Smart Airport Market - By Airport Size, By System, By Airport Model, By Operation, By End User, By Application and Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Smart Airport Market Size

The global smart airport market was valued at USD 6.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2025 to 2034.
 

Airports are becoming smarter owing to new technology and a desire to make travel better for passengers. Tools like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning help people check in and go through security faster, which means shorter lines and improved safety. Robots are also changing how airports work, handling tasks like sorting luggage, moving planes, and helping travelers. These changes make airports run more smoothly and save money. All these improvements aim to make air travel easier and more efficient for everyone involved.
 

For instance, in July 2024, Berlin Brandenburg Airport recently launched BER Biometrics, a free and optional facial recognition service. This new system allows passengers to access baggage tags, the BER Runway, and the Tegel lounge without physical contact. To use the service, travelers simply register through the SmartDepart app by uploading a selfie. BER Biometrics aims to enhance travel experience by improving convenience and speeding up processes. The airport also prioritizes data privacy, ensuring that all information is deleted after the flight.
 

AI is reshaping aviation, offering personalized experiences through chatbots and virtual assistants while streamlining airline operations. It enhances revenue management, enables predictive maintenance, and improves resource allocation, leading to smarter decisions and lower costs. Airlines can now foresee and address maintenance issues, reducing delays and boosting reliability. Meanwhile, IoT is transforming asset management and infrastructure by connecting sensors across airports and aircraft, allowing real-time monitoring of assets and passenger needs. These innovations are crucial as global passenger numbers are set to hit 8.2 billion by 2037, helping the industry tackle aging infrastructure and meet growing demand.
 

Smart Airport Market Trends

Smart airports are evolving quickly, using new technologies to make travel better for passengers and more efficient for operators. AR and VR are becoming popular, making airport experiences more engaging and helping pilots train safely. 5G networks are speeding up communication, improving in-flight services, and helping airports monitor security in real-time. Blockchain is making ticketing and cargo tracking more secure and transparent. For example, Hong Kong International Airport recently launched a service that lets passengers check in and drop bags using just their smartphones, cutting bag drop time to under a minute. These changes are making airports smarter and travelling smoother for everyone.
 

Smart Airport Market Analysis

Smart airports face significant challenges, including high initial costs and complex integration with legacy systems. Implementing advanced technologies like biometrics, IoT, and AI requires substantial investment, which can strain budgets, especially for smaller airports. Data privacy and cybersecurity concerns also pose risks, as handling sensitive passenger data requires strict safeguards. Additionally, staff and passengers may resist changes, hindering adoption. Despite these obstacles, opportunities abound.

The growing demand for seamless, contactless travel experiences drives innovation, with biometrics and automation enhancing passenger convenience and security. Emerging technologies such as 5G and blockchain offer improved connectivity and operational transparency. Sustainable energy solutions, including solar power and smart energy management, present cost-saving and eco-friendly benefits. Regulatory frameworks play a crucial role, mandating data protection, passenger safety, and environmental compliance. Airports must navigate evolving international regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and aviation-specific standards, to ensure secure, efficient, and sustainable operations in the smart airport ecosystem.

Based on airport size, the smart airport market is segmented into small, medium, and large. The large segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 12.5% till 2034.
 

• Major airports worldwide are embracing smart technology to enhance efficiency and passenger experience. Dubai International and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson are leading the way by implementing facial recognition systems, streamlining check-in, security, and boarding processes. This adoption of biometric technology is set to cut boarding times by 30%, significantly improving passenger satisfaction and overall airport operations?.
   
• Major airports like Amsterdam Schiphol and Los Angeles International are investing in smart energy systems and carbon-neutral infrastructure. These efforts support the aviation industry's goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, as required by IATA and ACI regulations. Airports are also using AI to forecast passenger congestion and streamline operations, making air travel more efficient and environmentally friendly.
   

Based on operation, the market is segmented into aeronautical and non-aeronautical. The non-aeronautical segment held a market share of over 70% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace.
 

• The non-aeronautical segment is becoming more important as smart transport services change how passengers move around airports. Self-driving shuttles and systems that manage traffic in real-time are making it easier for travelers to go between terminals, parking areas, and transport hubs. These new technologies not only make travel smoother for passengers but also help airports save money compared to older ways of moving people around.
   
• Airports rely heavily on effective inventory and fee management to minimize waste and maintain essential supplies. Smart systems play a key role in tracking everything from retail stock to equipment, ensuring nothing is overlooked. For example, Munich and Dubai airports use advanced inventory management systems to monitor supplies in real-time. This approach leads to better resource allocation, reduces the risk of shortages, and improves overall supply chain management, ultimately enhancing airport operations and efficiency.
   

North America dominated the smart airport market and is expected to reach a value of over USD 5 billion by 2034. Airports are embracing digital transformation to improve passenger experiences, boost efficiency, and enhance safety. Major hubs like Los Angeles International (LAX) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta are leading the way, incorporating AI, biometrics, and data analytics to streamline their operations. This shift is driven by travelers' growing expectations for smooth journeys, airports' need to cut costs, and stricter security regulations. The U.S. government is also supporting this trend through programs like the Airport Improvement Program, which aims to modernize airport infrastructure across the country.
 

Smart airports are becoming increasingly popular across Europe, especially in countries like the UK and Germany. Frankfurt Airport in Germany has embraced automation and digital technologies to streamline its security checks and baggage handling processes. Other major airports, such as Munich and Paris Charles de Gaulle, have also implemented advanced systems for data sharing, smart security measures, and efficient resource management. These innovations are transforming the air travel experience for passengers and improving operational efficiency for airport authorities.
 

Smart airports in the Asia Pacific region are evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and the need to handle growing passenger numbers efficiently. Singapore's Changi Airport leads the way, using biometrics for smoother passenger processing and AI-powered systems for baggage handling. In Japan, airports are embracing automation and robotics for ground operations and security. These changes reflect the region's strong focus on digital transformation and the increasing demand for more efficient, passenger-friendly airport services. As a result, travelers can expect faster, more convenient experiences as these smart technologies become more widespread across Asia Pacific airports.
 

As passenger numbers are expected to grow, airports across Asia-Pacific are embracing smart technologies. These innovations aim to boost efficiency, cut down on delays, and keep travelers safe. At the same time, these airports are going green. They're working to shrink their carbon footprints by using energy-saving solutions and tapping into renewable power sources. This two-pronged approach shows how airports are preparing for busier skies while also caring for the environment.
 

Smart Airport Market Share

In the competitive smart airport industry, industry leaders like Thales, Siemens AG, Cisco Systems, Inc., and IBM Corporation are using cutting-edge technologies to improve airport operations and passenger experiences. Thales focuses on security, using biometrics and cybersecurity to streamline passenger flows and boost safety. Siemens develops digital infrastructure with automation and IoT systems for real-time monitoring and efficient operations. Cisco provides seamless connectivity through its networking technologies, while IBM uses AI and data analytics to enhance efficiency and predictive maintenance. These companies also prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency, in line with the industry's growing environmental focus.
 

Smart Airport Market Companies

Major players operating in the smart airport industry are:

• Amadeus
• Ascent Technology
• Cisco Systems
• Daifuku
• Huawei Technologies
• IBM
• L3Harris Technologies
• Leidos
• NATS
• Raytheon Technologies
• Sabre
• Siemens
• SITA
• T-Systems
• Thales
• Wipro
   

Smart Airport Industry News

• In October 2024, Adani Airport Holdings Limited partnered with Thales to enhance airport operations and passenger experiences across India. Thales will deploy its Fly to Gate biometric system, using facial recognition to speed up passenger processing by 30%. The company will also implement a cloud-based Airport Operation Control Centre to optimize management through automation, AI, and big data analytics at seven airports. This collaboration aims to support India's growing aviation sector.
   
• In September 2023, Saudi Arabia introduced Smart Gates at NEOM Bay Airport. This biometric self-service system, developed with the General Directorate of Passports, SDAIA, and NEOM, aims to streamline travel and boost tourism. The touchless scanning technology reduces wait times, supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. NEOM Bay is now positioned as a modern entry point, advancing the country's ambition to become a global tourism leader.
   

This smart airport market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Airport Size

• Small
• Medium
• Large

Market, By System

• Communication and connectivity
  • Wireless
  • Near-field communication, radio frequency identification (RFID), bluetooth
  • Low-power WAN (LPWAN) and wireless local area network (WLAN)
• Endpoint devices
  • Cameras
  • Sensors
  • Displays
  • Tags
  • Wearables
  • Beacons
• Data Storage
  • Cloud
  • On-premises
• Software and solutions
  • Software and applications
  • Data analytics
  • Platforms
  • Managed services

Market, By Airport Model

• Airport 2.0
• Airport 3.0
• Airport 4.0

Market, By Operation

• Aeronautical
  • Content management
  • Business intelligence
  • Real-time services
  • Supply management
• Non-Aeronautical
  • Real-time services
  • Business intelligence
  • Intelligent transport services
  • Inventory management
  • Fee management
  • Resource management

Market, By End User

• Implementation
• Upgrades and services

Market, By Application

• Landside
  • Intelligent advertising
  • Vehicle parking
  • Car rental and mass transit
• Airside
  • E-fence
  • Ground support equipment management
  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Air traffic management
  • Noise monitoring
  • Aircraft turnaround management
  • Advanced visual docking guidance system (A-VDGS)
• Terminal side

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa