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New F&B outlets at Dublin Airport already proving popular

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

New Concourse openings at Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport has officially unveiled its new Concourses D and E as part of its latest expansion programme. According to the gateway, both new additions are designed to “further elevate the passenger journey”. They have also raised the Doha airport’s capacity to handle up to 65 million passengers per annum. The Qatar hub notes […]

HOK to play key role in next expansion phase of Washington Dulles

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has selected HOK to design an expansion that will add more than 2.8 million square feet to Dulles International Airport. The expansion will begin with the Tier 2 development, extending beyond the Tier 2 Concourse East currently under construction. The design will include a federal inspection services facility for international […]

BHX’s recycling efforts hit an all-time high

Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the UK is celebrating its most waste efficient year ever with its recycling rate for terminal operations exceeding 75%. Year-on-year, the airport’s recycling rate for main terminal waste was 76%, the highest annual figure to date. Last year, BHX became the first airport worldwide to implement a Mobile Segregation Unit (MSU) […]

HKG’s February traffic figures boosted by end of Chinese New Year

February 2, at the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, proved to be the busiest day at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) last month when 195,000 passengers passed through the gateway. The daily total helped push the airport’s traffic for month up to 4.5 million passengers, representing a year-on-year growth of 7%. Aircraft movements […]

New retail concession programme for San José Mineta International Airport

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

London Stansted enjoys busiest ever February

The half-term school holidays helped London Stansted report its busiest ever February as families and holidaymakers took to the skies in record numbers. More than 2.01 million passengers passed through the terminal during February, an increase of 4.8% on last year, and 91,000 passengers more than the previous monthly record set in 2024. The number […]

World’s best airports for customer experience excellence

ACI World today recognised outstanding customer service at the world’s airports by announcing the winners of its annual ASQ Airport Experience Awards. Among 2024’s winners are Casablanca Mohammed V Airport and Marrakech Menara Airport in Africa; Guangzhou Baiyun, Incheon and Delhi-Indira Gandhi in Asia-Pacific; iGA Istanbul and Rome Fiumicino in Europe; Guadalajara and Quito in […]

London Luton rewarded for its customer service excellence

London Luton Airport (LTN) has become one of the first organisations – and the first UK airport – to achieve certification to the new BSI Kitemark for Service Excellence. The certification demonstrates the airport commitment to delivering outstanding passenger experience and covers far-reaching aspects including customer satisfaction, innovation, employee engagement, commitment to service excellence, inclusivity […]

Mixed early year fortunes for Ireland’s largest airports

February was a tale of differing fortunes for Ireland’s two largest airports, for while Cork Airport continued to grow strongly, the passenger cap continued to restrict Dublin Airport. Cork Airport welcomed a total of 203,466 passengers in February, marking an increase of 6% compared to the same month last year. In contrast, passenger numbers at […]

Regional airports at risk by EU’s 2027 deadline for operating aid

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

SAT celebrates launch of non-stop services to Washington National

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has its first-ever non-stop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) following the launch of American Airlines flights. According to the airport, the new air service is a significant step in its commitment to meeting the increasing demands of air travel, and the culmination of more than a decade […]

Austin-Bergstrom breaks ground on new parking facility

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has celebrated the groundbreaking of its newest parking facility, the Yellow Garage. This multi-level facility will provide approximately 7,000 parking spaces to travellers after its estimated full completion in 2027. According to the Texas gateway, the Yellow Garage will incorporate intelligent parking systems, fast automatic toll gates and roadway realignment to […]

New lounge opens at Clark International Airport

Marhaba continues its expansion in the Philippines with the launch of a new, spacious lounge at Clark International Airport (CRK). The addition complements marhaba’s Meet & Greet services, which have been available at the airport’s Terminal 2 since 2023. Located at Gate 9 in the departure terminal, the new marhaba lounge offers a stylish retreat […]

Gatwick welcomes government stance on new runway

The widely expected news that the UK government is set to approve Gatwick’s plan to bring its second runway into regular use has been welcomed by the airport. Earlier today, Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said that she was “minded to approve” the airport’s expansion plan, which would effectively change the status if its northern runway […]

Global traffic to reach 22.3 billion passengers by 2053 – ACI World

ACI World today unveiled its Airport Traffic Forecasts 2024–2053, projecting significant long-term growth in global passenger traffic. According to its projections, over the next three decades, global passenger numbers are expected to reach 17.7 billion by 2043 and 22.3 billion by 2053, the later nearly 2.4 times the projected volume for 2024. The projections indicate […]

Manchester Airport in UK to adopt hybrid digital control tower

Manchester Airport will become the UK’s first major international airport to adopt a ‘hybrid’ digital control tower next year. Working with air traffic service provider, NATS, and the technology company, Searidge Technologies, the airport is set to deploy operational grade, ultra-high definition panoramic cameras to help its air traffic controllers manage and optimise the airport […]

New SITA report outlines airport IT priorities

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

Record traffic growth at MIA and expansion plan update

Miami International Airport enjoyed record-breaking passenger and cargo growth in 2024 and made “significant progress” with its $9 billion Future-Ready Modernization in Action Plan. The Florida gateway also notes that the continued success of the I AM MIA customer service programme helped underscore a shared commitment to operational efficiency and elevating the customer experience. At […]

AIG committed to development of Amman’s gateway to the world

Airport International Group, operator of Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, has signed a joint declaration with the Jordanian government reaffirming its commitment to the continued development and modernisation of the country’s gateway to the world. The declaration was signed by the Minister of Transport, Her Excellency, Wesam Tahtamouni, and AIG chairman, Fernando Echegaray, in the […]

Traffic in Hong Kong hits post-pandemic high in January

Traffic figures at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) reached a new high in January when it handled 5.28 million passengers (+27.8%) and 33,660 aircraft movements (+17%). The increase in aircraft movements represented a post-pandemic high, as did the over 193,000 passengers that used the gateway on January 25. Operator, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), notes that […]

New F&B line up planned for New York JFK Airport’s Terminal 4

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

Seattle-Tacoma completes concession line-up for N Concourse

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

Bechtel to support Perth Airport’s expansion programme

Bechtel has been chosen to support and advise Perth Airport in the delivery of its multi-billion-dollar expansion and upgrade programme that will strengthen its role as Australia’s western gateway. The programme of major projects will increase the size of the terminal facilities, introduce a new parallel runway, and add the airport’s first hotel, along with […]

Revenue and passenger traffic up across TAV’s global airport network

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

Traffic growth and investment plans at Hahn Airport

Hahn Airport in Germany handled around 1.9 million passengers in 2024 – 12% up on the previous year. Formerly known as Frankfurt-Hahn under the ownership of Fraport AG, the airport is now officially branded as TRIWO Hahn Airport. “In terms of passenger numbers, we are continuing our pleasing double-digit growth,” says Ruediger Franke, managing director of […]

Christchurch Airport unveils New Zealand’s first electric fire truck

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

London Gatwick states case for fully utilising North Runway

London Gatwick today reminded the UK government about the importance of green lighting its North Runway plans to help it achieve Labour’s bold target of welcoming 50 million international visitors per year to the UK. The airport is awaiting a decision from the government on its proposal to bring its existing Northern Runway into routine […]

The flower power of Valentine’s Day

Airport cargo terminals and airline holds have been awash with colour in the last few weeks as over 100,000 tonnes of freshly cut flowers have winged their way across the globe in time for Valentine’s Day. Miami International Airport reports that business has been blooming in the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, with the […]

Fraport USA to expand retail and F&B operations at BWI

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

Heathrow announces largest ever investment programme

Hot on the heels of the UK government announcing its support for a third runway, which it wants to see built and operational by 2035, Heathrow today unveiled the largest investment programme in its history. It claims that the plan, which involves expanding existing terminals 2 and 5 and adding a third runway, will upgrade […]

Louisville’s $1 billion capital development programme gathers pace

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) will see more than $1 billion of investment as part of the SDF Next Program, its on-going capital improvement efforts for both the terminal and airfield. To date, the Kentucky gateway – which handled a record 4.8 million passengers in 2024 – has invested close to $350 million on […]

SAT initiative to allow airside access to some non-ticketed visitors

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

Record breaking January for London’s Heathrow Airport

London’s Heathrow Airport enjoyed the busiest January in its history when 6.3 million passengers passed through its facilities last month. The total, represents a 5% rise on pre-COVID January 2019. The upturn in traffic marked the eleventh month in a row that Heathrow has averaged over 200,00 passengers a day, with transatlantic travel a key […]

Route network expanding at Budapest Airport

Just six weeks into the new year and Budapest Airport today confirmed the addition of a second new carrier to its list of airlines. SCAT Airlines will launch a new direct route between Budapest and Shymkent, Kazakhstan, on May 27. The new service marks the addition of a new airline, a new destination, and a […]

Stockholm Arlanda to expand retail offering in Terminal 5

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

MAI to work on the planned reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Munich Airport International (MAI), the wholly owned consulting subsidiary of Munich Airport, has issued a short statement revealing that it has been engaged to work on the planned reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport in the UK. MAI will provide operational and management services to FlyDoncaster Ltd, the company that wants to reopen the Doncaster Council […]

Copenhagen Airports enjoys impressive January traffic growth

A total of 1.9 million passengers passed through Copenhagen Airport in January 2025 – a healthy 14% rise on the same month a year ago. The Danish gateway notes that the upturn shows that the appetite for travel is still strong, and a growing number of Danes are going on or contemplating taking city breaks. […]

Walkthrough security scanners become reality at Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany has become the first gateway in the world to regularly use walkthrough scanners for passenger security checks. Following a roughly one-year test phase at Concourse A in Terminal 1, the German Federal Police have authorised the full-scale use of the Rohde & Schwarz QPS Walk2000 air travel security system. It […]

Hamad International Airport opens new Concourse E

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

ANA launches non-stop services to Tokyo from Stockholm Arlanda

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has launched non-stop services between Stockholm Arlanda and Tokyo Haneda. A mixture of airport, airline and government officials gathered at Stockholm Arlanda today for the inauguration ceremony for the new intercontinental route. “I am very happy to welcome ANA  to Stockholm Arlanda Airport,” enthused Swedavia president and CEO, Jonas Abrahamsson. “ANA’s […]

Dublin Airport gearing up for busy St Brigid’s Bank Holiday weekend

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

Record traffic volumes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

The growth of the Seattle region continues to be reflected at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) as passenger volumes reached record levels in 2024, breaking pre-pandemic marks, and forecasts predict that 2025 volumes will be even higher. “SEA Airport is one of the economic engines of the region, and the numbers show we’re back to where […]

All change at AGS Airports as AviAlliance completes acquisition

Global airport operator, AviAlliance, has officially completed the acquisition of AGS Airports, the operator of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports in the UK. The sale, agreed with Ferrovial and Macquarie late last year, values the UK airport assets at £1.53 billion. AviAlliance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PSP Investments, one of Canada’s largest pension investors, […]

New staff uniforms unveiled at Hamad International Airport

Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) has unveiled new uniforms for its army of customer service staff. The Qatari hub, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, believes that the uniforms reflect “a new approach towards its growth plans”, which are said to include empowering its people and enhancing the DOH customer service experience. Over 350 customer […]

Stockholm Arlanda’s punctuality record best in Europe

Stockholm Arlanda has been named Europe’s most punctual airport by Eurocontrol, a pan-European civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting European aviation. According to Eurocontrol, Arlanda had the best punctuality in 2024 for departing flights among the top 30 largest airports in Europe. “It is very gratifying that Arlanda was able to deliver the best punctuality for […]

SITA enhances cybersecurity offering to airports

SITA has reached a significant agreement to partner with Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader, to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity protection for mission-critical airports applications. This partnership marks a key milestone with the addition of Palo Alto Networks’ AI-powered cybersecurity platforms into SITA’s CyberSecurity portfolio. SITA will provide the management and operation from its CyberSOC. […]

Charity milestone for The Shannon Airport Group

The Shannon Airport Group has revealed that the fundraising efforts of its staff collected €100,000 for charity in 2024, the total meaning that they have  raised an impressive €500,000 for good causes over the last decade. This year’s staff charity fund recipients are The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and Milford Care Centre, the Group’s chosen […]

Singapore Changi expecting strong year head after 2024 traffic growth

Singapore Changi Airport handled 67.7 million passengers in 2024, up 14.8% on 2023 and less than 1% down on pre-COVID 2019 traffic levels. Aircraft movements, totalled 366,000 in 2024, up 11.5% compared to 2023. A total of 1.99 million tonnes airfreight throughput was recorded in the year, surpassing 2023’s level by 14.6%. In a busy […]

Open for business: WBP News

We round-up some of the latest ACI World Business Partner stories from across the globe. Xovis technology aiding customer satisfaction at ATL Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has bolstered its passenger-centric profile with the terminal-wide installation of dynamic passenger information totems powered by accurate, real-time data from Xovis. A total of 18 totems have been […]

Robust yearly growth at Hong Kong International Airport

Traffic at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) saw robust growth in 2024 as the airport entered a new era of three-runway operation, with flight movements in December rose year-on-year by 12.5% to 33,550. It was close to pre-pandemic levels, with individual daily flight movements exceeding pre-pandemic level, setting new record high. In December 2024, year-on-year […]

Giant new solar farm unveiled at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport

Aeroporti di Roma (ADR) today inaugurated its new solar farm, which instantly becomes one of the largest photovoltaic systems in the world within an airport perimeter. The solar farm is located along the eastern side of Runway 3 at Rome Fiumicino Airport. The new infrastructure was designed by ADR and built by Enel in collaboration […]

Dublin Airport celebrates 85th anniversary

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

Intelligent thinking

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

Good year for Brazil’s Salvador Bahia Airport

Boosted by a strong final quarter, Salvador Bahia Airport (SSA) in Brazil welcomed 7.6 million passengers in 2024 – a rise of 3.6% on the previous year. In terms of operations, the airport recorded 55,272 aircraft movements, which included 13,704 commercial flights in the final quarter alone. SSA, part of VINCI Airports’ global network, notes […]

Fully utilising North Runway will help Gatwick meet growing demand

London Gatwick today repeated its call for its North Runway to lose it back-up status and be used on a regular basis, claiming the move would allow it to accommodate more flights and generate an extra £1 billion a year for the UK economy. Citing China as a potential area of growth, the airport notes […]

Accelerating innovation

Richard Davies tells us more about the digital platform helping enhance operational efficiency at Copenhagen Airport. Airports are complex ecosystems with different environments, services, and vehicles, requiring both energy and resources. They are also facing more and more complex challenges, from fragmented legacy IT systems and fluctuating fuel prices to the pressure to reduce their […]

New Changi retail campaign to surprise and delight passengers

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

Swedavia’s green bonds to promote sustainable development

Swedavia has issued SEK2 billion in green bonds and repurchased bonds of SEK822 million under its existing medium-term note (MTN) programme. Green bonds are part of Swedavia’s strategy to promote sustainable investments within its operations. The issue is divided into three tranches, one with a nominal amount of SEK1 billion with a fixed coupon rate […]

OAG ranks world’s busiest airports by seat capacity

OAG today unveiled its annual ranking of the world’s busiest airports for 2024 based on airline seat capacity. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) continues to lead as the world’s busiest global (international + domestic capacity) airport with 62.7 million seats. Capacity at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta has increased by 2% compared to 2023 but is still just […]

PEOPLE matters

Sustainable recruitment Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on the recruitment difficulties facing airports today. Demand for travel continues to grow. ACI World’s 2024 Annual World Traffic Report (September 19, 2024) points out that recovery of passenger journeys from pre-pandemic levels is now complete, with 2024 traffic at 104% of the 2019 level. There will […]

Airports report record breaking year for passenger traffic

A few weeks into the new year, a number of European airports are reporting record traffic levels for 2024. They include London’s Heathrow Airport which handled an all-time high of 83.9 million, boosted by a record breaking December, during which it handled over seven million passengers, The annual total was an impressive three million more […]

Next in line?

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

Spotlight on Megahubs

OAG’s chief analyst, John Grant, explains why Megahubs are nothing without their regional connectivity. Everyone wants to be “mega”. It’s a sign of importance, position, value, and sometimes wealth, and airports are just the same, they love to be Megahubs; or at least some of them do. The term Megahubs may have been around a […]

Green machine!

Its achievements, ambitions and commitment to protecting the environment quite simply make Christchurch Airport one of the greenest and sustainably run gateways on the planet, writes Joe Bates. An ever growing list of accolades for its sustainability initiatives ensure that New Zealand’s Christchurch International Airport is a world leader when it comes to its efforts […]

Terminal velocity

An exceptional passenger experience and commitment to sustainability were key goals for Portland International Airport’s new terminal. The new one million square foot main terminal at Portland International Airport doubles the capacity of PDX and will enable the airport to welcome 35 million passengers annually by 2045. Featuring a 9-acre mass timber roof, the new […]

Green planning

Sustainable master planning can ensure that airports balance expansion plans whilst accelerating their sustainability objectives, writes Alton Aviation Consultancy’s Mabel Kwan. Airports are vital gateways to nations, linking cities, driving trade and serving as cultural hubs for millions of travellers. However, whilst aviation has brought about economic and social benefits, it has also increased the […]

Sustainable design: Uniquely PDX

Being resistant to earthquakes and built from locally sourced materials are two of the key sustainability drivers behind the design of Portland International Airport’s new terminal, writes Vince Granato, chief projects officer at the Port of Portland. It was more than a decade ago, back in 2011, when the conversation about building a new main […]

The net zero journey

Senior director for environmental protection and sustainability, Jennifer Desharnais, explains how ACI World is guiding airports in their decarbonisation and noise management journeys. Airports around the world continuously aim to balance environmental responsibility and quality of life for those living near airports, while delivering socio-economic benefits to the communities they serve. As they progress towards […]

Going green

Airports across the globe continue to deliver on sustainability, achieving new milestones and pioneering new green initiatives, writes Joe Bates. Dublin at the double – solar panels and thermal energy Dublin Airport has revealed that it is exploring the potential of geothermal energy as a renewable, low-carbon energy source to heat and cool its facilities. […]

World in motion: ACI News

We report on the latest ACI news, views and developments from across the globe. New ACI World ASQ Global Traveller Survey ACI World has launched the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) 2024 Global Traveller Survey (GTS) report, revealing shifts in passenger expectations amidst a stabilising travel landscape and an increasing demand for traveller wellbeing and premium […]

Building a green future

Rome’s airport operator is on a journey towards environmental excellence through innovative financial strategies, writes Aeroporti di Roma CEO, Marco Troncone. Decarbonisation remains at the forefront of the air transport sector. Indeed, it is pivotal for both its development and survival. Sustainable finance plays a key role in aligning the industry’s strategies with environmental and […]

Innovation all the way

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

The future is green

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

AIRPORT WORLD 2024, ISSUE 06

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Cork Events: Airports Innovate Plus: IT innovation, Security & WBP news Green thinking! Editor, Joe Bates, considers how aviation’s attitude towards protecting the environment and the sustainable development of airports has evolved over the years. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since […]

Munich Airport handles 40 million passengers for first time since COVID

Munich Airport this week welcomed its 40 millionth passenger of the year, the first time it has exceeded the figure since the COVID-19 pandemic. This 40 millionth passenger is Christine Valair, who arrived yesterday, Monday, with her family from Vancouver on Lufthansa flight LH477, an Airbus A350 named ‘Munich’. Airport CEO, Jost Lammers, enthuses: “I […]

London Stansted to introduce ANPR technology for vehicle drop offs

London Stansted today announced it is to introduce a new barrierless system for vehicles dropping off passengers at its Express Set Down (ESD) area as part of the airport’s £1.1 billion transformation programme. The new technology will be managed through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems like that already in use at the Dartford Crossing […]

New digital assistant on duty at Glasgow Airport

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

New duty free partnership at Amsterdam Schiphol

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

Mixed fortunes for Fraport’s airports in November

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) welcomed some 4.6 million passengers in November, a slight 1% increase on the same month a year ago. Compared to pre-crisis levels, passenger traffic at FRA was still about 8.4%  below the figure seen in November 2019. Cargo throughput in Frankfurt grew by 2.4% year-on-year to 178,355 tonnes in the month under […]

San Antonio celebrates groundbreaking ceremony for new terminal

San Antonio International Airport (SAT), one of the fastest-growing medium-sized airports in the United States, today celebrated the groundbreaking of a new terminal, which will accommodate SAT and the San Antonio region’s continued rapid growth and expansion. The groundbreaking represents a significant step in SAT’s commitment to meeting the increasing demands of global air travel. […]

Red Sea International Airport forms strategic partnership with SITA

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

Security checkpoint queue times now available in Helsinki

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

New ATAG report highlights global importance of civil aviation

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

Fraport to finally sell stake in Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg

Fraport AG expects to complete the sale of its stake in Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St Petersburg in the coming days. The completion of the share transfer only requires the registration of the change in ownership in the Russian register of companies. The global airport operator suspended its activities at the airport soon after Russia’s […]

World Business Partners News

We round-up some of the latest ACI World Business Partner stories from across the globe. ‘Dynamic and hyperlocal’ donut concept opens at YVR WHSmith North America (WHSNA) has partnered with local-favourite, Lee’s Donuts, to open a new location at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The brand is known across the Metro Vancouver region for providing a […]

Fraport to add Kalamata to its Greek airport portfolio

Global airport operator, Fraport AG, has won the concession to operate Kalamata Airport (KLX) in Greece for the next 40 years. Fraport and its Greek partners – Delta Airport Investments SA (Copelouzos Group) and Pileas SA (Constantakopoulos Group) – have secured the deal with a bid totaling €45.2 million. The concession covers operation of the […]

Choir to serenade passengers at Heathrow this holiday season

This Christmas, Heathrow is turning up the holiday cheer with a live choir in arrivals, to welcome passengers home for the holidays. Throughout December, the choir of over 20 singers will deck the arrivals halls of the four terminals with joyful carols, personalised greetings and multilingual merry messages. As well as classic carols and contemporary […]

PEOPLE matters

The human connection Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on the importance of the human connection as the ‘airport group’ model grows in importance. How do airport acquisitions and mergers affect people who work in airports? Until well into the 1990s, the airport sector was characterised by a multiplicity of state-owned, independently run, relatively small […]

Danish state set to acquire controlling stake in Copenhagen Airport

Denmark’s Finance Ministry has reached a conditional agreement with Danish pension fund ATP to buy a further 59.4% of the shares in Copenhagen Airports for around $4.52 billion. If the deal goes through, the Danish state will own 98.6% of the company, which owns and operates Copenhagen Airport, although it could eventually reduce this to […]

Halifax Stanfield remains key economic generator for Nova Scotia

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

Sydney’s new airport and Western Sydney University join forces

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

VINCI completes upgrade of airports in Northern Brazil

VINCI Airports has completed the modernisation projects at seven airports in the Northern Region of Brazil, consolidating improvements to the airport infrastructure of the Amazon. The global airport operator says that the “massive works plan” was part of VINCI Airports’ commitment when it acquired the Amazon based airports in 2021. With a total investment of […]

The non-aero business

Sam Folley and Shirin Pishbin of Trowers & Hamlins explore how airports can maximise revenue from non-aeronautical sources. Non-aeronautical revenues provide an invaluable source of income for the world’s airports and, in many cases, are essential to their bottom line, ensuring that they can survive and remain competitive. In addition, it could be argued that […]

Sustainable and resilient

Stantec’s Dave Dargie tells us more about the planning and design involved in drafting the long-term development options for the Cayman Islands’ airports. Stantec and its project partners Chalmers Gibbs, BCQS, DKMA, KPMG, and Munich International have developed a 20 year growth plan for the Cayman Islands’ airports. Their recommendations aim to guide the Cayman […]

Helsinki Airport to change kerbside traffic rules next year

Finavia believes it will enhance the kerbside arrivials experience at Helsinki Airport by making changes to the traffic arrangements in front of the airport terminal from January 1, 2025. “Getting to and leaving the airport is part of the journey and the passenger experience,” notes Jukka Isomäki, Finavia’s project manager responsible for Helsinki Airport’s traffic […]

London’s Gatwick Airport trialling Smart Stand technology

London Gatwick is trialling new Smart Stand technology, which could revolutionise the way aircraft turns are managed at the airport. The ambitious, first-of-its-kind trial which is being run with London Gatwick’s largest airline easyJet, enables a Turn Coordinator (TCO) to manage an aircraft turn from a control room, record turn events automatically and apply AI […]

Expanding Madinah Airport

Massimiliano Martinenghi, project director at Scott Brownrigg, brings us up to speed on the planned expansion of Madinah Airport in Saudi Arabia. Madinah Airport (MED), officially known as Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, is a hugely important gateway for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it serves the second holiest city in Islam. Madinah […]

Largest airport hotel in Nordics planned for Stockholm Arlanda

Swedavia has announced that Strawberry, one of the leading hotel chains in the Nordics, will manage its new airport hotel at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The hotel will be the largest airport hotel in the Nordics with 656 hotel rooms and will be located in direct connection to the SkyCity terminal. Construction start is planned for […]

Dublin Airport looking to recruit new security officers

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

Going green

We shine the spotlight on the latest airports to reach Level 5 in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme and a host of pioneering sustainability initiatives across the globe. Airport Carbon Accreditation excellence Stockholm Arlanda and Ronneby airports in Sweden and Bengaluru-Kempegowda and Delhi-Indira Gandhi in India have become the latest gateways to achieve the highest […]

New phase of testing for LAX’s Automated People Mover

Employees and guests at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can now catch a glimpse of the Automated People Mover (APM), as a new phase of testing will bring train cars through the Central Terminal Area (CTA). This is a key milestone for the APM testing team, with the first train vehicles crossing over Sepulveda and […]

Steady traffic growth at Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport handled 4.55 million passengers and 31,625 flight movements in October, increases of 21.3% and 20.3% respectively on the corresponding month a year ago. According to operator, Airport Authority Hong Kong, “traffic growth remains steady in all passenger segments”. Hong Kong residents, visitors, as well as transfer and transit passengers, experienced double-digit […]

Auckland Airport remains key economic generator for New Zealand

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

Excellence all round

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

New bridge-level check-in area set to open at SEA’s North Main Terminal

HOK, Hensel Phelps and the Port of Seattle are wrapping up a portion of updates on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s North Main Terminal for Alaska Airlines. As part of the SEA Gateway Project, the work includes a new bridge-level check-in space for travellers with automated baggage tagging and drop off stations. Alaska Airlines is rolling out […]

World in motion – ACI News

We report on the latest news, views and developments from ACI World and across the organisation’s five regions. ACI World projects healthy global passenger traffic in 2024 ACI World’s highly anticipated 2024 Annual World Airport Traffic Report is projecting a 10% growth in global passenger traffic in 2024, reaching 9.5 billion by year-end. Drawing data […]

The big six

Joe Bates discovers more about the ambitions, development strategies and networks of six of the world’s biggest global airport operators – Aena, Corporación América Airports, Fraport AG, Groupe ADP, TAV Airports and VINCI Airports. Aena/Aena Internacional World Headquarters: Madrid, Spain Airports 100% owned and operated: Aena operates 46 airports and two heliports in Spain including […]

AviAlliance acquires UK airport group

Global airport operator, AviAlliance, has announced the acquisition of AGS Airports from Ferrovial and Macquarie for an enterprise value of £1.53 billion. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in Q1 2025. AGS Airports, established in 2014, operates Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Southampton airports in the UK. These airports serve large […]

Dublin Airport looking at potential of thermal energy

Dublin Airport is exploring the potential of geothermal energy as a renewable, low-carbon energy source to heat and cool its facilities. The news was announced ahead of the 3rd National Geothermal Energy Summit taking place at Dublin Castle today. Geothermal energy comes from heat in the Earth’s core. While temperatures fluctuate above ground, a few […]

KLM to become San Diego’s seventh international carrier

San Diego International Airport today announced that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) will become its seventh international airline. Beginning May 8, 2025, the airline will offer three weekly flights between San Diego and Amsterdam, Netherlands. “We are very pleased to have KLM join as the 19th carrier at SAN,” enthused Kimberly Becker, CEO and president […]

Right for size?

Airport Economics Consulting Inc’s principal and founder, Patrick Lucas, considers whether there is a business case for small scale airport Public-Private Partnership projects. The multiplier effect and positive externalities that airports generate in terms of employment and contribution to local economies is significant. Commerce, tourism, and an intricate supply chain of businesses thrive and depend […]

London airports break traffic records in October

London Heathrow enjoyed its busiest ever October and London Stansted the busiest day in its history last month as traffic continues to rise in the UK. A total of 7.2 million passengers flew through Heathrow, helped by the half term peak, ensuring that the UK hub experienced its busiest ever October and sixth consecutive month […]

Edinburgh Airport invites feedback on its Noise Action Plan

Edinburgh Airport is seeking feedback from communities on how it plans to manage and mitigate noise caused by aviation operations. The airport, now part of the VINCI Airports network, has launched its draft Noise Action Plan (NAP) for 2024 to 2028 and in the weeks and months ahead will discuss the plan with those living […]

New Lounge 1 extension opens at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam Schiphol has opened a new section of Lounge 1, offering an 5,000 additional square metres of space for passengers flying within Europe. The Dutch gateway notes that “the extra space is an important milestone in the improvements being made to the airport”, adding that “it sets the standard for the new Schiphol that is […]

Glasgow Airport joins UK’s Aviation Accessibility Group

Glasgow Airport has been invited by the UK Government to join a new expert group that aims to “break down barriers” to air travel for disabled passengers. Chaired by Paralympian Tanni, Baroness Grey-Thompson, the new Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group was launched today (November 7) by UK Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh. It will bring […]

Singapore Changi to invest S$3 billion on upgrading facilities

Changi Airport Group (CAG) is to invest S$3 billion over the next six years on enhancing Terminals 1 to 4 at Singapore Changi Airport. The investment programme will improve services such as baggage handling, check-in, immigration and Skytrain connections between terminals, as well as to replace end-of-life systems to facilitate smoother passenger and airline experience. […]

The buying game

In the 2024 edition of our annual investment feature, Modalis Infrastructure Partners’ president and CEO, Curtis Grad, discovers that the airport private sector deal flow remains strong despite geopolitical headwinds. Dealmaking and public-private contract awards in the airport business have ebbed a little in the past 12 months, but remain relatively buoyant. Modalis Infrastructure Partners […]

London Luton Airport invests in new sustainable bus fleet

London Luton Airport (LLA) notes that it has taken another key step in its journey to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 following its investment in a fleet of sustainable car park transfer buses and operational vehicles used across the airport. The new buses are powered by ISCC (International Sustainability Carbon Certification) certified hydrotreated vegetable […]

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 […]

AI predicts future look of some leading US airports

Driven by an interest in how technology, architecture and artificial intelligence (AI) will transform the face of air travel, Icelandair has utilised an AI image generation tool to envisage the architectural landscape of some of the US’s largest airports by 2050. The AI image generation tool predicts how these airports will look and function in […]

August was busiest ever month for New York’s airport system

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced that its airports saw more passengers during August 2023 than during any previous month in history. A record high number of air travellers also passed through the airports during the Labor Day holiday travel period. In facts and figures, a record-breaking 13.3 million passengers […]

Global traffic expected to fully recover in early 2024

ACI World today published its latest quarterly air travel outlook revealing global passenger traffic expected to recover in early 2024 as it reaches 9.4 billion passengers. Highlights from ACI World’s 14th Advisory Bulletin on the impact of COVID-19 on the airport business— and the path to recovery, include: • Global passenger volume in 2023 is expected […]

Hospitality king!

We take a closer look at the growth and development of the Plaza Premium Group, which has evolved from being a lounge operator to one of the biggest airport hospitality providers over the last 25 years. The enthusiasm and desire to grow his business still burns brightly in Plaza Premium Group (PPG) founder and CEO, […]

London Heathrow is the most internationally connected airport in the world

London Heathrow (LHR) has retained its status as the world’s most internationally connected airport, according to OAG’s Megahubs 2023 data. LHR was the fourth biggest airport in the world in terms of total scheduled capacity in the year to August 2023. British Airways remains the dominant airline at London Heathrow, operating 50% of all flights. […]

Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation status for London Luton

London Luton Airport (LLA) has achieved Level 4 of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) scheme, becoming only the third major UK airport to achieve this level. The ACA scheme is a globally recognised carbon management programme that independently assesses and recognises efforts to manage and reduce airport carbon emissions. As a Level 4 accredited airport, […]

View from the top

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, considers some of the security challenges facing airports and the aviation industry today. Safety and security have always been the aviation industry’s foremost priorities. Airlines focus on preventing accidents and ensuring the safety and security of passengers and crew during flights, while airports deal with a complex […]

Why aviation needs to prioritise cybersecurity

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

Securing the perimeter

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

Southampton Airport’s runway extension officially opened

Local business representatives and senior politicians joined UK Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere, and Southampton Airport’s leadership team on the airfield today to officially mark the opening of the runway extension. The event marks the end of a project that got underway on April 3 this year to deliver the 164-metre extension to the northern end […]

First anniversary for Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is celebrating the first anniversary of its game changing Terminal C. More than two decades in the planning and development, the new complex has arguably taken the airport to another level in terms of its passenger friendly facilities and operational efficiency. “The anticipation of Terminal C has only been surpassed by […]

Helsinki wins Best Data Modelling award for new facilities

Helsinki’s Airport Development Programme has won the World’s Best Data Modelling award for its use of data modelling in various phases of the extension of both the terminals and the apron. It has received the award from BuildingSMART International (bSI), an international organisation that aims to develop open data transfer and management in the design, […]

Long-haul traffic set to hit new heights at Munich Airport

Traffic growth is well and truly back on track at Munich Airport, with the German gateway today revealing that after a successful summer it expects to set new records for long-haul traffic next summer. Its confidence is based on the 2024 summer schedules, when Lufthansa will have 36 long-haul aircraft stationed in Munich, and will […]

Perth Airport unveils its plans to grow regional aviation

With regional passenger numbers continuing to surge, Perth Airport has started work on three key projects in the Airport Central precinct that will help cater for Western Australia’s growing regional aviation sector. These works come off the back of almost 550,000 intrastate travellers passing through Perth Airport last month – the highest single month regional […]

World in motion – ACI News

We report on the latest news from ACI World, including key resolutions announced at WAGA, and ACI EUROPE. Riyadh to host WAGA 2024 Riyadh Airports Company will host the ACI Asia-Pacific/ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition (WAGA) in Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from May 21-23, 2024. ACI World director general, […]

Scott Charlton to become next CEO of Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport has announced that Scott Charlton will succeed Geoff Culbert as its chief executive officer on December 1, 2023. According to the Australian gateway, Charlton brings a wealth of experience in the infrastructure, transportation and property sectors, having served as the CEO of Transurban, a leading ASX-listed toll road operator since 2012, and prior to […]

Rebrand leads to formation of ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East region

ACI Asia-Pacific, a trade association representing 623 airports from 47 countries/territories, has been rebranded as ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) following the launch of its new office in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. This shift aims to reflect the regions the association serves and cater to the growing Middle Eastern and Asian […]

Event Review: SMART Airports & Regions

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

Customer experience milestone for Seychelles gateway

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) has officially achieved Level 1 status in ACI’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation programme. The achievement comes two years after the introduction of the Seychelles Electronic Border System as well as upgrades to the airport infrastructure and facilities, which are ongoing. The ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation is the first and only […]

Schiphol to get largest rental car facility in the Netherlands

Work has started on the construction of what will become the largest car rental location in the Netherlands at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The new facility will be capable of accommodating up to 2,500 vehicles and offer customers the opportunity to rent electric vehicles. The five largest car rental companies at Schiphol are coming together under […]

Stefan Schulte exends stay as CEO of Fraport Group

Airport operator, Fraport, has extended the contract of CEO, Dr Stefan Schulte for a further three years. The move means that Schulte will remain in the hot-seat at Fraport until at least  August 31, 2027. “Stefan Schulte has forged a sustainable strategy, transforming Fraport into one of the world’s leading international airport operators,” noted Michael […]

New speciality stores open at Nashville International Airport

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

Security check!

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

The Urban Juicer arrives at Philadelphia International Airport

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

Traffic continues to bounce back at Frankfurt Airport

Airport operator, Fraport, today announced that 5.9 million passengers passed through Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in August 2023 – 13% more than in the corresponding month in 2022. While welcoming the news, Fraport notes that the monthly total is still 15.3% down on pre-pandemic August 2019. The latest total means that during the school holidays in […]

Adapting and growing

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

New solar array planned for Teeside International Airport

A new solar array which could eventually deliver enough green electricity to power the equivalent of more than 17,000 homes has been announced as part of a new joint venture between SSE Energy Solutions and Teesside International Airport in the UK. The first phase of the project is due to enter construction in early 2024 […]

Heathrow ‘back to its best’ during busy summer

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

Chongqing Jiangbei’s new STARRY GALLERIA opens for business

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

ACI EUROPE/ACI WORLD Annual Conference Review: Sunny delight!

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

Airport experience important factor when booking flights

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

Key highlights of ACI Customer Experience Global Summit

The ACI Customer Experience Global Summit has successfully concluded in Incheon, Republic of Korea. Key highlights of the event dedicated to customer and employee experience included: • Over 500 delegates in attendance including government officials, airport and aviation executives, and customer experience experts. • ASQ Training, Workshop, and Forum, including an executive workshop series by […]

Incheon hosting ACI Customer Experience Global Summit

The ACI Customer Experience Global Summit, the airport industry’s annual event dedicated to enhancing the customer and employee experience, got underway in Incheon, South Korea, today. As usual for an event in South Korea, the numbers are good, with more than 500 international delegates, including government officials, airport and aviation executives, and customer experience experts, […]

Curaçao International Airport: Connecting the Caribbean

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

DHL Express’ Incheon airport cargo hub becomes fully operational

DHL Express has commenced full operations from its Incheon Gateway facility following the completion of a €131 million (KRW 175 billion) expansion project. The investment is DHL Express’s largest in South Korea to date, making Incheon Gateway the largest gateway in the Asia-Pacific. According to DHL, the expansion aims to address the increasing air cargo […]

Birmingham Airport seeing results of sustainability strategy

Birmingham Airport’s Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions fell 25% in 2022/23 compared to the most recent pre-pandemic year of 2019/20, a report published today revealed. While the airport’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report for 2022/2023 showed an increase compared to 2021/22, where COVID-19 forced a 90% drop-off in activity at Birmingham Airport (BHX), the […]

Hong Kong’s airport releases new Sustainability Report

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has released its Sustainability Report 2022/23, outlining the sustainability performance of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in the fiscal year ending 31 March 2023. The report also highlights the future sustainability plans of AAHK. According to the airport, the key highlights of this year’s edition include: AAHK received an advanced […]

ACI EUROPE blasts government plans to reduce capacity at Amsterdam Schiphol

ACI EUROPE today condemned the decision by the caretaker Dutch Government to pursue a capacity reduction at Amsterdam Schiphol to 452,500 aircraft movement as of Winter 2024. It also expressed concerns regarding the conditions under which a ‘temporary’ capacity reduction to 460,000 aircraft movement will be implemented as of Summer 2024. Olivier Jankovec, director general […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2023, ISSUE 04

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Curaçao Event review: WAGA Plus: Customer service; Diversity & Inclusion; Sustainability; and SMART Airports Screen test Editor, Joe Bates, reflects on the important role good security plays in the airport journey and passenger experience in this ‘security’ themed issue of Airport World. I definitely should have known better, but on […]

Abu Dhabi’s long awaited new Terminal A set to open in November

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

Groundbreaking ceremony for Austin-Bergstrom’s West Gate Expansion

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

New first for Hong Kong International Airport’s SkyPier Terminal

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

London Gatwick enjoys ‘strong’ first half of the year

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

New retail/F&B outlets set to open at Stockholm Arlanda

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

Shannon Airport’s Aviation Gallery of model aircraft continues to grow

The second instalment of a permanent exhibition containing the world’s largest private collection of diecast model aircraft officially opens today at Shannon Airport. The new Aviation Gallery, situated in the airport terminal building opposite JJ Ruddle’s restaurant, is open to the general public, and according to the gateway “offers a captivating journey through the evolution of aviation”. Going further, the airport […]

Sustainability efforts of Christchurch Airport win industry awards

Christchurch Airport’s new approach to minimising waste, and its work mentoring other airports to become more sustainable, has netted two international awards from ACI Asia-Pacific. The airport has won ‘Green Airports Recognition 2023’ and the ‘Airport Carbon Accreditation – Mentor’ awards from the association. The airport’s created a new waste sortation room where a team […]

Avinor forms ‘innovation partnership’ with Vanderlande

Vanderlande and Norwegian airport operator, Avinor, have formed an ‘innovation partnership’ to explore ways of fully automating the last mile of the baggage handling process. Vanderlande will supply two innovative solutions – BAGLOAD for integrated robot loading and FLEET Batch for the transportation of ULDs – which will be trialled at Oslo Airport. The ultimate […]

WFS to open fifth cargo terminal at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) is to open a fifth cargo terminal at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport to provide additional growth capacity and secure its position as the largest independent cargo handler at the gateway. Construction of the new 6,500sqm terminal has now commenced and WFS aims to begin operations from the facility by the end […]

Living wage recognition for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Nieuport Aviation, the owner and operator of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, has been officially certified a Living Wage employer by the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN). OLWN notes that it is the first aviation entity in the Canadian province of Ontario to become certified. Nieuport Aviation has committed to paying […]

Newcastle gets planning application for Astra Aerolab projects

Just a month after Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, turned the first sod on Newcastle Airport’s A$110 million terminal expansion, the airport has marked another major milestone with the planning approval for development applications (DA) of the first two building projects on Astra Aerolab. Two multi-tenanted buildings, a hybrid office/industrial office and a central hub […]

Dulles breaks ground on milestone renewable energy project

Officials from Dominion Energy and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) were joined by federal, state and local leaders on Tuesday to break ground on the Dulles Solar and Storage project at Dulles International Airport. Once completed, it will be the largest renewable energy project ever developed at a US airport, capable of generating up […]

New report showcases Salt Lake City’s sustainability efforts

The Salt Lake City Department of Airports (SLCDA) has published its annual Environmental, Social and Governance Report for Salt Lake City International Airport. It highlights the airport’s efforts to minimise the negative environmental impact of aviation and adhere to the highest standards in creating a more sustainability airport. Highlights from the report include: Energy Efficiency: […]

Passenger numbers continue steady rise in Hong Kong

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

Gatwick donates toiletries sacrificed at security to local charity

London Gatwick has donated more than two tonnes of toiletries and hygiene products to local communities through a partnership with charity The Crawley and Horley Hygiene Bank. Since the partnership began earlier this year, 2.1 tonnes of toiletries have been donated. The items include unused and unopened hygiene products such as shower gels, deodorants and […]

Cairo airport signs co-operation agreements with Changi Airports International

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

Amsterdam Schiphol investing in more emissions-free ground equipment

Amsterdam Schiphol has announced that it is replacing its fuel generators with 30 new electric Ground Power Units (e-GPUs) and introducing the use of more electric systems that provide fresh air on board aircraft. It notes that these are are important steps towards emission-free ground handling at the airport. According to the airport, aircraft parked […]

Traffic boom continues at San Antonio International Airport

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) made history in July with more than one million passengers flying in and out of the airport, according to the airport’s passenger data. This comes on the heels of SAT’s busiest ever May and June – as well as the busiest single day on July 31, with 41,560 passengers. The […]

Retail and F&B revamp for Fresno Yosemite International Airport

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

Record breaking July for Aena’s Spanish airports

Aena’s Spanish airports handled a new July high of 29.7 million passengers – 10% more than in the same month a year ago and 1.2% above pre-pandemic levels. Aena’s airports also handled 242,222 aircraft movements (+5.1%) and 86,779 tonnes of cargo (+8.6%) in July as traffic across its airport system continued its strong recovery from […]

LaGuardia’s new Terminal B wins awards for its design and accessibility

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

London City Airport welcomes the arrival of new F&B outlets

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

Copenhagen Airport back in profit after busy spring 2023

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

Efficiency and passenger experience: navigating the technology options

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

Spotlight on some of the latest sustainability initiatives

The Shannon Airport Group has launched a Biodiversity Action Plan and, as a resut, 30 bat, bird and bee boxes are being erected in the surrounding lands of the Shannon Airport campus to lend a hand to nature. The nest boxes are part of The Shannon Airport Group’s new Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), which was […]

Living Lab helping future proof Australia’s Newcastle Airport

An innovative partnership between Australia’s Newcastle Airport and the University of Newcastle has seen students working in a ‘living laboratory’ at the gateway on ways to solve problems with the baggage handling system and better service the growing number of passengers. The establishment of the living laboratory at Newcastle Airport is part of the University’s […]

Traffic continues to rise at Hamad International Airport

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

TAV Airports reports healthy traffic growth across its network

TAV Airports, a member of Groupe ADP, served 24.3 million international and 15 million domestic passengers in the first quarter of the year. The international traffic of the group increased by 42% compared to the same period last year. TAV Airports Holding CEO, Serkan Kaptan, commented: “Turkish tourism has remained very strong and highly demanded […]

New Incheon CEO reveals vision to develop smart logistics clusters

New Incheon International Airport CEO, Hak-jae Lee, has outlined the gateway’s new focus on creating smart logistics clusters and further enhancing its global route network. Indeed, the airport states that his leadership “promises to infuse fresh vitality into the airport’s logistics operations” that will fulfil the vision of establishing Incheon as a global logistics hub. […]

Seven additional gates open at Newark Liberty’s Terminal A

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

Shannon Airport enjoys record breaking first half of the year

Record-breaking passenger figures have been recorded at Shannon Airport during the first six months of 2023, for the first time in over a decade. The airport, which has been experiencing increased demand for overseas travel since last year, recorded 902,603 passengers from January to June of this year. When compared to the same period in […]

Sunflower programme launched at Washington DC’s Dulles and Reagan airports

A new programme that enables airport personnel to discreetly identify and assist passengers with invisible disabilities has launched at Reagan National and Dulles airports in Washington DC. Anyone travelling through either airport who needs assistance can pick up a free sunflower lanyard at all pre-security information desks, including baggage claim, and the USO lounges at […]

VINCI Airports takes over operation of seven Cabo Verde airports

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

SMART Airports & Regions Conference and Exhibition opens in Edmonton

Nearly 400 delegates and 37 exhibitors from across the world landed in Edmonton today for the start of the 8th SMART Airports & Regions Conference and Exhibition in the Canadian city. The annual event will explore the catalytic effect and critical success factors driving the economic development of SMART airports and the regions they serve, […]

New backup control tower will improve Heathrow’s resiliency

Plans for a brand-new contingency control tower at Heathrow have been agreed, with NATS contracted to deliver the installation and transition of the new operations room. Work on the new Virtual Contingency Facility (VCF), which is due to be operational in 2025, has already commenced. It will replace the existing backup ‘tower’ and represents a […]

Improvements enhance passenger experience at Toronto Pearson

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

DXB recognised for commitment to accessible travel operations

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has received an accreditation from ACI World under its Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative that recognises global airports’ commitment to accessible travel operations. The certification acknowledges DXB’s ongoing prioritisation of a safe and inclusive airport experience for passengers with both physical and hidden disabilities. This aligns with the 2019 […]

New carbon estimate tool for airport developments

Atkins, working with IATA, has created a suite of innovative digital tools for airports that it claims will, for the first time, allow operators to estimate the embodied carbon associated with the construction of terminal buildings and aviation assets. According to the creators, the digital toolkit will enable airports to better understand and mitigate the […]

New facilities to enhance Milan Bergamo Airport

Ensuring that Milan Bergamo Airport is able to meet future demand is why it continues to invest in upgrading its facilities, according to operator, SACBO. The Italian gateway reports that it recently handled 54,571 passengers in just one day, a record for the Italian airport, and SACBO insists that its ongoing development programme is an […]

PEOPLE matters – Evidence-based HR

Dr Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey consider the pros and cons of adopting a systematic data-based approach to decision-making in the workplace. The Nobel prize winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman in his book ‘Thinking Fast and Slow’ describes two human systems for decision making: fast, intuitive thinking and slow, rational thinking. Both types of thinking are […]

Local look, feel and taste to shops and F&B outlets in San Diego’s new Terminal 1

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

News from ACI World, ACI Asia-Pacific and ACI EUROPE

We report on the latest news, views and developments from ACI World, ACI Asia-Pacific and ACI EUROPE. ACI World news: New Sustainability Expansion Plan for Montréal ACI World has partnered with the Canadian Government, Government of Québec and City of Montréal on a new Sustainability Expansion Plan for Montréal, which will be funded by Montréal […]

New retail and F&B offerings coming at JFK’s Terminal 8

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

LabCampus officially opened at Munich Airport

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

Brisbane Airport unleashes some new new therapy dogs

Brisbane Airport is this week trialling therapy dogs in the Domestic Terminal as a way of reducing preflight stress for the travelling public. The trial initiative brings canine ambassadors into the terminal to provide a furry support to manage any anxiety. Sarah Whyte, head of communications and brand marketing at Brisbane Airport Corporation, enthused: 

”Therapy […]

New research names Shannon Airport as Ireland’s best airport brand

Shannon Airport has been ranked the country’s best airport brand according to the RED C Brand Reaction Index (BRI) Ireland 2023. The index, which has just been released, shows Shannon Airport placed in the top 100 emotionally connected brands at number 54 and is the highest-ranking airport brand in Ireland. RED C conducted the BRI Test among the 170 brands across 22 sectors, to see which brands have the highest connection […]

Huge new Indian airport technology deal for SITA

SITA has been awarded a landmark deal by the Airports Authority of India to provide technology to 43 of India’s biggest airports. India’s Civil Aviation is among the fastest-growing aviation markets globally and will be a major growth engine to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2024. The deal will see improvements over 2,700 […]

Crossroads for surface access?

ICF’s Lewis Burroughs and Rob Rushmer look to the future and consider how the transition to electric and autonomous vehicles could impact on existing drop off and car parking infrastructure at airports. Ever since an airport was first invented in the early 20th century, most people – passengers and employees – have accessed it by […]

Gatwick submits application to bring North Runway into routine use

London Gatwick today submitted an application known as a Development Consent Order (DCO) to the UK’s Planning Inspectorate (PINS), outlining its ambition to bring the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use alongside its Main Runway. By investing in its long-term future, London Gatwick says that it will also enhance the crucial economic role it […]

Hong Kong International Airport celebrates 25th anniversary

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), Hong Kong’s gateway to the world, celebrated its 25th anniversary today. The Chek Lap Kok gateway, which replaced the former downtown airport of Kai Tak Airport on July 6, 1998, marked the occasion with a series of music and dance performances in the terminal and the give away of commemorative […]

Australia’s Prime Minister visits Newcastle Airport for development milestone

Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, made a flying visit to Newcastle Airport today for the official ground-breaking ceremony for the Terminal Expansion Project. The event marks the beginning of construction for the project, which is designed to enhance the airport’s capacity, efficiency, and overall user experience. Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock, says the transformative […]

SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1: Sustainable inside and out

San Francisco International Airport sets the industry standard for climate action and health, writes Kirsten Ritchie, Gensler’s global director for climate action and sustainability. The aviation industry is known as a significant contributor of carbon emissions around the world, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) wanted to change this narrative. When SFO began to consider […]

Sweden’s airports enjoy best month since start of pandemic

Traffic levels in Sweden continue to rise, with nearly 3.2 million passengers passing through Swedavia’s airports in June – the most in a single since the start of the pandemic. Swedavia notes that “strong demand” for international travel, particularly from Stockholm Arlanda, is driving the recovery. During the month, an increase in domestic travel was […]

UK’s largest airport group set for period of growth and investment

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) believes that it is well-placed to enter a period of investment and growth, after reporting a positive set of full-year results. In the period 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023, the UK’s largest airport group recorded a revenue of £1 billion for the first time in its history, as demand […]

Hong Kong holds first Airport Youth Career Day

Hong Kong International Airport today became the latest gateway to hold a jobs fair, with its one specifically aimed at the younger generation. The event, Airport Youth Career Day 2023, attracted more than 40 recruitment booths and 1,400 people participants, many of which were interested in some of the 3,000 jobs up for offer. The jobs […]

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport set to get US Preclearance facility

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has secured $30 million in federal funding to build a US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility for passengers travelling to the United States. Neil Pakey, president and CEO of terminal owner and operator, Nieuport Aviation, believes that the decision is a game changer for the Canadian airport and marks […]

Aena signs new energy deal for its Spanish airports

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

Aena signs €2 billion sustainable credit agreement

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

COP’s Thomas Woldbye to become new CEO of London Heathrow

Copenhagen Airport boss, Thomas Woldbye, has agreed to become the new CEO of London Heathrow, succeeding John Holland-Kaye, who is stepping down later this year after nearly 10 years in post. The UK hub states that Woldbye emerged as the standout candidate among a pool of exceptional contenders during an extensive, global, recruitment process. Woldbye […]

Open for business – WBP News

News stories and developments from ACI World Business Partners across the globe. Rosenbauer’s electric fire truck bound for Christchurch Christchurch Airport has signed up to buy the world’s first Rosenbauer Electric Fire Truck to operate at an airport. The New Zealand gateway’s head of aviation operations, Tim Morris, says that the new addition will provide […]

Creating a top logistics hub

Aerotropolis concept creator, Dr John Kasarda, explains why certain hubs prosper and describes what it takes to become a world-class air logistics hub. A frequent question asked by executives of larger commercial airports and their surrounding jurisdictions is, what can we do to become a major air logistics hub? They ask this question because air […]

Munich Airport and Lufthansa celebrate 20th birthday of Terminal 2

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

The numbers game

Joe Bates talks to a handful of airport operators across the globe about the impact the pandemic has had on staffing levels at their gateways. The global pandemic may be officially over with the World Health Organization officially declaring that COVID-19 is no longer a “global health emergency”, but its impact on the aviation industry […]

ACI World and World Economic Forum unveil Airports of Tomorrow initiative

ACI World and the World Economic Forum today launched the Airports of Tomorrow initiative aimed at accelerating the decarbonisation of the aviation industry. The announcement was made to over 800 aviation delegates at the ACI EUROPE/ACI WORLD Annual General Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. Airports of Tomorrow will bring public and private stakeholders […]

Is aviation attractive enough?

Thomas Romig, ACI World’s vice president for safety, security and operations reflects on the evolution of the airport workforce and the recruitment challenge ahead for airports. The aviation industry is facing a significant new capacity challenge, and it’s not due to infrastructure or system restrictions as previously, but due to the availability of workforce. According […]

Catalan flagship

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

Airport staff recruitment: expanding the net

Digital technology can help airports access new talent to fill major labour shortages, writes Jess O’Dwyer. As a result of various factors including the impact of the global pandemic, Brexit and the war in Ukraine, aviation is one of many industries struggling to find and recruit the staff that they need to meet their requirements. […]

Port Authority to improve mass transit access to LaGuardia

The Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has approved $30 million in funding to plan and design improved bus service to LaGuardia Airport. It believes that the decision marks an important step toward implementing the recommendations of an expert panel after an exhaustive analysis of 14 mass […]

Gatwick expansion plans would create over 1,400 new construction jobs

London Gatwick Airport has estimated around 630 new jobs will be created for local construction workers, if its plans to bring its Northern Runway into routine use are given the go-ahead. These jobs would be generated across the county council areas of West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey and Kent, the unitary authority of Brighton and […]

Edmonton: More than just an airport

MXD’s Chris LeTourneur highlights the many dimensions of Edmonton International Airport’s innovative economic and sustainable development initiatives. As hosts of this year’s SMART Airports and Regions, Conference and Exhibition, Edmonton International Airport will be showing the world how it’s more than just an airport, it’s an innovative economically diversified Airport City Sustainability Campus. Edmonton International […]

View from the top

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, considers some of the human resources issues facing airports today and the industry’s response to the challenge. A huge increase in air traffic demand is hitting the headlines, alongside the suggestion that aviation’s recovery from the pandemic is almost complete. What’s more, ACI World’s latest forecasts reveal […]

Fertile ground for public-private sector collaborations

America’s airports are abuzz as big changes take place. Upgrades, expansions, diverse transportation options, and all kinds of new amenity projects are either underway or being prepared for launch. Planning is rampant as air travel is modernised, made safer and more convenient. However, the current activity and the projects underway at airports today will likely […]

Fully electric vehicles join Cork’s ground support fleet

Cork Airport has taken delivery of five new fully-electric, zero-emission vehicles as part of the airport’s commitment to its sustainability strategy. The new additions, which will form part of the maintenance, electrical and airport police fleets, are part of Cork Airport’s ongoing commitment to reducing emissions by 51% by 2030, in line with targets set […]

Northern Hemisphere airports set for strong summer

ACI World has today published its latest quarterly airport traffic outlook showing strong air travel demand will continue to improve into the northern hemisphere summer season. Highlights from ACI World’s 13th Advisory Bulletin on the impact of COVID-19 on the airport business—and the path to recovery include: • The easing of inflation and rising consumer […]

Poland’s mega project

The planned new megahub 40 kilometres southwest of Warsaw will help drive the economic development of Poland and Central and Eastern Europe, writes NACO’s Lucas-Jan Ebels and Piet Ringersma. Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) is a transport development project in Poland that is crucial for the economic growth of both the country and the wider European […]

Hong Kong’s Sky Bridge welcomes new cocktail bar

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

Passenger traffic soars at Frankfurt and across Fraport Group

May was a good month for the Fraport Group, with Frankfurt Airport welcoming more than 5.1 million passengers and most of its airports worldwide experiencing double-digit growth rates. The monthly passenger total in Frankfurt (FRA) represented a 12.2% increase over the same month a year ago. However, compared to pre-crisis May 2019, FRA’s passenger traffic […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2023, ISSUE 03

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Barcelona In Focus: Edmonton’s airport city Special report: Logistics hubs Plus: The evolution of the airport workforce Building momentum Airport World editor, Joe Bates, reflects on the continued recovery of the aviation industry and the ‘planning and design’ theme of this issue. I am not sure if it is […]

SITA to play key role in development of Rome vertiports

SITA and UrbanV, the Italian vertiport operator, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a digital-first passenger experience for UrbanV’s vertiports in Rome, one of which is set to be at the city’s Fiumicino Airport. From UrbanV’s test vertiport at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, both parties will design, test, and refine a new passenger processing […]

Amadeus invests in sustainable aviation fuel innovator

Amadeus has acquired a minority stake in Caphenia — a future producer of synthesis gas, the feedstock of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — forming part of the technology firm’s commitment to supporting the industry on its journey toward sustainable travel. In just 12 months, this represents Amadeus’ second investment in a company focused on making the […]

Heathrow offers more daily flights to USA than ever before

According to London Heathrow, it currently has more daily flights than ever before between the UK and USA as airlines switch capacity to North Atlantic routes and away from European and East Asian markets, which have been slower to recover. In May alone, it says that 1.6 million passengers used the UK hub to fly […]

San Antonio recognised for short security wait times

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

Royal Schiphol Group acquires 40% stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport

A new era has begun for Maastricht Aachen Airport with the Royal Schiphol Group taking a 40% stake in it and the start of a new period of strategic cooperation between the gateways. The agreement, signed today between the Royal Schiphol Group and the province of Limburg, will see the province maintain keep a 60% […]

Brisbane Airport helps launch Hydrogen Flight Alliance

Key players in the Australian aviation and green hydrogen industries have today officially launched the Hydrogen Flight Alliance (HFA) at Brisbane Airport. The aim of the alliance is to ensure Australia plays a leading role in the aviation industry’s transition towards net-zero by 2050. The initial focus will be on enabling Australia’s first commercial emission […]

S&P raises its European air passenger traffic forecasts

Ahead of the summer season, S&P Global Ratings has raised its European air passenger traffic forecasts, anticipating that travel demand will continue to resist economic pressures. In a new report, the ratings agency anticipates that European air passenger traffic should return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024, up from 85%-95% of 2019 levels in 2023. Airlines’ […]

PEOPLE matters – AI: Friend or foe?

Dr Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on the implications of ChatGPT for the world of work. Can you tell if this article is written by a human or by a computer? A year ago, this was a question that very few people thought worthy of consideration. But since ChatGPT was released in November 2022, […]

ACI World welcomes IATA’s Net Zero Roadmaps

ACI World has welcomed the launch of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Net Zero Roadmaps and calls for continued collaboration of aviation stakeholders in building a sustainable aviation industry. ACI and airports have been leaders in the decarbonisation transformation, being the first to commit to a long-term environmental goal of net zero carbon emissions […]

Turning food waste into fertiliser in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh International Airport is actively working to cut back aviation-related emissions, through a new partnership with Pittsburgh-based Ecotone Renewables. Joining the airport’s xBridge innovation program, one of the company’s digesters has been stationed outside the landside terminal and nicknamed ZEUS translating as Zero Emissions Upcycling System. Launched in 2020, ZEUS aligns well with the programme […]

Prestigious sustainability awards for LaGuardia’s Terminal B

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the developer and manager of LaGuardia Terminal B, have revealed that LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B has retained both its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v4 Gold Certification and the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s Platinum Envision Award. The Port […]

Beating plastic pollution at Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport (DOH) is celebrating the UN’s World Environment Day by backing its goal to Beat Plastic Pollution. Today’s event focuses on encouraging people and businesses around the world to review their plastic consumption and introduce a shift towards a circular economy. The Qatari gateway notes that part of Hamad International Airport’s environment sustainability […]

WBP News

We focus on some of latest the IT news stories from ACI World Business Partners across the globe. Enhancing the passenger experience in Budapest Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is set to enhance the passenger experience and optimise its operations by implementing Veovo’s Passenger Predictability solution. The passenger flow analytics platform will initially focus on […]

Over 260 acres of land next to Dublin Airport up for sale

A major landbank between the runways at Dublin Airport is this week being placed on the market by JLL. The lands are privately held by the long-term owners. The infrastructural land which is available for sale by private treaty in its entirety or in three separate lots, totals approximately 260 acres. Of strategic international importance […]

WBP news: Enhancing the car parking experience at US airports

ABM says that it is evolving its innovative data-enabled smart parking solution, ABM Vantage, “through the introduction and expansion of services tailored to the aviation industry”. “America’s relationship with air travel is notoriously stressful, and parking at airports has historically been no different,” said Sean Bromfield, president of aviation at ABM. “We are changing airport […]

From the ground up

Blueprint Power’s chief technology officer, Nick Schmidt, considers some of the energy monitoring and emissions reducing options open to airports at the beginning of their decarbionisation journeys. Governments and organisations around the world are grappling with energy and sustainability challenges as they try to lessen their environmental impact and support global climate goals and airports, […]

One million passengers and counting for Cork Airport in 2023

Cork Airport is set to welcome it’s one millionth passenger of 2023 today as the airport prepares for a busy June Bank Holiday weekend, with over 56,500 passengers expected. As the peak summer season begins, the busiest day of the bank holiday weekend will be Friday, June 2. This weekend’s passenger figures indicate an increase […]

New milestone for ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme

A total of 500 airports across the globe are now certified under ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme having fulfilled the stringent requirements set by its accreditation levels. Launched back in 2009 by ACI EUROPE, with then just 17 trailblazing airports achieving accreditation, the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme has since become the global standard for carbon […]

Drone patrol

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

Shannon Airport welcomes launch of new Chicago service

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

New wind farm to provide energy for Frankfurt Airport

Global airport operator, Fraport, continues to invest in green wind energy, signing a new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the European energy services and solutions provider Centrica Energy Trading A/S. The deal will provide Frankfurt Airport with annual wind energy volumes of around 63 gigawatt hours, starting this July. The energy will come from a […]

New CT scanners enhance security at Munich Airport

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

Changi Airport Group to help develop Uzbekistan’s gateway to the world

Uzbekistan Airports Joint Stock Company (JSC) and Changi Airports International (CAI) have signed an agreement to jointly develop Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport in Uzbekistan. The gateway is the largest international airport in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the third busiest airport in Central Asia based on pre-pandemic passenger levels. The agreement – CAI is […]

New queuing areas for passengers as BHX upgrades security hall

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

The digital airfield

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

New hotels planned for Sweden’s Stockholm Arlanda and Kiruna airports

Swedavia is planning to build a new hotel at both Stockholm Arlanda and Kiruna airports as its looks to future proof its Swedish airport network. At Stockholm Arlanda Airport, a full-service hotel is being planned which will be located close to the terminals and include 540 double rooms, conference facilities and a wide range of […]

Geoff Culbert to leave role as CEO of Sydney Airport at end of year

Sydney Airport will shortly begin the search for a new CEO after revealing that Geoff Culbert will step down at the end of the year. Culbert, who has held the position for almost six years, joined the publicly listed Sydney Airport as CEO in January 2018 from GE and will continue in his role until the […]

LAX expecting huge passenger numbers over Memorial Day travel period

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

Glasgow Airport led consortium achieves funding for hydrogen feasibility study

A consortium led by Glasgow Airport and net zero consulting co-developer, Ikigai, has successfully secured funding from the Scottish Government to test the feasibility of a hydrogen production, storage and distribution hub that would support zero emission flight at the airport. The funding was confirmed by the First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, and forms […]

Hamburg Airport looking for exciting new F&B outlets

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

Huge increase in passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport handled 3.1 million passengers in April, a massive upturn on the 126,000 that passed through its facilities in the travel restricted same month a year ago. Compared to the same month last year, flight movements more than doubled to 21,545, while cargo throughput declined by 7.7% to 347,000 tonnes. All passenger […]

Airport hospitality: Click and go!

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

New staff badging office opens at LAX

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has celebrated the opening of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)’s new Security Badge Office. The occasion marked another milestone in the transformation that is underway at the airport. The multi-billion-dollar capital improvement programme is already being recognised with awards and receiving positive reviews for improving the experiences of airport guests, […]

New incentives to airlines to reduce CO2 emissions at Dublin Airport

Irish airport operator, daa, has announced proposals for new sustainability measures to incentivise airlines to operate lower CO2 emission aircraft at Dublin Airport. Under the new proposed incentive scheme, a low emissions discount will apply to Dublin Airport’s ultra-low cost aeronautical charges, the lowest of any capital city airport in Europe and the airport operator, […]

Birmingham boosted by easyJet’s decision to base aircraft at UK airport

Low-cost carrier, easyJet, today announced it will open a base for three of its aircraft at Birmingham Airport (BHX) from March 2024. This major investment by easyJet will create around 100 direct jobs, including pilots and crew, and will support 1,200 indirect jobs in the West Midlands region. Basing three of its 186-seat A320 aircraft […]

New cargo facilities for Cincinnati/Kentucky International Airport

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport has signed an agreement with Burrell Aviation to invest upwards of $20 million on a new air cargo warehouse at the the US gateway. The new complex will be located on a 4.5 acre site at the airport and replace former outdated cargo facilities demolished last year. Burrell Aviation develops, operates, […]

IT innovation: Looking to the future

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

Baggage mishandling rates almost double as passenger traffic rises

Airlines and airports are facing a surge in baggage mishandling rates amidst the growing number of passengers, with the number of mishandled bags almost doubling from 2021 to 2022 to 7.6 bags per thousand passengers, according to SITA’s 2023 Baggage IT Insights report released today. SITA claims that the shortage of skilled staff, resumption of […]

SFO expecting busy summer after passing new traffic milestone

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) reached a post-pandemic milestone last Thursday and Friday, exceeding 70,000 departing passengers per day through its checkpoints for the first time in over three years. Having cleared this threshold, SFO is looking forward to a busy summer travel season, forecasting the highest levels of passenger traffic since the pandemic began. […]

Shannon achieves Level 2 status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme

Shannon Airport has reached new heights in its sustainability goals after achieving Level 2 ‘Reduction’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme. The accreditation acknowledges the commitment set out in The Shannon Airport Group’s Sustainability Strategy to green its operations and reduce the airport’s carbon footprint. Steps taken by Shannon Airport to achieve Level 2 ‘Reduction’ […]

Dawn of new era in urban mobility

Kevin Cox, CEO of Ferrovial Vertiports, considers the key role airports can play in unlocking the benefits of urban air mobility. The revolution in Urban Air Mobility is gathering momentum globally with a new model of sustainable transport set to become reality within a few years. Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) will transform […]

Passenger numbers at London Stansted boosted by busy Easter

A bumper Easter getaway boosted London Stansted’s traffic figures for April as the airport welcomed more than 2.4 million passengers during the month. The monthly total was up 16% on April 2022, with the airport also experiencing its busiest day of the year so far with 87,000 passing through the terminal on Easter Monday. The […]

How tomorrow’s travel trends are shaping today’s IT agendas

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

Buying power of airlines continues to squeeze Europe’s airports

ACI EUROPE has today released a comprehensive and empirical analysis of competition between European airports. It depicts a new aviation market paradigm where the increasing buyer power of the airlines in Europe squeezes Europe’s airports ever further as they strive for financial stability and resilience. The synopsis, Fierce Competitors, Fragile Foes builds upon the Frontier […]

Smart data hubs

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

New Sustainability Expansion Plan for Montréal

ACI World has partnered with the Canadian Government, Government of Québec and City of Montréal on a new Sustainability Expansion Plan for Montréal, which will be funded by Montréal International. The plan sees continued investment in Montréal, the world capital of civil aviation, and in the sustainability of airports as essential enablers of economic growth […]

New look duty free outlets unveiled in Kuala Lumpur’s Terminal 2

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

Fraport Group heading in the right direction after pandemic

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

Traffic at Cork and Dublin airports higher than pre-COVID levels

April was another record month for passenger numbers at Dublin Airport, with a total of 2.83 million passengers travelling through during the month, according to airport operator, daa. The numbers passing through Dublin Airport were marginally higher (+0.7%) than the 2.81 million passengers who passed through in the previous busiest April in 2019 and up […]

World in motion – ACI News

We report on the top 10 busiest airports in the world in 2022, the infrastructure development challenge in North America, and Airport Carbon Accreditation success in Africa and Europe. ACI World news: The top 10 busiest airports on the planet in 2022 ACI World has revealed the top 10 busiest airports on the planet for […]

Cool runnings at Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport has a new ‘Cool Zone’ for the rising volumes of perishable and temperature-sensitive e-commerce traffic passing through the world’s biggest cargo hub. The facility is operated by Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services Limited (Hacis), the value-added logistics arm of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), which operates the airport’s […]

Showcase for Kansas City

Airport World reports on the planning, design and opening of Kansas City International Airport’s new $1.5 billion terminal. After five years of development, design and construction, the new 40-gate terminal at Kansas City International Airport (KCI) has opened for business, ushering in a new era of air travel for the region. At 1.1 million-square-foot and […]

Hong Kong’s eye catching sweet shop back in business

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

View from the top

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, reflects on the key role technology, IT innovation and data will play in the future development and success of the world’s airports. Collaboration across the entire aviation ecosystem is essential to ensuring that it can function efficiently and grow sustainably. After all, all aviation stakeholders share the […]

Customer service excellence: We salute you!

We pay tribute to ACI World’s 2022 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award winners whose customer service excellence continues to enhance the airport experience for passengers. Airports big and small across the world have been recognised for their customer service excellence throughout 2022 in ACI’s annual Airport Service Quality (ASQ) awards. Winners ranged from the big […]

San José Mineta International Airport unveils new F&B outlet

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

Western Sydney Airport names Amadeus as technology partner

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

Bumper holiday weekend expected at Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport is in store for a bustling May Bank Holiday as over 45,000 people are expected to travel through the airport over the holiday period. If it happens, it will represent  a 42% increase on passenger traffic when compared to the same period of last year (2022) and beats pre-pandemic traffic levels for the May Bank Holiday in 2019 by close to 30%. Director […]

Work set to start on expansion of Newcastle Airport in Australia

The A$110 million expansion of the terminal at Newcastle Airport in Australia will include significant upgrades to the airport’s existing terminal building as the gateway strives to provide a world-class passenger experience for the region. The airport today appointed Construction Control as the managing contractor for the project. “The biggest beneficiaries of the airport’s upgrade […]

Europe’s regional airports expected to enjoy ‘strong summer’

The latest industry analysis from ACI EUROPE has described a market segment which is simultaneously outperforming with a positive summer ahead, whilst also warning of disparities in the pace and strength of recovery and continued financial challenges. Unveiled at the 14th Annual ACI EUROPE Regional Airports Conference and Exhibition in Chania, Crete, the new analysis […]

Sydney Airport: On the comeback trail

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

AIRPORT WORLD 2023, ISSUE 02

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE Focus on: IT innovation Airport profile: Sydney Special report: Kansas City’s new terminal Plus: ASQ Winners, Vertiports & Sustainability Tech time The ‘IT innovation’ theme of this issue provides Airport World editor, Joe Bates, with the chance to reflect on the constant growth and development of new technology. The laughter of […]

Heathrow to use special luggage tags to celebrate King’s coronation

The UK’s busiest airport is preparing to welcome 12,000 flights in the 10 days around the coronation – with passengers including dignitaries, heads of state and international tourists. Heathrow has a long-standing association with the British royal family. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II took her first steps on British soil as a monarch at Heathrow, […]

SITA renews support for development programme for airport managers

ACI World and ICAO today announce SITA’s renewed and long-standing support of the leading training and leadership programme for airport executives, the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP). Since its launch in 2007, AMPAP has become the globally recognised and respected curriculum for career development and excellence for airport executives, benefitting over 1,200 participants to […]

AirTain station at SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 to re-open on Wednesday

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

Return to profitability in 2022 for daa Group

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

Call for connectivity enhancing new EU-India agreement

ACI Asia-Pacific and ACI EUROPE have jointly called on India and the European Union (EU) to establish a comprehensive aviation agreement to liberalise traffic rights and boost regulatory alignment, including the acceleration of decarbonisation policies between the two regions. The call was made during this week’s EU-India Aviation Summit organised jointly by the European Commission […]

PHL concession operators helping feed neighbours in need

More than 100,000lbs of soon-to-expire food donations from concession operators at Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) have been donated to a local charity that helps “neighbours in need”. In total, the joint effort between Philabundance and PHL merchants has resulted in 108,825 pounds of food and approximately 141,500 meals donated. An event was held to commemorate […]

Renovation of Helsinki Airport’s Runway 2 to start on May 2

Finavia today announced that it will start the €8 million renovation of Runway 2 at Helsinki Airport on May 2. As as result of the work, until mid-September, aircraft landing directions will differ from the normal, although the gateway insists that the work will not affect passenger traffic. “The runway comes under enormous stress, and […]

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to boast new solar power array

VINCI Airports has unveiled plans for a 14-hectare solar power plant at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport in France. It will cover 5,800 parking spaces at the airport and become one of the largest shaded power plants in the country. According to VINCI, the new addition will have a capacity of 20MWp and produce 24GWh of green […]

MIA resumes airport rehearsal tours for kids with special needs

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

Busy year ahead for shop and F&B openings at Stockholm Arlanda

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

Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) unveils first ever sustainability plan

Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) has unveiled its first ever Sustainability Plan 1.0, which it believes demonstrates that it has listened to its neighbours and placed sustainable development at the heart of its mission. And the Canadian airport operator even goes as far as to suggest that it plans go beyond basic considerations to ensure that […]

New Plaza Premium Lounge opens at Rome Fiumicino

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

Vietjet becomes Sydney Airport’s record breaking 50th airline customer

In a major milestone for Sydney Airport, the Australian hub today welcomed its 50th airline with Vietjet’s inaugural service from Ho Chi Minh City arriving this morning. This is the highest number of airlines flying regular scheduled passenger services the airport has ever seen in its 103-year history. Flight VJ85 touched down in Sydney this […]

Renewable fuel to lower emissions at San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport (SAN) has taken delivery of its first shipment of renewable diesel for the fleet of airside vehicles operating at the Californian gateway. San Diego County Regional Airport Authority notes that renewable diesel can reduce emissions by up to 75% or more compared to petroleum diesel. The sustainable fuel is now being […]

Second hand store with a difference coming to Helsinki

Finavia and the Finnish family firm Relove believe they are bringing a unique second-hand concept store to Helsinki Airport as it will combine recycling culture with a popular café. According to the Finnish airport operator, it will be the world’s first second-hand shop at an airport and will feature high-quality second-hand clothes and accessories and […]

Airports continue to ramp up investment in technology

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

Mega-warehouse to help establish Brisbane Airport as logistics hub

Brisbane Airport is set to undertake the largest industrial project in its history for global logistics and delivery company Aramex Australia. Operator, Brisbane Airport Company (BAC), will kickstart the development of Airport Industrial Park with the construction of international courier business Aramex’s new 26,120sqm office and warehouse – equivalent in area to more than three-and-a-half […]

BLOG: The always meanwhile airport

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

Big expansion plans for Newcastle Airport in Australia

Newcastle Airport in Australia is embarking on a significant expansion plan, in partnership with Commonwealth Bank (CBA), which is acting as sole financier. The A$240 million deal includes the expansion of Newcastle Airport to enhance domestic capacity and develop a new international terminal and finance to accelerate the activation of Astra Aerolab including the construction […]

Record month for Ireland’s two busiest airports

March was another record month at both Cork and Dublin airports with 181,000 and 2.48 million passengers respectively travelling through the gateways, according to operator, daa. At Cork Airport, March has followed the trend set in January and February, with another impressive performance. Last weekend, Cork Airport surpassed 500,000 passengers in the year to date. […]

Adding a digital layer of technology to airport CCTV systems

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

ACI World traffic data reveals the busiest airports on the planet in 2022

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

New runway opens at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport

Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Peru has officially opened its new runway and air traffic control tower. The departure of the first commercial flight marked the event. Fraport’s Peruvian Group airport is the country’s first aviation gateway to have two runways. Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte said: “We’ve once again proven that we can […]

Europe’s airports experience big rise in passenger traffic in February

Passenger numbers across Europe’s airports soared by 48% in February compared to the same month a year ago, providing further evidence of aviation’s growing recovery from the global pandemic. ACI EUROPE, which notes that air travel in February 2022 remained constrained by Omicron-related restrictions, says that last month’s upturn in traffic was predominantly driven by […]

PEOPLE matters

Outside knowledge Dr Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on the recruitment challenges facing airports and the potential benefits of bringing back older, more experienced staff. As we embark on another year, many of us engage in the ever-optimistic pursuit of making New Year resolutions. We resolve to get fitter, lose weight, eat less, join […]

Three is the magic number: How are airport codes chosen?

In this article, Artemis Aerospace’s Jim Scott investigates how airport three-letter codes came about and the history behind some of the more unexpected ones. Your suitcase has set off down the conveyor belt sporting a label marked LAX or SYD or JNB, and that’s where you hope both you and it will end up. These […]

Aviation’s green transition remains a top priority for Swedavia

Swedavia’s “green transition” continued in 2022 with a number of key achievements, according to the company’s newly published Annual and Sustainability Report for 2022. “The aviation industry’s climate transition is necessary so that people can continue to meet in the future, despite long distances, in the most efficient way possible,” writes Swedavia’s president and CEO, […]

New F&B concepts open at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport

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

Government funding boost for Shannon Airport

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

New Arts & Culture programme expanded at JFK’s Terminal 4

John F Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4 is expanding its arts and culture programme to present a curated, ongoing series of installations, exhibits and performances throughout the year that it says will represent the full New York City experience, from local art to food, culture and beyond. Operator, JFKIAT, formed a new committee to facilitate […]

Open for business: The latest news and views from ACI’s World Business Partners

Aiding the development of Zanzibar’s gateway to the world Global air and travel services provider, dnata, has launched operations at Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) with its partners Emirates Leisure Retail and SEGAP – a joint venture between airport infrastructure and operations specialist Egis – and private equity fund manager African Infrastructure Investment […]

Incheon shines as a logistics hub as airport celebrates 22nd birthday

Incheon International Airport (ICN) today celebrates its 22nd anniversary, just a few weeks after handling its 100 millionth transfer passenger. The number of transfer passengers at Incheon Airport has steadily increased since recording 1.63 million passengers at the time of its opening in 2001, reaching 7.23 million passengers in 2019. In 2021, which was hit […]

Portugal’s airport network achieves new carbon accreditation milestone

VINCI Airports has achieved another sustainability first, with its Portuguese airports all being awarded ACA 4+ ‘Transition’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The certification recognises that the airports have fully accounted and reported direct and indirect CO2 emissions related to their activities and operations, have significantly reduced their direct emissions, offset their residual […]

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport set to trial self driving buses

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

UK government to review night flight policy at three London airports

The UK government today announced that it is continuing its review of night flight policy with a new consultation on the noise objectives for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. It says that the review will ensure that aircraft operations at those airports are managed so that the negative impacts of night flying on local residents […]

The hospitable airport

Gilles Bussutil, vice president, global guest experience, at leading airport lounge and travel experience provider, Airport Dimensions, explores the concept of hospitality and what it means in the airport environment. At the lounge, a warm welcome and a respite from the rigours of travel is, of course, expected. But a welcoming airport has many facets. […]

OAG says UK traffic recovery heading in right direction

Today marks three years since the start of the first COVID lockdown in the UK, and reflecting on the occasion, OAG’s chief analyst, John Grant, states that although traffic still lags behind 2019 levels, the national recovery is going in the right direction. He says: “Our data shows that, three years on from the pandemic, […]

Heathrow reports “a year of progress” in its sustainability efforts

A year on from the launch of its refreshed sustainability strategy, Heathrow 2.0: Connecting People and Planet, Heathrow’s 2022 Sustainability report updates on the airport’s progress. Over half of the commitments towards net zero aviation and making Heathrow a great place to live and work have been marked as “on track” or “progressing”. In 2022, […]

New ACI data shines spotlight on industry’s financial recovery trends

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

Better year for Finavia but Helsinki revenues not enough to fund regional airports

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

Land of opportunity

Real estate development could act as the catalyst for the successful future development of many African airports, writes NACO’s aviation director for Africa, Marcel Langeslag. As airports continue to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are looking for ways to build a more resilient business that is less dependent on revenue generated […]

SITA to help Hong Kong gateway achieve its carbon emissions goal

Hong Kong International Airport has selected SITA to provide a carbon management platform to monitor data on carbon emissions across the airport environment. The move will help the airport track key performance indicators as the airport progresses towards its net zero carbon goal. SITA’s carbon management platform, to be fully deployed by summer 2023, will […]

Auckland Airport to commence NZ$3.9 billion terminal integration programme

Auckland Airport has commenced its biggest redevelopment since the airport opened in 1966 with a brand-new domestic terminal to be fully integrated into the international terminal. “This is a major investment for Auckland Airport, one which we have been working towards for many years,” noted the New Zealand gateway’s chairman, Patrick Strange. “The domestic terminal […]

Small airports and the bottom line

ACI World’s vice president and chief economist, Patrick Lucas, and vice president for airport customer experience, Dimitri Coll, remind us of the economic challenges facing small airports and how enhancing customer service can boost revenues. Airports are asset-intensive businesses that require large investments just to accommodate a single aircraft landing. They must achieve a critical mass […]

Ras Al Khaimah signs MoU to get its own Vertiport

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

Traffic recovery and sustainability top of mind for London Gatwick

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

Spotlight on Egis’ airport ambitions in Africa

Airport World talks to Olivier Baric, Egis’ aviation director for Africa, about the infrastructure specialist’s interests in Africa, potential challenges ahead, and why he believes that long-term partnerships are key to delivering on airport promises. What is Egis’ involvement with African airports? We are investors and long-term partner operators in three airports in the Congo […]

SITA to help Volocopter develop digital infrastructure for vertiports

SITA has been selected as the preferred digital and IT systems partner for vertoports for Volocopter, a pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM). Under the agreement, SITA has become the latest investor to join Volocopter’s Series E funding round, cementing the strategic vision espoused by this partnership.  According to its backers, UAM will offer “a […]

Europe’s airports lead the way on carbon management globally

ACI EUROPE claims that the combined efforts of the continent’s airports to reduce their carbon emissions was a highlight of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation annual report for 2021-2022, published today. Indeed, it goes as far as to state that European progress made within the global carbon standard for airports emerged as the standout star. ACI […]

Using AI to speed up security checkpoints at Amsterdam Schiphol

The Royal Schiphol Group is starting a collaboration with security technology company Pangiam to investigate ways of screening hand baggage more quickly and safely at Amsterdam Schiphol. The new technology, powered by artificial intelligence, could eventually help enable travellers to go through security checks faster, without compromising on safety. The aim of the collaboration is […]

New construction milestone for Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has celebrated the topping out of the Tom Bradley International Terminal Core with a beam signing ceremony. The Tom Bradley International Terminal Core is one of seven new cores that make up the $490 million dollar Terminal Cores project at LAX. The project, which is scheduled to complete in 2024, […]

Heathrow passenger numbers continue to go in right direction

A total of 5.2 million passengers travelled through Heathrow during February, with 26th February the busiest single day in Terminal 5 since Christmas 2019 with over 94,000 passengers. According to the UK hub, it “successfully managed” the February half-term getaway, when top holiday destinations were Dubai, New York and Madrid. It notes that overall passenger […]

Taking stock: Green concessions programmes

ICF’s vice president, Eliot Lees, and senior consultant, Tod Yankee, consider the reasons why airports should implement green concessions programmes. Ready or not, airport managers are facing a major behavioural shift in consumers making purchases from retail and food and beverage concessions, which has given rise to a whole new discipline – Green Concessions Programming. […]

Shannon expecting busy St Patrick’s Day holiday

Shannon Airport is expecting to handle some 30,000 passengers during the upcoming St Patrick’s Day weekend – a healthy 24% more than the 21,000 passengers it handled during the same period last year. Mary Considine, CEO of Shannon Airport Group, said: “Our passenger forecast over the St Patrick’s period is a positive start to what […]

Turning cooking oil into renewable fuels at BWI Marshall

Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) has become the seventh major commercial airport in the United States to launch a zero-waste sustainability programme that collaborates with partners to collect used cooking oil and convert them into renewable fuels. As a result of the airport’s partnership with Fraport Maryland and Mahoney Environmental, BWI is now collecting used […]

Investing in Africa: TAV Airports

Executive board member and chairman of the executive committee, Franck Mereyde, explains why ever expanding TAV Airports is eyeing new opportunities in Africa. Africa arguably offers the greatest development potential of any aviation market as its growth, which started with services in the 1920s by European operators Air France, Imperial Airways and Deutsche Lufthansa before […]

Brisbane achieves Level 4 status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme

Brisbane Airport (BNE) has become the first Australian airport to receive Level 4 ‘Transformation’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The new status recognises Brisbane Airport’s long-term carbon management strategy towards absolute emissions reductions and evidence of forging meaningful partnerships to reduce the emissions of airport partners. “Given Australia’s reliance on air travel to connect […]

Fraport sets new CO2 emission reduction targets for Frankfurt Airport

Fraport has set itself the ambitious new target of aiming to reduce the carbon emissions directly under its control at Frankfurt Airport to 50,000 tonnes by 2030. The new total is 25,000 tonnes less than the previous target announced by Germany’s largest aviation hub. “Aviation needs to make a significant contribution towards protecting our planet’s […]

Back in the game: China’s re-opening to international travel

China’s re-opening to international travel is likely to be more of a slow burner than a game changer for the aviation industry, writes OAG’s chief analyst, John Grant. The news of China re-opening to all international travel from January 8, 2023, came as a surprise to most forecasters. Indeed, considering how much China’s capacity has […]

New restaurants and wine bars set to open at London’s Gatwick Airport

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

Freetown’s new terminal makes history in Sierra Leone

President, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, today opened his country’s first new international airport terminal since independence, a key milestone in developing the pivotal West African state as a regional aviation hub. The new $270 million facility is three times the size of the existing terminal with capacity to handle up to one million […]

The world’s best airports for customer service excellence

Airports big and small across the world were today recognised for their customer service excellence throughout 2022 in ACI’s annual Airport Service Quality (ASQ) awards. Winners ranged from the big hubs of Istanbul and Rome-Fiumicino in Europe; Dallas/Fort Worth and San Francisco in the US; and Singapore Changi and Shenzhen Bao’an in Asia-Pacific to some […]

Star of Texas: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

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

Changi enhances strategic cargo partnership with Brussels Airport

Singapore Changi and Brussels Airport have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to augment their strategic partnership in air cargo development. With the goal of deepening cargo competencies, it is said that both airports will jointly drive initiatives to enhance their respective capabilities in pharmaceutical logistics, undertake studies and trials in the fields of digitalisation […]

New facial biometric technology deployed at Sacramento boarding gates

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

Buy and fly at Kansas City International Airport’s new Single Terminal

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

Los Angeles International Airport expecting busiest Spring Break since 2019

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

New BNE café brewing up employment for people with a disability

Brisbane Airport is literally brewing up employment opportunities for people with a disability at its new Boronia Brew café. Indeed, to date, 10 staff with a disability have found employment at Boronia Brew, which officially opened a few days ago. Operated by HELP Enterprises, the social enterprise is providing training for supported workers, with hopes […]

World in motion – ACI News

ACI news is back, rounding up the latest announcements, initiatives and views from ACI World and across the ACI regions, this issue also featuring input from ACI EUROPE and ACI Asia-Pacific. ACI World news: Restoring economic equilibrium ACI World is urging regulators to support the economic sustainability of airports as social and economic engines of […]

Frankfurt Airport trialling autonomous baggage and cargo tractor

Fraport AG Ground Services are currently trialling an autonomous baggage and cargo tractor at Frankfurt Airport. The electric vehicle will operate on an eight-kilometre-long test route within Frankfurt Airport’s secure area. The trial is designed to determine whether and under what conditions an autonomous vehicle can support regular baggage and cargo operations on the apron. […]

Dublin Airport steps up recruitment drive with Jobs Fair

Hundreds of jobs will be on offer this weekend when Dublin Airport holds a two-day jobs fair for prospective candidates. Hosted by airport operator, daa, the Jobs Fair will take place at the Radisson Hotel, Dublin Airport, on Friday, March 3 (2pm-5pm), and Saturday, March 4 (10am-1pm). The free-to-attend daa Jobs Fair will provide attendees […]

Focus on Africa

ACI Africa secretary general, Ali Tounsi, considers some of the main challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s aviation industry and tells us more about the goals and ambitions of ACI Africa for the year ahead. Africa’s aviation industry is no stranger to challenges and while many of the traditional, and indeed global ones of safety, security […]

Historic day for Kansas City International Airport

The first flights will depart from the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport today, marking the end of a five-year development, design and construction effort and ushering in a new era of air travel in the region. The 1.1 million-square-foot, design-build project was delivered ahead of schedule and on budget while providing a […]

View from the top

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, considers the growth potential of Africa. As many of you will know, ACI World had the pleasure of partnering with ACI Africa for the ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition last October. The successful event, which attracted over 500 delegates, took place in Marrakesh, Morocco, […]

NSW government supports route development at Newcastle Airport

New South Wales’ minister for tourism, Ben Franklin, announced today that Qantas Group has been successful with its application for the NSW Aviation Attraction Fund to support routes from Newcastle Airport to Cairns and Adelaide. Responding to the news, Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock, said the announcement was significant for the gateway and surrounding […]

London Luton Airport shows its support for Ukraine

A welcome point at London Luton Airport (LLA) has supported almost 30,000 Ukrainian arrivals and assisted 500 UK Homes for Ukraine sponsors since being established in March 2022. The welcome point at LLA has provided a range of support and services to Ukrainian arrivals including the provision of food and drink, overnight accommodation and SIM […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2023, ISSUE 01

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE Focus on: Africa Airport profile: Dallas/Fort Worth Special report: Small airports Plus: Green concessions & China traffic analysis Back in business Airport World editor, Joe Bates, looks forward to a more positive year for aviation, introduces some exciting changes to the magazine, and reflects on the ‘Africa’ theme of this issue. […]

Government minister enjoys tour of Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport today welcomed Ireland’s Minister of State for the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers, for a flying visit. The Minister, who was met by Conal Henry, chair of the Shannon Airport Group, and the group chief executive officer, Mary Considine, was briefed on the facilities and operations at the airport and activities across the […]

New research reveals potential of better engagement with Gen Z travellers

Although current shopper behaviour among the young Gen Z traveller demographic does not show engagement or excitement with the duty free and travel retail offer, this is a clear contrast with their potential, the latest research from m1nd-set reveals. Following significant interest among industry partners and stakeholders in this young, high-potential age-segment, the Swiss-based travel […]

Doha gateway demonstrates green credentials

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has successfully renewed its Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme for another year. The Qatar gateway says that the successful recertification is a reassurance that its carbon management processes and activities have effectively reduced CO2 emissions. During the recertification process, operator, MATAR, was audited by independent third […]

Singapore Changi continues to act as test bed for autonomous vehicles

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

Heathrow demonstrates commitment to reducing its carbon footprint

London’s Heathrow Airport has reminded the world about its ongoing ‘green revolution’ as it embarks on the second year of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentive scheme. In 2022, Heathrow launched a world first – an airport SAF incentive programme which aimed to cover up to 50% of the extra cost, making the fuel more […]

Banner year sets up DXB to handle 73 million passengers in 2023

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

BHX hoping for zero-emission, hydrogen powered air travel by as early as 2025

Zero-emission, hydrogen-powered air travel is the aim of a new partnership between ZeroAvia and Birmingham Airport (BHX). The companies have entered into a long-term partnership to make on-airfield hydrogen refuelling and regular domestic passenger flights of zero-emission aircraft a reality in the coming years. Hydrogen-electric engines use hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity, which […]

New technology to cut turnaround times at Halifax Stanfield

Assaia is confident that the deployment of its turnaround control solution at Halifax Stanfield International Airport will ensure the more efficient use of the Canadian gateway’s existing infrastructure, improve the on-time performance of its airlines and enhance safety. The solution, a combination of Artificial Intelligence and computer vision, will monitor aircraft turnarounds and will also […]

Airports invited to submit entries for annual Technology Innovation Awards

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

Milestone anniversaries for regional airports in northern Finland

Finland’s Ivalo and Oulu airports will celebrate their 80th and 70th anniversaries, respectively, this year. Jonna Pietilä, Finavia’s vice president for northern Finland airports, has no doubt that both gateways play a key role in the country’s airport system. “The airports of Oulu and Ivalo have served passengers and airlines for decades and have developed […]

Good start to New Year for passenger traffic at Frankfurt Airport

Around 3.7 million passengers passed through Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in January – 65.5% more than in the corresponding month a year ago. Airport operator, Fraport, says that it benefited from return travel from vacation destinations after the Christmas holidays, with warm weather destinations such as the Canary Islands, intercontinental destinations in the Caribbean, North America […]

US airport expansions and renovations in 2023 will be robust

Recent changes to federal funding programmes in the United States are dramatically widening the scope of airport expansion plans throughout the country, writes Mary Scott Nabers. In the fall of 2022, the FAA announced the availability of $1 billion during 2023 for airport expansion projects, and over the next several weeks, it will release its […]

Giant step forward for Christchurch Airport’s renewable energy precinct

Christchurch Airport’s renewable energy precinct, Kōwhai Park has taken a giant step closer to reality. After a year-long process, that attracted interest from organisations across the globe, the airport has chosen one of New Zealand’s largest energy companies, Contact Energy, and international solar developer, Lightsource bp, as its partners to deliver phase one of the […]

Passenger traffic more than triples at Abu Dhabi’s airports in 2022

Almost 16 million passengers used Abu Dhabi’s five airports in 2022 – tripling the 5.26 million handled in 2021. The bulk of the total passed through Abu Dhabi International Airport with the remainder using either Al Ain International, Al Bateen Executive, Delma Island or Sir Bani Yas Island airports. His Excellency, Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, […]

Frankfurt Airport turns to biometrics to enhance passenger journeys

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

UK firm to supply operations management systems to Nebraska’s Lincoln Airport

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

Banner year for Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) celebrated its third busiest year in 2022 when more than 3.88 million passengers passed through its facilities. SDF is also celebrating the greatest number of non-stop destinations ever at 37 on eight airlines. “Last year, 2022, was a banner year for us and something we’re very proud of following […]

Traffic update: Europe’s airports turned the corner in 2022

The Full Year 2022 traffic report released today by ACI EUROPE shows that the airport industry finally turned the corner on the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the industry body. Passenger traffic across the European airport network nearly doubled (+98%) in 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching 1.94 billion passengers. However, that was still -21% […]

Record breaking year for Miami International Airport

Miami International Airport (MIA) handled a record 50.6 million passengers in 2022, nearly 10% more than its previous best in 2019. The total included 21.3 million international passengers, 8.3 million more than 2021 but one million less than pre-COVID levels. Compared to the airport’s total of 37.3 million passengers in 2021, when the aviation industry […]

Chicago celebrates opening of O’Hare’s expanded and upgraded T5

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

Hong Kong to give away 500,000 airline tickets to boost tourism

Hong Kong is to give away 500,000 airline tickets in a hugely ambitious promotional campaign to boost tourism numbers and attract visitors back to the region. As part of the government driven initiative it is also offering a host of ‘Hong Kong Goodies’ in the form of discount vouchers on food, drink, transport, hotels, shopping […]

Holland & Barrett join forces with WHSmith at London airports

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

Birmingham Airport celebrates new milestone in its recovery from COVID

Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the UK has celebrated handing the 10 millionth customer in its current financial year. According to the airport, the milestone represents a story of the steady recovery for BHX, which emerged from the COVID-19 deep-freeze back in March 2022, when travel restrictions were lifted. Compared to the previous financial year (2021/22), 2022/23 has so far seen […]

Heathrow Airport boss announces decision to step down this year

Heathrow Airport CEO, John Holland-Kaye, has informed the Board of his intention to stand down during 2023 after nine years in the hot-seat. Praising his “exceptional leadership”, the Board notes that he built a strong management team, helped develop a consumer-focused culture, improved cost efficiency and put “Heathrow at the forefront of global aviation’s decarbonisation”. […]

Airports ramping up investment in technology – new IT report

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

New underground wetlands built at Helsinki Airport

Finavia has built an underground wetland at Helsinki Airport to improve water management. The project is the first of its kind in the Nordic countries and is designed to improve the condition of streams and other waterways near the airport. “Water management is an important part of our environmental work, and we do our best […]

Heathrow pledges “to give back” to one million people within its local communities

London’s Heathrow Airport today published its new Giving Back Programme, reasserting its commitment to the local community to make the area a great place to live and work. It is the first comprehensive community investment plan published by the airport, clarifying the various ways it already supports the local community as well as setting out […]

New play area for kids opens at Washington Reagan National

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

ACI EUROPE calls for EU to mirror US decarbonisation subsidy regime

ACI EUROPE president, Javier Marín, last night addressed the specific challenge of the funding required to achieve the airport industry’s net zero carbon targets and compliance with ‘Fit for 55’. Speaking at ACI EUROPE’s annual reception held in the European Parliament in Brussels, Marín, who is managing director of  Spanish airport operator AENA, warned of […]

Munich Airport and Lufthansa committed to gateway’s sustainable development

Munich Airport and Lufthansa have “reaffirmed and strengthened” their successful strategic partnership by signing a letter of intent (LOI) to intensify and continue the sustainable development of Munich Airport. In the LOI, both parties commit to a shared sustainability strategy, to the expansion of Munich Airport as an intermodal transport hub, to the needs-based expansion […]

Big recruitment day at Stockholm Arlanda

Swedavia, in collaboration with its partners at Stockholm Arlanda Airport – is to host a big Recruitment Day at the gateway on January 30 in a bid to fill some of the thousands of new jobs being created by the airport’s expansion and rising traffic figures. Sweden’s airport operator notes that with air travel taking […]

Shannon Airport set for good year after exceeding expectations in 2022

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

Government funding boost for Canada’s Hamilton International Airport

The Canadian government is to invest of up to C$23.5 million under the National Trade Corridors Fund for an expansion and sustainability project at John C Munro Hamilton International Airport. This project, which will cost close to C$47 million, will allow the gateway to handle increased cargo operations by improving and expanding airfield capacity, increase […]

PEOPLE matters

Creating a sense of common purpose Dr Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on some of the challenges airports working with private investors may face by embracing a more entrepreneurial culture. We recently saw the much acclaimed film ‘Living’ where the main character, played brilliantly by Bill Nighy, spends his days in a bureaucratic office […]

New dance exhibition opens at Tulsa International Airport

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

Emirates ramping up services to Sydney and Melbourne

Emirates has taken yet another significant step in the resumption of its Australia capacity by increasing its service to two major cities – Sydney and Melbourne. The airline also announced today that it will also restart services to Christchurch, New Zealand via Sydney, offering a new path for Australians across the trans-Tasman route. From March […]

‘Welcome pause’ for roll out of new border system for EU

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

Fraport assumes new security responsibilities at Frankfurt Airport

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

Fukuoka Airport: Bigger and better

Airport World talks to HOK’s Hiroyuki Kawakami and Azusa Sekkei’s Makoto Ishii about plans to transform and expand the international terminal at Fukuoka Airport in Japan. Construction is underway on a “state-of-the-art international terminal expansion and renovation project”, which together with a new runway, will effectively equip Fukuoka Airport to handle up to 16 million […]

BHX starts recruitment drive ahead of expected busy summer

Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the UK has announced that it is aiming to bolster its workforce ahead of what promises to be a bumper summer for overseas holidays. Data shows strong booking volumes for the summer as people continue to prioritise their summer breaks, giving the airport confidence that traffic levels are getting ever closer […]

Glasgow Airport trialling special assistance support app

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

Familiar face set to return to LAX later this year

After nearly three years off view to the public while it underwent professional conservation, the famed bronze portrait bust of former Los Angeles Mayor, Tom Bradley, is finally back at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and ready to be installed in its new permanent home. The bust, a 10-foot-tall bronze and granite sculpture created by […]

Keeping people moving

We report on some of the operational and maintenance news stories making headlines in Europe and across the wider airport ecosystem. Frankfurt’s Sky Line people mover system taking shape Frankfurt Airport has unveiled the the first vehicle for its new Sky Line people mover, which will carry travellers from the long-distance and regional train stations […]

Hong Kong, Dublin and Frankfurt airports announce 2022 traffic figures

The contrasting 2022 traffic recoveries of Hong Kong and Frankfurt and Dublin airports show just how far the European gateways are ahead of the Southeast Asian airport in terms of bouncing back from the global pandemic. For while Frankfurt and Dublin today announced that they handled 48.9 million and 28.1 million passengers respectively last year, […]

Maximising your assets

Matt Bentley from Service Works Global offers advice to facilities managers about asset management, including the key benefits and how technology can deliver efficiencies and cut costs. Many airports are now operating at close to pre-pandemic levels. Gatwick Airport, for example, is now offering flights to almost 90% of the destinations it served in October […]

JCDecaux extends advertising concession at Singapore Changi

JCDecaux has renewed its advertising concession with Singapore Changi Airport for another seven years, with an option for a further five year extension taking its contract to 2034. As air travel rebounds, JCDecaux believes that the extended partnership will harness growing industry trends to curate brand building media offerings that are data-driven and offer more  […]

Traffic levels at Europe’s airports bouncing back from pandemic

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

Cargo security: Boxing clever

Daan Van Vroonhoven, Smiths Detection’s global director for aviation and regulatory compliance, considers how developments in screening solutions can help the air cargo industry meet the pressures it is facing on several fronts. The air cargo sector faces a range of ever evolving, and new, security threats coupled with tightening global regulation. In this climate, […]

ACI World calls on regulators to provide more support for airports

ACI World today called on regulators to support the economic sustainability of airports as social and economic engines of communities worldwide, arguing that doing so ultimately benefits  the travelling public. The call to action supports the recent ACI World Resolution Restoring Economic Equilibrium that urges governments to acknowledge the changed risk profile of airports in […]

Cork Airport expecting a good year after traffic recovery in 2022

Cork Airport believes that it is on track for a “strong recovery” in 2023 after revealing that it handled 2.24 million passengers last year. Its confidence is based on what it calls the swift recovery of international traffic after the removal of the last remaining COVID related travel restrictions. Last year’s passenger total meant that […]

Immersive whisky promotion unveiled at Taoyuan International Airport

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

Finavia aiming for net zero emissions by 2025

The standout objective of Finavia’s newly published responsibility programme is to reduce the carbon emissions of Finland’s airports to net zero by the end of 2025. Talking about its new ‘Towards sustainable air travel’ initiative, Finavia’s vice president for sustainability and the environment, Mikko Viinikainen, enthused: “Operations at all our airports have been carbon neutral […]

Innovative wastewater surveillance project at Toronto Pearson

Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is to implement a cutting-edge, on-site laboratory to perform wastewater surveillance testing at Pearson International Airport. The pilot project, supported in part by funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program, is using partner LuminUltra’s technology to test for the presence of sub-variants of the SARS-CoV-2 […]

Record number of destinations to be served from Leeds Bradford Airport

UK regional gateway, Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), has announced that for the first time in its history, its airlines will 80 destinations year-round this year. It notes that new routes include Bergen (Norway), Porto (Portugal) and Perpignan (France) and that recent additions such as Katowice (Poland), Bucharest (Romania) and Cluj (Romania) will also continue into […]

Raising the sustainability bar

Airport World discovers more about SFO’s new Airport Carbon Accreditation status, a climate goals agreement between Hamburg and Christchurch airports, and a handful of other green initatives across the globe. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is celebrating a major sustainability milestone after being awarded Level 4 ‘Transformation’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The […]

Open for business: The latest news and views from ACI’s World Business Partners

New AMBAAR Club lounge opens in Salvador Bahia Airport Dimensions has opened a new airside AMBAAR Club lounge at Salvador Bahia International Airport as part of its collaboration with AMBAAR Lounge, which opened a landside facility at the Brazilian gateway in October. Designed to give passengers a last experience of Bahia (the Bay of All […]

London Stansted to resurface its runway over the next five months

London Stansted’s single runway is to be fully resurfaced in a five-month programme that begins this weekend. The work on the three kilometre long runway, which will be managed by engineering firm Lagan, will take place at night to minimise the impact on the local community and airport operations. Over the course of the project, […]

Sweden’s airports enjoy strong recovery in 2022

Despite a weak start to the year due to the Omicron variant and other global concerns, Sweden’s airports welcomed nearly 28 million passengers in 2022 – a 130% increase on the 12 million that passed through the country’s gateways in 2021. According to the Swedish airport operator Swedavia, 2022 ended on a strong note, especially at […]

New customer service high for Queen Alia International Airport

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

New cargo warehouse planned for Erbil International Airport

Global air and travel services provider, dnata, continues to expand at Erbil International Airport (EBL), recently breaking ground on its new, 20,000sqm cargo warehouse. The new facility represents an investment of $14 million and will create up to 50 additional, direct jobs with dnata in Iraq. The foundation stone for the cargo warehouse, which is […]

Looking to the future

The host of ambitious infrastructure development projects unveiled across the globe in the final quarter of 2022 shows confidence in the future growth of aviation and the investor appeal of airports, writes Joe Bates. It proved to be a busy end to 2022 with global traffic figures on the rise and the announcement of a […]

Breaking the mould: Tweed New Haven Airport

Avports’ investment in Connecticut’s Tweed New Haven Airport shows that public-private partnerships can work for smaller US gateways, writes the company’s CEO, Jorge Roberts, and chief operating officer, Arturo Garcia-Alonso. Over the past 95 years, our team at Avports (formerly Pan Am World Services) has contributed to growth and continuity at over 30 small airport […]

Liege Airport equipped to handle sustainable aviation fuel

Liege has become the first Belgian airport to announce its readiness to accommodate the distribution of sustainable aviation fuel to its airline customers. It notes that in the last few months of 2022, the airport’s fuel storage facilities have been audited and its storage and distribution procedures reviewed to ensure that they are equipped to […]

China’s relaxation of travel restrictions welcomed by ACI Asia-Pacific

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

The Changi way

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

Passenger numbers continue to rise at Los Angeles International Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is on target to handle close to 70 million passengers in 2022 after 60.1 million passed through its facilities in the first 11 months of the year. The airport welcomed more than 5.5 million passengers (+13%) in November, the upturn largely being driven by the continued growth in international traffic. […]

Airport travellers open to new retail experiences – new research

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

Big Apple time

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is using public-private partnerships to create world class terminals and transform customer experiences across its airports, writes deputy director of aviation planning & development, Sarah McKeon. The concept of public entities partnering with private investors to bolster and complement public-sector capital spending – popularly referred to […]

Edinburgh Airport’s charitable donations topped £100,000 in 2022

Edinburgh Airport has donated £100,000 to charities and local community groups over the past year, with an increased fund returning for 2023. The airport’s Community Fund ensures communities benefit from its activities by providing financial support to community groups and charities committed to improving opportunities, facilities and services available to local people. Next year’s total […]

Private enterprise

Where is the airport PPP market heading post-COVID? Modalis Infrastructure Partners’ Curtis Grad takes a closer look at the market and considers the possibilities. In the post-COVID era there has been plenty of speculation on the role that the private sector, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in particular, might play in airport ownership and development. Several […]

Ferry services to Macau to resume from Hong Kong airport’s SkyPier

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

New financing agreement for Lima airport expansion

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

View from the top

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, provides his thoughts on investing in airports for a sustainable future. Despite the unprecedented downturn in the aviation sector, global passenger traffic is expected to reach close to 18 billion by 2040 and investing in airports continues to be key to a thriving air transport system, which […]

From Mapping to Transition: Queen Alia’s decarbonisation journey

We review Queen Alia International Airport’s sustainability efforts and pioneering decarbonisation journey in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. A few years after being awarded the 25-year concession to manage the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan, Airport International Group (AIG) commenced the airport’s decarbonisation journey. From the outset it was […]

Torino Airport continues to reduce its carbon footprint

Torino Airport (Turin) has received Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The programme is aimed at airport management companies pursuing carbon neutrality goals by neutralising CO2 emissions under their direct control with energy efficiency programmes and the use of renewable energy sources. The Level 3 ‘Optimisation’ recognises the airport for its greenhouse […]

TAV set to extend Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport concession to 2050

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

Event Review: ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly

Joe Bates looks back at some of the highlights of the recent ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Marrakech. With many unable to attend an ACI World Annual General Assembly (WAGA) in person since the start of the global pandemic, anticipation was high ahead of this year’s event in Marrakech, and a […]

New beginning for Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport

H. Ross Perot, Sr, believed that one day Fort Worth Alliance Airport would be a global hub for the jobs of tomorrow, and now the 33-year-old airport will bear his name forever after Hillwood, the City of Fort Worth and the FAA, officially recognised the airport’s name change to Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport […]

Christchurch Airport names Justin Watson as its new chief executive

Justin Watson will succeed the departing Malcolm Johns as the new chief executive of Christchurch Airport in New Zealand on January 1, 2023. Watson, currently the airport’s chief aeronautical and commercial officer, was considered the best fit for the role after what the gateway called “months of extensive search” for a new leader. Indeed, director […]

First zero carbon emissions transatlantic flight from UK to take-off in 2023

The UK government has announced that the first ever net zero transatlantic flight will take off next year, with Virgin Atlantic receiving government funding to fly across the pond using solely sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In 2023, one of Virgin Atlantic’s flagship Boeing 787s, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, will take off from London […]

LaGuardia Terminal B operator launches new internship programme

LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), the private entity managing and redeveloping LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, has launched an internship programme in partnership with Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. Each semester, two Vaughn College students in their junior or senior years will be selected to intern for LaGuardia Gateway Partners on-site at the brand-new Terminal B […]

Brisbane Airport enjoys busiest day for international passengers since 2019

Brisbane Airport is today experiencing a milestone in Queensland’s economic recovery as, for the first time since 2019, more than 14,000 people are passing through the International Terminal in a single day.  “To think this time last year, international travel was still capped at 1,000 arrivals per week through Brisbane Airport and people were entering […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2022, ISSUE 06

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE Theme: Investing in airports Airport profile: Singapore Changi Review: ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly Plus: Asset management & Cargo security Time for reflection Airport World editor, Joe Bates, considers the end of another eventful year for the world’s airports and the ‘investing in airports’ theme of this issue. It’s human nature […]

Samarkand International Airport joins ACI EUROPE

Air Marakanda, the operator of Uzbekistan’s Samarkand International Airport (SKD), has become a member of ACI EUROPE. The organisation currently represents around 500 airports in 55 countries with its member airports accounting for 90% of commercial air traffic in Europe – 2.3 billion passengers, 18.4 million tons of cargo, and 21.2 million flights annually. “Silver membership […]

‘Greener Future’ grant scheme launched by London Luton Airport

London Luton Airport (LLA) in the UK is piloting a new ‘Greener Future’ grant to support local community groups and charities demonstrating a commitment to increasing biodiversity and tackling carbon reduction. Organisations based and working within a five-mile radius of the airport can apply for grants of up to £10,000. The fund will be managed […]

New Aelia Duty Free stores open at Adelaide Airport

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

Traffic continues to rise at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport

Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport is on target to handle around eight million passengers in 2022 after reporting that it handled 7.1 million travellers passed through its facilities in the first 11 months of the year. The total to date is 75% up on the same period last year but still 13.2% down on its […]

Kazakhstan’s Aktobe International Airport turns to TAV Technologies

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

Louis Vuitton opens its largest stand alone store at Sydney Airport

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

VINCI becomes largest shareholder in Mexican airport operator OMA

VINCI Airports continues to grow its global airport portfolio, today confirming that it has paid $1.17 billion to take a 29.99% stake in Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA). The deal follows the agreeing of terms with OMA earlier this year and means that it becomes the largest single shareholder in the […]

Munich Airport to revamp Terminal 2’s central security checkpoint

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

Little Helpers bring festive cheer for travellers at Heathrow

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

New APU monitoring technology designed to reduce airport ground emissions

ACI World Business Partner, Assaia, has launched APU Emissions Control to reduce carbon emissions and cuts costs by detecting unwarranted Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) usage at airport gates, and delivering automated real-time alerts and reports. A recent report commissioned by the UK’s Airport Operators Association showed that the largest part of an airport’s emissions come […]

Fortnum & Mason comes to Hong Kong International Airport

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

JFK Millennium Partners begins management of New York JFK’s Terminal 7

As part of the first phase of its $4.2 billion, five-year development of a new international terminal anchoring the north side of John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) has assumed management and operations of JFK Terminal 7. Under the leadership of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, this project is a key […]

Salvador Bahia Airport showcases work of local artist

Salvador Bahia Airport in Brazil, part of the VINCI Airport network, has a new selfie point following the unveiling of a new artwork by artist Raiana Britto. Her illustration, next to the entrance to the boarding area, is said to bring together scenes from the daily lives of black people who live in Salvador and […]

Sweden’s Malmö Airport celebrates 50th anniversary

Malmö Airport, the third busiest gateway in Sweden and the start of international journeys for many people living in the south of the country, celebrates its 50th anniversary today. The airport has welcomed around 60 million passengers since opening in 1972 and, operator Swedavia proudly notes that it is one of the first airports in […]

Anchorage set to boast tallest airport ATC tower in Alaska

Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport is set to become home to Alaska’s tallest air traffic control tower following the unveiling of plans for a new 300ft high facility. Designed by Stantec at the request of the FAA, the new airport traffic control tower (ATCT) and terminal radar approach control base building (TRACON) will provide air traffic […]

Neste and Airbus join forces to advance aviation’s use of 100% SAF

Neste and Airbus have signed an agreement to advance the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within the aviation sector. Both parties are said to share a vision that SAF is a key solution to helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions of air travel, and today’s announcement aims to accelerate the aviation sector’s transition to SAF. […]

Action needed for UK to meet sustainable aviation fuel targets

New analysis from ICF shows that the UK has the necessary Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) feedstocks to meet the 10% UK SAF target by 2030 through UK production, although the industry coalition Sustainable Aviation warns that more government support is needed now to ensure that it happens. It is believed that a UK SAF industry […]

New world accessibility first for IGA Istanbul Airport

İGA Istanbul Airport has become the first airport in the world to be accredited under ACI World’s new Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme, a first-of-its kind initiative dedicated to airport accessibility. The accreditation programme was launched earlier this year and provides a continuous path of improvement in the area of accessibility for passengers with disabilities, which […]

PEOPLE matters

Actions speak louder than words Dr Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on the importance of taking a broad perspective on sustainability. We are writing this column from New Zealand where we are on a fact-finding mission on ‘sustainability’. At the same time as we are working, we are enjoying seeing some of the amazing […]

New artwork on display at MIA ahead of Miami Art Week

Whether in town for Miami Art Week or not, travellers at Miami International Airport (MIA) can this week sample works by some of the world-renowned artists featured at the annual event before they even leave the airport. Just in time for Miami Art Week 2022, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Division […]

Master plan unveiled for new Riyadh mega hub and future aerotropolis

Saudi Arabia today unveiled plans for a new mega hub for Riyadh which will be called King Salman International Airport. According to the master plan, King Salman International Airport will boost Riyadh’s position as a global logistics hub and stimulate transport, trade and tourism. It is expected to accommodate up to 185 million passengers per […]

Traffic momentum grows across Abu Dhabi’s airports

Abu Dhabi Airports today released its passenger traffic results for the third quarter of 2022, which show that 4.7 million passengers passed through its gateways during the period from July 1 to September 30. The total, handled across Abu Dhabi International Airport and the smaller gateways of Al Ain International, Al Bateen Executive, Delma Island […]

New airport in Central Poland a step closer to reality

NACO is part of a consortium, together with Foster + Partners and Buro Happold, that will be the master architect of the Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) – a new greenfield airport terminal and train station in Central Poland. The hub aims to be operational by 2028, serving 40 million passengers in the first phase and […]

Moody’s downgrades 2023 outlook for European airports

Moody’s has revised its 2023 outlook on the European airports sector to stable from positive on the basis that “economic headwinds” continue to hinder the post-pandemic recovery. ‘’Although annual traffic volumes and sector profitability will continue to improve in 2023, high levels of inflation and weaker macroeconomic conditions across Europe are likely to slow the […]

New gaming lounge opens at Dubai International Airport

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

Stansted Airport wants London train service to return to pre-pandemic levels

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

First phase of Stockholm Arlanda’s new Marketplace to open next summer

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

The latest news and views from ACI’s World Business Partners

BagsID showcases potential for baggage biometrics BagsID has used Aeroporti di Roma’s Innovation Hub incubator programme at Rome Fiumicino Airport to showcase its new mobile recognition app and its potential future use for baggage biometrics to the world. The incubator programme, created in partnership with LVenture Group, provides a platform for innovative start-ups to demonstrate […]

Cutting edge cleaning

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

LAX takes delivery of 500,000 gallons of sustainable aviation fuel

Neste delivered over 500,000 gallons (1,500 metric tons) of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The SAF delivery was made possible by a close co-operation with LAXFUEL, the consortium of the airlines operating at LAX providing the jet fuel supply infrastructure for the planes at the airport. It is the first […]

Financial Times names Swedavia as a Diversity Leader in Europe

For the second year running, Swedish airport operator, Swedavia, has been named a Diversity Leader in a Financial Times survey of over 800 businesses across Europe. “We are convinced that diversity at all levels is enriching, and we work actively to create and maintain an inclusive corporate culture,” said the company’s director of business support, […]

Green light for new satellite concourses and terminal at Chicago O’Hare

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) today received the green light to go ahead with its proposed Terminal Area Plan at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The decision paves the way for construction to start on two new satellite concourses at the gateway and the new O’Hare Global Terminal that will replace Terminal 2. US Transportation […]

Munich Airport opens Christmas and winter market

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

Plaza Premium Group opens new Blush Lounge at Heathrow

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

Geneva Airport enhances operations with new self-service technology

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

The waiting game

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

First gates of New York JFK’s new Terminal 6 set to open in 2026

JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) has confirmed that construction of a new international Terminal 6 anchoring New York JFK’s north side will begin early next year, following financial close of the $4.2 billion project. Approved in August 2021 by PANYNJ’s Board of Commissioners, the new Terminal 6 development will feature a 1.2 million square foot terminal, […]

Kenny Jacobs to become new CEO of Irish airport operator

Irish airport operator, daa, has announced that Kenny Jacobs will become its new CEO in January 2023, succeeding Dalton Philips, who left the business at the end of the summer. In addition to Dublin and Cork airports in Ireland, daa has airport and travel retail business interests in 15 countries around the world through its […]

Istanbul Airport unveils its latest award winning artwork

iGA Istanbul Airport unveiled its latest artwork today, ‘Saya’s Voice’, the first to be displayed as a result of its IGART Art Projects Competition. As a tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, 1923 bells have been used in the artwork by Betüi Kotil. Airport CEO, Kadri Samsunlu, said: “We host thousands of […]

Metrorail arrives at Washington Dulles International Airport

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

New self-service bag drop technology for Paris airports

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

MAI becomes operator of Newark Liberty’s new Terminal A

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

Good job?

Emma Robinson considers some of the challenges the industry will have to address in order to motivate new talent to enter the airport sector. Iam sure most airport bosses will agree, 2020-22 has been the most difficult period the aviation industry has ever faced, with the travel disruption of summer 2022 primarily mainly due to […]

Newark Liberty celebrates opening of new Terminal A

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

Six airport offering some of the best views in the world?

Over the years many have come up with lists of what they believe to be the airports offering the most beautiful or even spectacular aerial views for arriving or departing passengers. According to component supply specialist,  Artemis Aerospace, the following six airports boast some of the world’s “must see runways” due to their location and […]

ONT records highest monthly passenger total since 2016

Ontario International Airport (ONT) welcomed more than 541,000 passengers in October – the highest total in a single month since its 2016 transfer to local ownership – and extended its run of better than pre-pandemic levels, airport officials announced today. The Southern California gateway posted a 7.3% increase in total passengers in October compared with […]

Eliminating emissions through ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme

WSP’s aviation strategy and policy advisor and programme administrator of ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, Leonie Dobbie, updates us on the take up, development and evolution of the global initiative. Air travel has become more democratic, morphing towards a one size fits all at costs which are not sustainable, however defined. Until the outbreak of […]

Brisbane Airport considers building a new Terminal 3

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) is planning for the future with an estimated 50 million passengers forecast to travel through its terminals each year by 2040. To cater for this rise in demand, BAC is consulting with its airline partners about the shape of a future Terminal 3. “We are running out of terminal capacity and […]

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

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) welcomed 4.9 million passengers in October 2022, an increase of 45.3% year-on-year. With the autumn school vacations occurring in the reporting month, FRA experienced particularly strong demand for holiday travel, specifically for flights to popular destinations in Turkey, Greece and the Canary Islands, while services to the Caribbean “continued to see robust […]

New outbound baggage handling system for Austin-Bergstrom

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and its construction partners, Whiting-Turner and Siemens Logistics, have celebrated the start of the delivery and installation of the new outbound baggage handling system. After processing outbound passenger bags for over twenty years, the baggage handling system at AUS is being replaced with an upgraded system to meet modern industry standards. […]

Qatar’s Hamad International Airport unveils expansion project

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

Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport: Leading by example

Being one of the world’s most environment friendly and sustainable gateways is a top priority for Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, writes CEO, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar. Airports have always been in the spotlight when it comes to their impact on the environment and the steps taken by them to operate in a sustainable manner, and […]

Ties strengthened between Hong Kong and Zhuhai airports

Hong Kong International Airport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zhuhai Municipal Government in a bid to strengthen co-operation with Zhuhai in Mainland China and “propel the development of the aviation industry in the Greater Bay Area”. The MoU was signed by Qin Chun, vice mayor of Zhuhai City, and Vivian Cheung, executive […]

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea airport set to open by end of next year

Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s new Red Sea International Airport and AMAALA resort, has appointed Reem Emirates Saudi to construct the façade and roof shell of the new gateway and its landside facilities. The airport will be managed by daa International, the international subsidiary of Irish airport operator, daa, which last […]

Ribbon cutting officially marks opening of Denver’s Concourse A-West

Denver Mayor, Michael Hancock, was the guest of honour at Denver International Airport (DEN) as the US gateway and United Airlines staged a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Gate Expansion Program with the opening of new gates on Concourses A and B. The 12 new gates on A-West and 10 new gates […]

Abu Dhabi Airports exploring potential of eVTOL aircraft

Abu Dhabi Airports has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Groupe ADP to explore the potential of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in the Emirate. The new concept of air transportation based around the use electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to move people and cargo is fast gathering traction across the globe. Under […]

Intention to travel highest since start of pandemic – ACI World

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

Orlando International Airport’s wonder walls

Orlando International Airport is reimaging the passenger experience with a series of architecturally scaled immersive art installations dedicated to original and interactive content, writes Joe Bates. Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C is not only one of the world’s newest terminals, it is also one of the most unique in terms of its real-time, interactive and […]

Traffic at Bengaluru Kempegowda back to pre-COVID levels

Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) today announced that it is back at pre-COVID passenger levels owing to the high traffic numbers recorded in its current financial year. Displaying the ongoing momentum of passenger recovery, passenger traffic volumes at BLR registered over 102% growth in domestic travel and about 85% growth in international travel in […]

Ground breaking ceremony held for new airport hotel in Trinidad and Tobago

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

Traffic upturn continues at Sweden’s airports

Travel demand remained at an overall high level at Swedavia’s airports through October, despite continued global uncertainty. According to Swedish airport operator, Swedavia, Stockholm Arlanda noted several days of passenger numbers approaching year-highs in conjunction with the annual autumn break. It is also quick to note that waiting times at security checkpoints were at most […]

LAX opens Terminal 4.5 Core as part of $1.6 billion upgrade

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

Frankfurt Airport’s Sky Line people mover system taking shape

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

View from the top

ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, considers the challenges of climate change and airports as sustainability leaders. Since the Paris Agreement, the international treaty on climate change adopted at COP 21, many industries have understood the urgency of addressing our common and most existential threat: climate change. The international treaty’s goal is to […]

AGS Airports to explore the development of hydrogen fuel infrastructure

AGS Airports today announced an agreement with ZeroAvia to explore the development  of hydrogen fuel infrastructure, regulatory framework requirements and resourcing required for delivering zero-emission flights from Aberdeen and Glasgow airports. The team at AGS, which owns and operates Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports, will work closely with ZeroAvia’s specialist airport infrastructure team to assess […]

Hong Kong International Airport’s Sky Bridge opens to passengers

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

Going the extra mile

Airport World reports on a milestone achievement for Incheon International Airport and some of the highlights of the recent Customer Experience Global Summit in Kraków. Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) has become the first airport in the world to achieve the new Level 5 status in ACI’s Airport Customer Experience Accreditation programme. Incheon dominated ACI […]

Slot machine revenue at Las Vegas airport tops $1 billion

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

Miami runway race raises $30,000 for breast cancer charity

For only the second time, runners instead of planes took off on the north runway at Miami International Airport on October 29 for the MIA Runway 5K Flight 2022, all with the goal of fundraising for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) campaign. The event, which drew more than 2,500 participants, followed […]

Modalis Infrastructure Partners relaunches airportIR platform

Modalis Infrastructure Partners, a global strategic investment advisory and professional services firm for the airport industry, has redesigned and re-launched its airportIR platform. The company believes that the new-look offers users a more intuitive user experience, enhanced tools for deal tracking, upgraded operator profiles and much more. Modalis’ airportIR is designed to be a trusted […]

New service boosts Brisbane Airport’s cargo capacity to US market

Brisbane Airport’s cargo capacity to the US has been boosted by a new United Airlines service to San Francisco, meaning that from today the gateway offers an 60,000 kilos of cargo capacity a week to the North American market. Indeed, the first United Airlines Brisbane to San Francisco service took off today, its cargo hold packed […]

Birmingham Airport reduces electricity consumption

Birmingham Airport (BHX) in the UK is in the news again today after revealing that it consumed 10% less electricity between April and September 2022 than in the same period in 2019. It says that the reduction was achieved through the use of low-energy options such as LED lighting, smart meters, continual energy-use audits, regular site […]

YVR continues to innovate and listen to needs of community – airport CEO

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) continues to expand and innovate with ambitious plans to align with the future growth and needs of the community and economy, according to president and CEO, Tamara Vrooman. Vrooman outlined some of YVR’s key goals during her first in-person address to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade since taking on the leadership […]

Corporación América Airports is preferred bidder for Nigerian airport concessions

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

Works begins on new security area at Birmingham Airport

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

New corporate identity for Abu Dhabi Airports

Abu Dhabi Airports today unveiled its refreshed brand architecture and visual identity, which the operator of Abu Dhabi’s five airports believes reaffirms its commitment to developing the aviation sector in the UAE’s capital. According to Abu Dhabi Airports, the “refreshed brand architecture, unifying the visual identity of Abu Dhabi Airports and its subsidiaries, draws inspiration […]

Doing the right thing

Adopting ESG reporting and management frameworks for a sustainable future is now a top priority for the world’s airports, writes ACI World’s director for sustainability and envionmental protection, Jennifer Desharnais. Globally, airports have a long history of making commitments and taking direct action to ensure they design, construct, and operate in a way that is […]

LAX tops 2021 passenger total in first nine months of the year

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) handled more than 48 million travellers in the first nine months of 2022, surpassing the airport’s total passenger volume for all of 2021. Year-over-year international passenger traffic doubled in September, guided by new and returning air service and strong demand. The airport reported a total of 5,598,840 passengers in September, […]

Good third quarter for passenger traffic at bulk of Europe’s airports

Third quarter traffic figures released today by ACI EUROPE show that passenger traffic across the continent’s airport network increased by +61% compared to the same period last year. International passenger traffic (+84%) drove the surge as largely unrestricted cross border travel led to a boom in leisure and VFR travel over the peak summer months. […]

Munich Airport’s winter maintenance team ready for action

Munich Airport’s winter maintenance team will be at the ready for 24 hours-a-day from Tuesday as the German gateway prepares for the cold winter months ahead. More than 600 men and women are part of the winter maintenance team, of whom around 520 come from agriculture and trucking companies in the region. Per shift, up […]

The big picture

ACI World promoted a number of key airport priorities at the 41st ICAO Triennial Assembly, which took place over 10 days in Montréal in late September/early October, 2022. Occurring every three years, ICAO’s Assembly establishes worldwide policy and guides governments’ continuing and future work in civil aviation. The event – which focuses on strengthening the […]

Waste management: Talking rubbish!

Waste management practices are critical to the sustainability journey of airports, writes Frost & Sullivan’s aerospace and defence research analyst, Abhilash Abraham. The aviation sector’s impact on the environment is under constant scrutiny, partially due to the high volumes of waste it generates and its perceived inability to dispose of or recycle it. Aviation stakeholders, […]

Sustainable aviation fuel will be game changer for aviation industry

ICF’s Eliot Lees and Yasar Yetiskin explain why airports need to pay attention to and play their part in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Aircraft emissions represent the single largest source of environment damaging greenhouse gases at an airport. Indeed, while the long-term decarbonisation goals for airports focus on airport infrastructure (Scope 1), […]

ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly underway in Marrakech

The 2022 ACI Africa/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition (WAGA) is underway in Marrakech, Morocco. More than 500 delegates are in attendance at this year’s event, hosted by Morrocco’s Office National Des Aéroports (ONDA), under the theme of the ‘Sky’s the limit: Discovering opportunities within change’. During the opening ceremony, delegates were welcomed by the Minister […]

All roads lead to Marrakech

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

London Gatwick’s route network close to pre-pandemic levels

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

Frankfurt Airport forms new joint venture with Lufthansa

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

Robots at the ready at Belfast International Airport

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

Hamburg and Christchurch airports form climate change partnership

Hamburg Airport in Germany and New Zealand’s Christchurch Airport, two airports on the opposite sides of the earth, today announced that that they will pursue their ambitious climate goals together in the future. The airports have liaised with each other for some time as each has taken a pioneering role in aviation’s decarbonisation journey in […]

AIRPORT WORLD 2022, ISSUE 05

VIEW THE ISSUE HERE Theme: Sustainability Airport profile: Marrakech Menara Special report: ACI Customer Experience Global Summit Plus: IT innovation, Airport art & WBP news Grab your hat! Editor, Joe Bates, looks forward to the ACI Africa/ World Annual General Assembly in Marrakech and reflects on the ‘sustainability’ theme of this issue. For someone that travelled abroad […]

Under the hammer: Brisbane Airport’s biggest ever lost property auction

Brisbane Airport’s Lost Property Auction is back with a record number of valuable items, allowing the public to grab a bargain as well as own some unique pieces of aviation history. 500 lots are up for sale, with online bidding closing on Sunday, November 6. Around 60,000 people per day pass through the Domestic and […]

Is aviation ready for a new era of supersonic travel?

As American Airlines becomes the third major carrier to place an order for Boom Supersonic’s new Overture jets, Jim Scott, considers the motivations for resurrecting supersonic air travel. When the iconic Concorde landed for the last time at Heathrow Airport in October 2003, the supersonic air travel age had seemingly come to an end. When […]

Myron Keehn to become new CEO of Edmonton Airport

Myron Keehn will become the new CEO of Edmonton Regional Airports Authority when current incumbent, Tom Ruth, retires at the end of December 2022. The authority is responsible for the operation and development of Canada’s fifth busiest gateway, Edmonton Airport (EIA),  which pre-pandemic handled in excess of 8.2 million passengers per annum. Board Chair, Joan […]

London Stansted boosts long-haul capabilities with new double airbridge

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

UPS unveils new facility at Milan Bergamo Airport

US shipping giant, UPS, has opened a new logistics complex at Milan Bergamo Airport. The new 5,000sqm facility, which is part of an ongoing infrastructure upgrade at the Italian airport, is equipped with advanced sorting technology allowing UPS to process up to 3,800 packages per hour, twice as many as the previous amenities allowed. “The […]

ONT’s passenger traffic soars and exceeds pre-pandemic levels

Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the seventh straight month in September as passenger volumes continued to climb to levels not seen since 2007, airport officials announced. Nearly 517,000 air travellers flew into or out of ONT during the month, a rise of 10.15% on the same month in 2019. It marked […]

Passenger traffic recovery continues at Queen Alia

Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport has announced that it handled 5.8 million passengers during the first nine months of 2022, a healthy 89% rise on the same period last year and just 15% down on pre-pandemic levels. “We are continuing to build on our close collaborations with various stakeholders to grow our airline and destination […]

FAA to invest $31 million on key airport cargo projects

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

Traffic data confirms strong August for Europe’s airports

The latest traffic figures from ACI EUROPE show that passenger numbers at the continent’s airports in August was just 12% below pre-pandemic levels. The trade body reveals that passenger traffic across Europe’s airports increased by +51% in August compared to the same month last year, with the surge mostly driven by international passenger traffic (+70%) […]

Shannon Airport Group launches new sustainability strategy

Shannon Airport Group has launched a new sustainability strategy that it hopes will act as a blueprint to achieve a more sustainable future for the Group, its people, and the community. Initiatives have been devised across four pillars and key initiatives include: Creating sustainability programmes to upskill staff. Developing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas […]

Open for business: news from ACI’s World Business Partners

Smart glass at Phoenix Sky Harbor View has installed its smart glass technology in the new Eighth Concourse at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4. Opened on June 20, the 275,000-square-foot expansion is enclosed with floor-to-ceiling View Smart Glass, which allowed the architectural design team of Corgan and SmithGroup to ensure that it makes […]

Aena’s monthly passenger traffic close to pre-pandemic levels

A total of 24.8 million passengers passed through Aena’s Spanish airport network in September – just 8.3% down on the corresponding month in 2019. In addition, 209,069 aircraft movements were recorded across its airports last month, which is equivalent to a recovery of 94.2% compared to 2019, and 83,036 tonnes of cargo handled, representing a […]

Changi re-opens southern wing of newly revamped T2

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

Delta to switch to Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5 on Wednesday

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

PEOPLE matters

The times, they are a changin’… Dr Richard Plenty and Terri Morrissey reflect on how we need to design and build airport workforces for a changing, yet uncertain future. Have you ever noticed how people, generally, seem to prefer to ‘to get on with things’ and take immediate decisive action rather than think things through […]

Watershed moment as governments adopt net-zero 2050 emissions goal

Governments meeting at the 41st ICAO Assembly in Montréal have agreed to adopt the goal of net-zero carbon emissions for international aviation by 2050, one of the only global sector-specific climate goals. The goal aligns international aviation with the Paris Agreement and follows a commitment by the industry itself last year and has been warmly […]

New photovoltaic project taking shape at Frankfurt Airport

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

San Diego achieves top rating in Airport Carbon Accreditation programme

San Diego International Airport (SAN) has achieved the highest level of certification in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme – Level 4+ ‘Transition.’   The airport achieved this certification through a series of programmes that have increased the use of carbon-free electricity and all-electric vehicles, facilitated carbon-emission reductions by airline and rideshare partners, and enabled carbon-offset […]