Airports Are Spending Big on Tech Upgrades
29.08.2024 - 23:00
/ skift.com
/ John F.Kennedy
/ Justin Dawes
Airports all over the U.S. (and the world) are investing tens of billions of dollars to modernize and expand.
It’s all meant to ease congestion and reduce wait times as air travel continues to grow.
The International Air Transport Association expects 7.8 billion air travel trips annually by 2040, double what it was before the pandemic — a major driver for airport expansions and modernization.
Airports are the top sector of the travel industry with plans to increase their tech investments 17% this year, as outlined by Skift’s 2024 State of Travel report. Overall, 91% of travel companies have planned “moderate to aggressive” tech investments this year, according to survey data from Amadeus.
One of the top tech upgrades for airports is security checkpoints. Many are adding tech for biometrics and upgrading tech for screening carry-on bags and passengers.
Another top investment is for checked baggage drop-off and handling — an area that airports and airlines historically have neglected, which can lead to nightmare scenarios for passengers.
Below are highlights of five U.S. airports working on major renovation and modernization projects.
The John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) shared updated plans earlier this year on a $4.2 billion project to construct a new terminal 6.
The 1.2 million-square-foot facility will take the place of the former terminal 6 and terminal 7, with plans for 10 gates and modern technology. The first five gates are expected to open in 2026, and the project is planned for completion by 2028.
Modern tech includes self check-in and bag drop, streamlined security operations, baggage claim, and customs tech. The airport said it will also offer digital concierge services.
The terminal 6 construction is part of a $19 billion project that includes a new terminal 1 and an expanded terminal 4.
At 2.6 million square feet, the new terminal 1 would be more than twice the size of terminals 1 and 2. There will be 23 gates, and the first of them are expected to open in 2026. Among plans for modern tech throughout, the facility will include a new baggage handling system, the airport said.
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) this month began working on a $2.6 billion project to modernize terminal 3, which primarily is used for domestic flights.
The project renovates 650,000 square feet and adds 200,000 square feet on the western half of the terminal, which is expected to open in fall 2027. It includes automated bag drop stations, new security checkpoints, and more.
The project also includes a new six-story building for airline lounges and operational offices, expected to open in early 2028. A renovated check-in lobby on the eastern end of terminal 3 is expected to open in