustainable airports specialist, Sara Christen. For anyone involved in the aviation industry or running an airport today, a major talking point is the sector’s contribution to global warming, and how we can cut carbon emissions and improve our […]

Trials of autonomous baggage dolly to begin at CVG

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 […]

Government ministers celebrate opening of train link to Turin Airport

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 […]

Sydney Airport enjoys strong end-of-year traffic growth

Sydney Airport closed out 2023 with its strongest monthly passenger traffic since 2019, with a total of 3.58 million passengers passing through the terminals in December 2023. The total represented a 15.8% increase on passenger traffic in December last year and a 90.6% recovery compared to December 2019. Sydney Airport’s T1 international terminal saw 1.5 […]

London Luton achieves new customer experience milestone

London Luton Airport has been recognised by ACI World for its commitment to continuously improving the customer experience across its facilities, achieving Level 2 of the association’s globally recognised accreditation programme. It follows a comprehensive review of all aspects of the airport’s passenger experience including training and engagement with airport staff and business partners. London […]

Financing the green transition

Jennifer Desharnais, ACI World’s director of sustainability and environmental protection, explains more about the Airports of Tomorrow initative and new Green Transition Toolkit. Airports have been at the centre of aviation decarbonisation, and they continue to be on the front line to provide and facilitate sustainable solutions and practices for the entire ecosystem. The ACI […]

Traffic up in Helsinki and bouncing back across Finland’s airports

A total 15.3 million passengers passed through Helsinki Airport last year – nearly 20% up on 2022. The total accounted for 84% of all passengers handled at Finland’s airports in 2022, with 88% of travellers at the gateway boarding an international flight. Transfer passengers catching connecting flights made up 27% of all international passengers, around […]

Aena reflects on record breaking year for Spain’s airports

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 […]

Texas star DFW celebrates its 50th anniversary

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 […]

Navigating the future

ICF’s Eliot Lees and Chris Watson consider some of the key issues airports should take into account when planning for the electrification of their fleet of ground support vehicles and equipment. As airports seek to reduce their carbon footprint and align with environmental goals, transitioning to electric vehicles is not just an ethical choice, it […]

Sustainable development: Green mission

Airport World takes a closer look at some of the sustainability stories making headlines across globe in the final quarter of the year. Taking Airport Carbon Accreditation to the next level Amsterdam Schiphol, Christchurch, Göteborg Landvetter, Madeira, Malmö and Rotterdam The Hague airports are among the first 10 airports on the planet to achieve Level […]

Candace McGraw becomes first female chair of ACI World Governing Board

Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), has become the first female chair of ACI World. McGraw will head the ACI World Governing Board  (WGB) that consists of  28 leading airport CEOs nominated by the regional ACI Boards, plus the Immediate past chair. The ACI WGB directs the organisation through strategic discussions on […]

Major food and beverage revamp planned at Dublin Airport

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 […]

Bigger and better

The growth and development of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme was one of the sustainable aviation highlights of 2023, writes WSP’s Dr Catherine Wilson. There is no time to waste when it comes to protecting the environment, especially as at the close of 2023 there will be just seven years left to meet the International […]

New ground handler to start operations at Rome Fiumicino

Airport Handling, a majority-owned subsidiary of global air and travel services provider dnata, has been awarded a seven-year ground handling license by Aeroporti di Roma and will establish operations at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). The company is targeting to launch operations in the Italian capital in the second quarter of 2024. Airport Handling states that […]

Take off for Baltic Sea Region HyAirport project

The foundations for the aviation sector’s transition to renewable energy are set to be developed in the Baltic Sea region within the next three years, according to partners in the EU backed project. The bold claim coincides with the official launch of the ‘BSR HyAirport’ project, which involves the participation of 16 airports, airlines, research […]

Huge increase in passenger traffic at Hamad International Airport

A record 45.9 million passengers passed through Hamad International Airport (DOH) last year – 31% more than in  2022 when Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup finals. The airport also enjoyed a 22% rise in flights and a modest upturn in cargo volumes as it welcomed 252,059 aircraft movements and 2.34 million tons of freight […]

New forecourt for electric vehicles opens at London Gatwick

London Gatwick claims to have become the first international airport to open an Electric Forecourt, a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging station for all to use from today. The brand-new site has 30 high-power and low-power electric vehicle chargers available via contactless payment alongside high-speed Wi-Fi, a lounge area, Costa Coffee, Little Fresh convenience store […]

World in motion: ACI News

We report on the release of the newest edition of ACI World’s ASQ 2023 Global Traveller Survey, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East’s commitment to the sustainable growth of aviation, and ACI EUROPE’s defence of airport charges. ACI World news: Global Traveller Survey Unveiled at the Airports Innovate Conference conference in Oman, the latest edition of […]

Hamburg Airport’s traffic recovery begins to gather pace

Hamburg Airport handled 13.6 million passengers in 2023 as it continued its recovery from the global pandemic. Indeed, aircraft load factors hit record levels during the year and passenger numbers hit an all-time high for October, although the annual passenger total remains 22% down on 2019. Strong demand for holiday travel Compared to 2022, 22% […]

Event review: Airports Innovate

The inaugural Airports Innovate conference in Oman proved to be an event to remember for the 500 delegates in attendance, writes Joe Bates. As you would expect from an event dedicated to ‘innovation’, the inaugural Airports Innovate conference in Muscat, Oman, addressed a number of innovative ways airports, and the aviation industry, are tackling the […]

New F&B outlets open at Ottawa International Airport

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 […]

Abu Dhabi International Airport: Ready to write the next chapter

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 […]

View from the top

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, considers the sustainability challenges facing airports. This edition of Airport World focuses on the sustainability of airports and the wider aviation system – a topic that perhaps has never been as timely as today. As global demand for air travel rises, the industry has the ambitious task […]

Sacramento International Airport: Planning for growth

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 […]

Hong Kong International Airport ends year on a high

Airport Authority Hong Kong reports that Hong Kong International Airport will close 2023 with passenger numbers back to 80% of  pre-pandemic levels. The airport’s recovery is in line with Airport Authority Hong Kong’s forecast. During Christmas holiday travel peak, the airport handled more than 160,000 passengers daily on both the 22nd and 23rd of December. […]

Technology: Enabling change

Cutting edge technologies will help airports lead the industry to net zero, writes Olivier Vidal. The aviation industry is a contributor to greenhouse gases, responsible for 2% of global carbon emissions. While attention has been on reducing the impact of airplanes and increasing fuel efficiency, airports add to that carbon footprint. This offers opportunities for […]

Milestone day for Brisbane Airport as passenger numbers roar back

Today will be the first day since the pandemic that Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal will see 20,000 passengers in a single day. Hip Hop Santa performers will greet passengers as they arrive at the airport, just in time for Christmas. The milestone signifies a resilient stride forward for the airport and Queensland’s tourism industry, showcasing […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2023, ISSUE 06

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Abu Dhabi & Sacramento Special report: Airports Innovate Review Plus: ACI news; People Matters; and World Business Partners Extra The heat is on! Editor, Joe Bates, reflects on aviation’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in this ‘sustainability’ themed issue of Airport World. The global […]

Sustainability: More than just net zero

Gurjit Wood, sustainable aviation at Arup, considers what makes a sustainable airport and how the aviation industry can achieve sustainability. Although complex in its delivery, sustainable aviation can be addressed through the realisation of two major priorities: a transition to sustainable fuels, and the development of sustainable airports. It could be argued that the former […]

Traffic recovery gathering pace at Sydney Airport

A total of 3.41 million passengers passed through Sydney Airport in November 2023, a rise of 15% on the corresponding month a year ago, and just 8.6% below pre-pandemic levels. Sydney Airport’s T1 international terminal saw 1.26 million passengers pass through in November, a 29.8% increase on the same month last year and a 93% […]

Aircraft stand upgrade underway at Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the UK is halfway through more than £10 million of aircraft stand upgrades to make its operation more efficient and reliable for customers. The project is making all the stands on BHX’s South Terminal capable of accommodating Airbus 321 and Boeing 737 aircraft, which many airlines use. Andrew Holl, BHX’s airfield […]

Technology test centre opens for JFK’s planned new Terminal 1

The project design-build team behind New York JFK’s new Terminal 1 have opened a pre-production centre to test technology before it is deployed in the the new $9.5 billion terminal. The team includes the New Terminal One (NTO) consortium appointed to design, build and operate the new complex and partners AECOM Tishman Construction, Schneider Electric, […]

Swedavia’s efforts to reduce carbon footprint highlighted at COP28

Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Malmö Airport are two of the first ten airports in the world, and the only airports in Northern Europe, to receive the highest level of certification according to the Airport Carbon Accreditation – the international industry standard for climate transition work at the world’s airports. The increased ambition means that the […]

Plans to develop and improve airports in US Virgin Islands

Global sustainable design and engineering firm, Stantec, has been selected by the United States Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) as the first sole consultant for both the Cyril E King Airport in St. Thomas and the Henry E Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. The firm will provide comprehensive airport consulting services for ongoing development and […]

LAX’s ConRac facility wins another award from US Green Building Council

Los Angeles International Airport’s Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility has been recognised with an Energy and Operational Carbon Design Merit award from the US Green Building Council. The award, from the US Green Building Council’s Los Angeles chapter, follows recent news of the project receiving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold v4 certification from […]

Sydney Airport ready for biggest holiday period for four years

Sydney Airport expects 2.6 million passengers to pass through its facilities during the upcoming Christmas break. The anticipated total is up 500,000 passengers on last year’s Christmas holiday season, and represents a 95% recovery compared to the same period in 2019. The international recovery is especially strong, with 1.1 million passengers expected to use T1 […]

Thanksgiving and Diwali holidays boost passenger traffic at Heathrow

A total of 6.1 million passengers travelled through Heathrow during November, traffic to North America peaking ahead of Thanksgiving while flights to India were full in the lead up to Diwali. The UK hub reports that over 50,000 passengers flew across the Atlantic from Heathrow on the Friday before the Thankgiving holiday in the US. Similarly, […]

PEOPLE matters

The human factor in innovation Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on how investing in people and culture is essential for innovation. What was impossible yesterday is an accomplishment today, while tomorrow heralds the unbelievable’. These were the words of entrepreneur, Percival Elliott Fansler shortly before the world’s first commercial airline flight took off from […]

Incheon Airport Aviation Academy: High achiever!

Endorsed by ACI, ICAO and IATA, Incheon Airport Aviation Academy strives to lead the way in global aviation training. Incheon Airport Aviation Academy (IAAA) is a prominent aviation training centre based at Incheon International Airport in Northeast Asia. Since its establishment in 2008, IAAA has consistently provided high-quality aviation training programmes to over 10,000 aviation […]

Vantage to increase stake in Terminal B operator at LaGuardia Airport

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 unveils revamped International terminal

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 […]

ACI World confirms its support for cleaner energy sources

ACI World today reiterates its support for cleaner energy sources at the Global Sustainable Aviation Forum, a critical side-event of COP28, organised by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) that reunites key speakers across the aviation sector. Director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, said: “Airports are identifying new opportunities and roles they can play in […]

Airport Carbon Accreditation programme launches new Level 5

Airports Council International today officially launched Level 5 certification of its global Airport Carbon Accreditation programme at the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP28). Amsterdam Schiphol, Christchurch, Göteborg Landvetter, Madeira, Malmö and Rotterdam The Hague airports are among the first 10 airports on the planet to reach the new highest certification level in the […]

Open for business – WBP News

Announcements, news stories and opinions from ACI World Business Partners across the globe. Transoft Solutions Introduces AeroCENTRAL Transoft Solutions, developers of productivity-enhancing software and services for aviation, civil infrastructure, transportation and traffic safety industries, has announced a new addition to their aviation product portfolio that bridges the gap between airside planning and operations. AeroCENTRAL, the […]

Perth Airport unveils new Noongar language welcome signs

Visitors arriving in Western Australia will now be met with new Noongar language welcome signs that light up to reflect the six seasons of the Noongar calendar. The six-metre-high signs are adorned with Indigenous symbols that reflect the landscape and meaning of Wadjak Boodja. Perth Airport’s chief commercial and aviation officer, Kate Holsgrove, said the […]

Ballet performance at Heathrow begins airport’s Christmas festivities

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 […]

New economic impact study shows importance of Greenville-Spartanburg

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 […]

Cork Airport on target to celebrate busiest year in its history

Cork Airport is forecast to have its busiest year in its history in terms of international passengers this year with 2.75 million set to fly in and out of the Munster’s most popular airport in 2023. Last month, 191,000 passengers flew to and from Cork Airport, a 14% increase on November 2022. While almost 2.2 […]

UPS to invest in new hub facility at Hong Kong International Airport

United Parcel Service (UPS) has reached an agreement with Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to develop a new hub facility at Hong Kong International Airport. The airport is confident that the complex which will further enhance HKG’s cargo capacity and reinforce its status as the world’s leading air cargo hub. Expected to complete in 2028, […]

Planning for vertical take-offs

OAG’s chief analyst, John Grant, considers the potential opportunities and challenges of eVTOL aircraft and how the aviation sector might adapt to meet the new trend. The aviation industry is about to embark on a transformative period of technological change as it strives to meet its net zero targets within the next two decades. While […]

Darwin Airport opens Australia’s first airport resort

Darwin Airport will get its own airport resort next week when two former ‘reimagined’ and now integrated airport hotels open as the Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort. The milestone opening follows a A$30 million investment by the Airport Development Group (ADG), which also owns the adjacent Darwin Airport. Darwin Airport is the northern gateway […]

New restaurants and bars open at Chicago Midway

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 […]

LaGuardia’s Terminal B: Access all areas

LaGuardia’s Terminal B shows just what can be achieved when it comes to designing an airport terminal that is accessible by all, writes Stanis Smith. Many in the airport industry are aware that LaGuardia’s Terminal B has won a host of host of design and sustainability awards despite its full construction only being completed in […]

ACI World’s director general to leave role at the end of 2024

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, has announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of 2024. His departure is driven by family reasons, as de Oliveira expresses his desire to return to Europe with his family after four impactful years at the helm of ACI World. Taking on […]

First transatlantic flight powered by SAF to take off from Heathrow

History will be made at London’s Heathrow Airport today when a Virgin Atlantic test flight to New York becomes the first transatlantic flight powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The B787 flight, which has been made possible by up to £1 million in funding from the UK government, is seen as a significant step […]

Security upgrade for Leeds Bradford Airport in the UK

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 […]

Glasgow Airport to boast Scotland’s largest airport based solar farm

Work to create Scotland’s largest airport-based solar farm is now underway at Glasgow Airport following the successful completion of the development phase of the project. Glasgow Airport, in partnership with energy transition adviser and developer Ikigai Group, has completed the development phase and the subsequent successful financial close for a 19.9MW solar plant with Zestec […]

Hammer time: Brisbane Airport’s Lost Property Auction

Brisbane Airport’s Lost Property Auction is back with a record number of items, allowing the public to grab a bargain just before Christmas. A total of 673 lots are on offer this year, with online bidding closing progressively on Sunday, December 17, from 10am. Around 60,000 people per day pass through the Domestic and International […]

ACI lauds visionary ICAO goal for sustainable aviation fuel

Airports Council International today reiterated its support for the “visionary International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) goal for sustainable aviation fuel” to come from the Third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai. As reported on Friday, governments from over 100 States, meeting with industry and civil society, have set a goal that […]

Celebrating innovation

ACI’s Technology Innovation Awards, held in partnership with Amadeus, highlight cutting edge initiatives and leadership by airports that improve operations or increase efficiency. In what has now become an annual event, ACI World and Amadeus invite airports to submit innovative technology projects and examples of leadership that enhance the passenger journey, drive operational efficiency or […]

Aviation industry sets new clean energy target on road to net zero

The aviation sector has adopted a collective goal to start the shift away from fossil fuels at the third Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3), convened at ICAO. Governments from over 100 States, meeting with industry and civil society, have set a goal that aviation fuel in 2030 should be 5% less carbon intensive […]

Making a difference

Airport World rounds-up a handful of the latest sustainability news stories making headlines across the globe. New sustainability milestone for Hyderabad and London Luton Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) and London Luton (have become the latest gateways to achieve Level 4 in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. Achieving Level ‘Transition’ status, HYD – operated […]

Stockholm Arlanda: Retail therapy

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 […]

The future is now

George Richardson, co-founder and CEO of AeroCloud, explains how computer vision can transform airport operations and the passenger experience. The removal of COVID-19 restrictions has allowed a steady return to air travel. According to the UN Aviation Agency, the number of air passengers carried in 2022 was an estimated 47% up on the previous year […]

Time for technology

INFORM’s Alexander Wendorff explains how advanced technologies can help airports better manage and optimise their resources. Today’s challenging market conditions continue to heap pressure on airports to make the optimum use of their resources. Indeed, growing traffic demands, labour shortages, increased pressure to meet sustainability goals and heightened regulations are just some of the reasons […]

ACI’s new airport innovation conference to begin in Muscat

ACI’s newest event centred around innovation, Airports Innovate, officially begins today with the Welcome Reception at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre in Muscat. ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, ACI EUROPE, and ACI World note that the theme of the event is ‘Dynamic Think Tank – Reveal the Future’, and that it will highlight some […]

The Omani way

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 […]

View from the top

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, considers how innovation continues to make passenger journeys easier and enhance the sustainability of airports. Airports have come a long way since their inception, with innovation leading many of the changes that have transformed them from transport hubs into destinations in their own right. Innovation has been […]

Tulsa Airport enplanements hit highest monthly total for 15 years

Tulsa International Airport has announced a significant milestone, it handled more outbound passengers in October 2023 than it has in a single month since July 2008. The Oklahoma gateway accommodated a total of 149,876 enplanements in October – 4.5% more than in the corresponding month a year ago, 11% up on October 2019 and the […]

Pursuit of excellence

We provide a picture review of some of highlights of the recent ACI World Customer Experience Global Summit in Incheon. Over 600 participants from across the world attended the ACI World Customer Experience Global Summit – the premier global event dedicated to the airport customer experience – in Incheon, South Korea, in early September. The […]

Submissions sought for 2024 Technology Innovation Awards

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 […]

Munich Airport sets ambitious new net zero emission target

Munich Airport is intensifying its existing climate targets and now intends to achieve Net Zero by 2035 instead of 2050 as previously intended. Achieving Net Zero means reducing the emissions that the airport itself can influence – known as Scope 1 and 2 emissions – by a minimum of 90%. The remaining around 10% of […]

Augmented reality feature Indoor Live View launched at Sydney Airport

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 […]

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: Smart operations

Amsterdam Schiphol continues to innovate by using smart solutions to enhance its operational efficiency and help secure its long-term future, write the Royal Schiphol Group’s Zahra Merchant and Jan Zekveld. The very nature of the aviation industry ensures that it is constantly evolving and creating new logistical and transformational challenges for airports, which need to […]

Busiest ever October for London’s Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport recorded its busiest ever October as nearly 2.6 million passengers passed through its terminal, surpassing the previous record set in 2018. The UK gateway states that the popularity of its extensive European route network, plus the half-term getaway, ensured that it welcomed more than 28,000 more passengers than in 2018. The total […]

Food giant McDonald’s to open outlet in BNE’s Domestic Terminal

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 […]

World in motion

We report on the latest traffic statistics for ACI World, the release of ACI Asia-Pacific’s new Airport Connectivity Report, and ACI EUROPE’s green skies commitment. ACI WORLD news: Global traffic figures close to full recovery ACI World has published its latest quarterly air travel outlook revealing global passenger traffic expected to recover in early 2024 […]

Shannon Airport Group contributes almost €4 billion to the Irish economy

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 […]

Copenhagen Airport’s route network bigger than winter 2019

A total of 2.5 million passengers passed through Copenhagen Airport in October, 12% more than in the same month a year ago. The increase was helped by the launch of 13 new services to Asia, Africa and the Middle East this winter, meaning that 228 direct routes across the globe are currently served from Copenhagen. […]

New mountain inspired sculpture greets visitors to Salt Lake City

Travellers to Salt Lake City International Airport are now welcomed by a new entry feature titled ‘The Peaks’, a monumental sculpture imagined by Artist Gordon Huether then fabricated and installed by his team. “Salt Lake City International Airport is still growing and transforming just like our City,” said Salt Lake City Mayor, Erin Mendenhall. “For […]

Buying into airports

Asia-Pacific’s airports continue to appeal to investors interested in privatisation deals and upgrading infrastructure, writes Modalis Infrastructure Partners’ partner, president and CEO, Curtis Grad. Despite being very slow to remove COVID restrictions, Asia-Pacific remains a key region for airport investment and development as traffic flows are predicted to see some of the biggest rises in […]

New terminal set to transform travel to southern Thailand airport

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 […]

Sustainability is a top priority for Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in the UK has achieved its highest score to date from The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), achieving a score of 95% and being awarded a 5-star rating. An independent organisation, GRESB provides validated Environmental, Social and Governance data for real estate and infrastructure businesses globally. To achieve a rating, […]

Menu of innovation

Pragma Consulting’s Katie Hastings looks at some examples of retail/F&B innovation at airports across the globe. Airports have enjoyed a sudden influx of high passenger numbers since the end of the pandemic. While this is great news, it has had an impact on airport operations and commercial space capacity has become a major challenge for […]

Traffic continues to rise at Budapest Airport

Budapest Airport handled close to 11 million passengers during the first three quarters of 2023 to ensure that its traffic levels are just 10% below pre-COVID levels. It is confident that the upward trajectory will continue this winter, which will see 36 airlines flying to 107 destinations. Sunday, October 29, saw Ryanair start new services […]

Sydney Airport honours female aviation trailblazer

Sydney Airport (SYD) has named the new flyover into the domestic airport after aviation trailblazer, Deborah Lawrie AM. Lawrie was the first woman in Australia to become a pilot for a commercial airline, something she only achieved after winning the country’s first successful High Court sex discrimination case for employment. The decision paved the way […]

Candy themed wonderland coming to Singapore Changi

Passengers passing through Singapore Changi will be able to enjoy a candy-themed wonderland as part of its festive festivities! From tomorrow and lasting until the end of March 2024, the airport’s candy-themed wonderland will offer whimsical carnival games and rides, as well as a snow house that will transport visitors “into to a world of wintry […]

Good October for Ireland’s busiest airports as passenger numbers rise

Dublin and Cork airports welcomed over three million passengers between them in October as traffic levels continue to rise at Ireland’s two busiest gateways. A total of 2.8 million passed through the doors of Dublin Airport in October, which was 4% higher than in the same month last year, according to airport operator daa. While […]

Colourful new marketplace opens at Phoenix Sky Harbor

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 […]

New S&P report says Asia-Pacific on road to recovery

Passenger numbers in most of Asia-Pacific should return to pre-pandemic levels over the next 12-18 months, according to S&P Global Ratings, during which time it believes that industrywide capacity constraints, due to supply-chain issues, should support load factors and ticket fares. “Demand-supply dynamics are favouring aviation-related sectors in Asia-Pacific,” said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst […]

Tulsa International Airport introduces new aid for blind passengers

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 […]

ONT celebrates seven years of local control and new milestones

More than 500 business and regional leaders gathered on Wednesday, November 1, for Ontario International Airport’s annual State of the Airport event, and to celebrate seven years of local control of the Californian gateway. Serving one of the most dynamic population and economic centres in the United States, ONT will serve more than six million […]

Green light for terminal expansion at London Stansted

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 […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2023, ISSUE 05

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Muscat In Focus: Sustainability Plus: ACI World Customer Experience Global Summit; Investing in Asia-Pacific; eVTOLs and Retail/F&B The next big thing! Editor, Joe Bates, reflects on the ‘innovation’ theme of the penultimate 2023 issue of Airport World. I have no idea who first coined the expression, ‘the next big […]

Work to begin on creation of global framework for ESG reporting

ACI World is to work with global aviation consultancies Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) and To70 on the creation of a global standardised framework for improved airport environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) reporting. The association notes that airports “face the ongoing challenge of investing in infrastructure to meet future air travel demand, while also ensuring […]

New uniforms for Sydney Airport’s volunteer ambassadors

Sydney Airport’s popular volunteer ambassadors are now sporting a new uniform, which has been 100% Australian designed and made. Since 1999, ambassadors have been offering customer support in the terminals, with teams across T1 international as well as T2 and T3 domestic. The ambassador programme was introduced to help with the influx of visitors for […]

Hong Kong airport to jointly develop logistics park in Mainland China

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 […]

Amsterdam Schiphol opens its own concrete recycling plant

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has opened its own concrete recycling plant to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with transporting waste rubble to a facility off-site. The new facility will crush old, used concrete from renovation and maintenance projects to make new concrete or foundation material, in collaboration with Heijmans and VolkerWessels Infra Schiphol. The material will […]

New research looks at airport concession business models

ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East today announced the findings of its market research on airport concession business models and non-aeronautical revenues on the opening day of the The Trinity Forum 2023 in Hong Kong. Based on survey feedback from airport operators across the region, the research reveals that airports are giving “noteworthy consideration” to new […]

Leadership and innovation: The path to future-wise airport enterprises

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 […]

Idaho Falls expansion project to make airport bigger and better

Idaho Falls Regional Airport in the US will soon get a new look as it embarks on a 18,000-square-foot expansion. The $45 million project, financed through federal airport funding, is expected to begin in early 2024 and finish by 2026. According to the airport, the project will significantly expand and replace the outbound baggage system […]

London Gatwick achieves new Airport Carbon Accreditation milestone

London Gatwick has achieved Level 4+ ‘Transition’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme – the only institutionally-endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports. The global scheme independently assesses and recognises the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through six levels of certification: ‘Mapping’, ‘Reduction’, ‘Optimisation’, ‘Neutrality’, ‘Transformation’ and ‘Transition’. Level […]

Dublin Airport looking to enhance bus options and operations

Dublin Airport is targeting an increase in the number of passengers travelling to and from the airport by bus over the coming years. The airport is seeking expressions of interest from bus operators who would like to operate scheduled bus services from the various bus stops outside the two terminals from Spring 2024 onwards. The […]

Shannon Airport expecting record passenger numbers this Halloween

It’s not just witches on broom sticks taking to the skies over the Halloween bank holiday, Shannon Airport is expecting record breaking passenger numbers with over 44,000 people forecast to take off from the airport throughout the October holiday period. This will be the highest number of passengers to travel through the airport during the […]

Time for a new experience at Copenhagen Airport

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, […]

Fraport to turn electric vehicles into mobile power storage units

Global airport operator, Fraport, is gradually converting its fleet of vehicles at Frankfurt Airport to electric drives. Parallel to this, the charging infrastructure at Germany’s largest air traffic hub is also expanding and evolving. For now, it still works conventionally, with current flowing from a charging point into vehicles’ storage batteries. However, Fraport boldly states […]

Fraport USA wins concessions contract for US’s capital city airports

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 […]

Thomas Woldbye takes the reins at London Heathrow

Thomas Woldbye has today officially taken over as CEO of London’s Heathrow Airport. His arrival marks a new chapter for Heathrow, which the UK hub states will see it push innovation in passenger service, sustainability and growth at the airport over the next decade. He is spending his first day meeting colleagues across the airport […]

Leeds Bradford Airport to commence work on terminal regeneration project

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in the UK has announced over a £100m investment into a vital regeneration of its terminal facilities which will dramatically improve the passenger experience and help unlock economic growth for the region. Approved by Leeds City Council, the work is set to commence in autumn 2023 and is expected to complete […]

Abu Dhabi’s new Terminal A to open on November 1

Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Terminal A, which will double the UAE gateway’s current capacity to 45 million passengers per annum, will officially open on November 1, it was announced today. Etihad’s ceremonial flight will take place on October 31, ahead of the terminal’s eagerly awaited opening to the public the following day. Airlines will […]

Open for business: WBP News

Announcements, news stories and opinions from ACI World Business Partners across the globe. Jacobs and HOK to work on modernisation of SEA’s S Concourse Jacobs and Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK) will both play key roles in the modernisation of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s S Concourse. Jacobs has beem selected by the Port of Seattle to […]

San Diego completes bond sale to help fund new T1 project

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. […]

Traffic up in Frankfurt and across Fraport’s global airport network

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) welcomed some 5.8 million passengers in September 2023 – an increase of 18.2% compared to the same month last year. Operator, Fraport AG, however, is quick to point out that the monthly total was 13.9% down on September 2019. The latest figures mean that Frankfurt Airport handled a total of 44.5 million […]

PEOPLE matters – Comments welcome!

Terri Morrissey and Dr Richard Plenty consider the importance of creating a work culture where employees feel safe and confident that their opinions will be valued and respected. How many of us have felt we had something important to say at work but failed to do so? Speaking up can be hard to do. It […]

Diversity and inclusion

Sam Folley and Nicola Ihnatowicz explore the wider social and stakeholder push for better diversity and inclusion for employers in the airports sector. The pandemic has resulted in a complete shift in working practices. The advent of flexible working is an obvious change, but there has been a fundamental shift in the dynamic between employers […]

DFW is ‘incredible asset’ driving economic activity across metro area

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 […]

Self service check-in facilities coming to Kuala Lumpur’s central station

Self-service check-in and baggage drop will soon be possible for passengers travelling to Kuala Lumpur International Airport from the city’s central rail station as a result of a new deal between aviation technology provider, SITA, and Express Rail Link Sin Bhd (ERL). The agreement will see SITA equip ERL with new self-service check-in kiosks and […]

Europe aims for world’s most environmentally friendly skies

Associations representing the European aviation sector today adopted a Joint Industry Declaration announcing their intention to make Europe the most efficient and environmentally friendly sky to fly in the world. In line with the EU’s Green Deal objective of reaching climate neutrality by 2050, and to optimise capacity in the skies, associations representing airlines, airports, […]

Dispute resolved at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

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 […]

The challenge of building and operating greener airports

Trideep Barau, ABB’s global segment manager for infrastructure, considers the challenge of building and operating greener airports. Over the next decade, hundreds of new airports are planned for the global south, while airports in the global north continue to expand capacity, which poses the question, how are we going to do this and reduce carbon […]

Shilla extends Changi perfumes and cosmetics concessions

Changi Airport Group (CAG) is to extend the concession contract of Shilla Travel Retail (Shilla) for the Perfumes and Cosmetics Concession at Singapore Changi for another four years. The extension covers 22 outlets and spans over 7,700sqm of retail space across Changi Airport’s four terminals, and means that Shilla will be present at the airport […]

Are car parks at US airports ready for electric vehicles?

One of the new challenges facing US airports today is how to respond to and meet current and future demand for parking facilities for electric vehicles (EVs), writes Vitaly Vinogradov. In 2022, more than 10 million electric vehicles (EVs) found their way into the garages and driveways of consumers across the globe. By the end […]

SATisfaction guaranteed!

Erin Rodriguez tells us more about how customer service initiatives such as the chance to meet a sloth and celebrating Christmas in July bring joy to passengers at San Antonio International Airport. Imagine you’ve just landed, or you’re headed to your gate – and suddenly, you see a sloth. Or it could be a snake, […]

Smart baggage trollies arrive at Munich Airport

Airports, and it seems airport baggage trollies, are getting smarter, as today’s news from Munich Airport confirms. Starting from today, passengers at the German gateway can enjoy a more digital experience in the time before departure. Using a tablet on a carry-on baggage trolley, they can enter their flight data manually or scan their boarding […]

Good end to the summer for Cork and Dublin airports

A total of 2.9 million passengers passed through the doors of Dublin Airport in September, 11% higher than in the same month in 2022, according to airport operator daa. Cork Airport, also operated by daa, performed equally well with some 260,000 passengers using its facilities in September – up 12% on the same month a year […]

New retail and F&B outlets to elevate LAX guest experience

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 […]

Work begins on Poland’s new multi-modal megahub

Construction work has begun on Poland’s new multi-modal megahub 40 kilometres southwest of capital, Warsaw. According to its developers, Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) is a key transport development project for Poland that is crucial for the economic growth of both the country and the wider European region. At its heart will be the largest airport in […]

Heathrow trial to allow passengers to pre-booking security slots

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 […]

Skies over UK busiest since before the global pandemic

Air traffic figures for the first nine months of 2023 show the UK aviation industry is busier than it has been since the pandemic, although still slightly below the record 2019 flight numbers. In the year so far, air traffic control services provider, NATS, has safely managed more than 1.8 million flights in UK airspace, […]

Change at the top at iGA Istanbul Airport

iGA Istanbul Airport has a new acting CEO today in the shape of Selahattin Bilgen, after the sudden departure of Kadri Samsunlu on Friday. According to the airport operator, Samsunlu, who served the airport for six years, left by mutual consent with immediate effect. It notes that he had been at the helm of the […]

The Philadelphia story

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 […]