Airport digital transformation: High time to invest in IT and automation

By Florian Dehne, Philipp Grosche, Gabriel Schillaci, Dustin Herr and Heiko Mosetter

Global air travel is changing fast—and airports need to catch up. With passenger numbers set to double over the next decade, airport operators must modernize operations, improve efficiency, and deliver seamless passenger experiences. Yet many are still behind the curve when it comes to implementing the digital tools that can make this happen. Our latest study draws on insights from 100 executives across the airport ecosystem. The message is clear: airport operators are ambitious, but gaps remain in innovation, readiness, and execution.

The vast majority of airport operators (over 90%) plan to increase their investment in IT solutions over the next five years. Yet fewer than half are satisfied with the current state of airport IT innovation. This disconnect points to a significant opportunity to modernize outdated systems, boost efficiency, and meet future passenger needs head-on.

According to our survey, airports themselves will be the primary drivers of innovation and growth in airport services and IT solutions. As bottlenecks rise and capacity remains constrained, the pressure is especially intense for Tier 1 and Tier 2 airports, which are expected to absorb the bulk of future passenger growth. These airports must focus on increasing operational efficiency through technology—without compromising on customer experience.

AI: Big promise, limited maturity

AI stands out as a key lever in the transformation journey. From predictive queue management to intelligent resource allocation and automated baggage handling, AI can unlock significant operational benefits. Indeed, over 70% of respondents view AI-driven solutions as “promising” or “very promising.”

But despite its perceived potential, AI implementation is still in its infancy. More than half of surveyed organizations say they are only in the early stages of adoption. Very few have successfully integrated AI into core operations, and organizational readiness remains low. This gap highlights a significant area for investment and upskilling.

With nearly all respondents agreeing that automation is crucial for the future, it's clear that this is no longer a "nice to have." From self-service bag drops to AI-powered queue management, automation drives faster, more cost-effective operations—while enhancing the overall passenger journey.

Yet, many airport operators remain only moderately prepared to scale these solutions. To bridge this gap, they must move quickly to invest in the right technologies, align strategies with regional needs, and adopt future-proof IT systems.

Biometrics: The quiet game-changer

One of the most compelling enablers of seamless and scalable airport operations is biometric technology. From facial recognition at check-in to passport-free border control, biometrics can dramatically improve passenger throughput and operational efficiency. Over 80% of respondents agree that biometrics will play a “significant” or “very significant” role in the future of airport operations.

Beyond the speed and convenience for travelers, biometrics offer a solution to one of the industry’s biggest post-pandemic problems: labor shortages and rising wage costs. By automating staff-intensive tasks, airports can maintain high service levels while reducing operational pressure.

The call to action is clear. To meet tomorrow’s demands, airports must move now to modernize, digitalize, and automate. But transformation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each region and airport tier faces unique challenges—and will require tailored strategies to succeed.

This is where our full study comes in. We provide detailed insights by region, airport tier, and technology category. You’ll discover what peers around the world are prioritizing, where your organization may be falling short, and how to position your airport for long-term success.

Ready to lead your airport into the next era of efficiency and growth? Download the full study “Digital Transformation in Airports” to access in-depth insights, regional breakdowns, and actionable strategies for airport executives, IT leaders, and aviation stakeholders.

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