Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market Size

Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market Size

Airport Quick Service Restaurant Market was valued at USD 173.3 billion in 2022 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 3% between 2023 and 2032. The demand for Airport QSRs is closely tied to the number of passengers traveling through airports. Based on IATA estimates, in 2022, international air traffic witnessed a substantial surge, registering a remarkable 152.7% increase compared to 2021 and achieving a level equivalent to 62.2% of the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Specifically in December 2022, international air traffic experienced a notable 80.2% growth compared to December 2021, reaching 75.1% of the December 2019 levels.

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On the domestic front, air travel in 2022 exhibited a notable uptick, showing a 10.9% rise from the previous year. The overall domestic air traffic for 2022 amounted to 79.6% of the total recorded in 2019. In December 2022, domestic air traffic increased by 2.6% compared to the same period in the previous year, reaching 79.9% of the levels observed in December 2019. As passenger traffic increases, there is a higher demand for quick and convenient dining options. Airports in major travel hubs or popular tourist destinations tend to experience higher footfall, driving the need for diverse and efficient food services, thus stimulating the airport QSR industry growth.
 

Evolving consumer preferences and health trends will help drive lucrative revenue to the airport QSR market. Consumer preferences play a significant role in shaping the offerings of QSRs, including those in airports. As health-conscious trends continue to gain traction, there is often a demand for healthier food options, including fresh and organic choices. QSRs adapting to these trends by offering a variety of options that cater to different dietary preferences may experience increased success in the airport market.

For instance, in August 2021, SSP Group announced its expansion in Australia, securing a new tender at Gold Coast Airport in Queensland. Under the contract, SSP will introduce three well-received local food and beverage brands at the airport. These include Liv-Eat, a quick-service concept emphasizing healthy eating; Roll’d, featuring authentic Vietnamese dishes like bánh mi and pho; and Red Rooster, Australia's second-largest quick-service chicken restaurant.
 

However, airports often have limited space and face operational challenges, including restrictions on construction and renovation. These constraints can limit the ability of airport QSRs to expand or optimize their operations. Additionally, stringent security measures and regulations at airports may pose logistical challenges for QSRs, affecting their ability to efficiently manage inventory, staff, and customer flow. Overcoming these operational hurdles is crucial for sustained success in the airport QSR market.