The air transport industry is undergoing its most significant transformation since the rise of the internet in the early 2000s. With passenger numbers expected to double by 2043 – reaching 7.9 billion travelers annually -airports face a critical challenge: how to handle this surge without unlimited space or resources.
In a white paper titled ‘Airports of the Future’, SITA, a leading air transport technology specialist, highlights that while demand is skyrocketing, airports cannot expand at the same rate. Instead, they must optimize operations, reduce friction, and speed up passenger journeys: all while embracing cutting-edge technology.
The Challenge: More Passengers, Limited Space
Post-pandemic, air travel has rebounded faster than expected, with 2024 surpassing pre-pandemic levels and 2025 set to exceed 5 billion passengers for the first time in history.
Staff shortages (many experienced workers left during COVID-19)
Climate change commitments (net-zero targets by 2050)
Limited physical and political capacity to expand
As SITA’s 2024 Air Transport IT Insights Survey reveals, a third of airports cite retaining IT staff as their biggest challenge, alongside balancing new tech adoption (like AI and biometrics) with legacy system upgrades.
“By leveraging AI, we gain deeper insights into operations, identify improvements, and implement data-driven strategies.”
3. Robotics & Automation
Self-bag drops and automated baggage handling
AI-powered cleaning robots
Autonomous vehicles for airside logistics
4. Cybersecurity & Cloud Computing
40% of airports rank cybersecurity as their top IT priority
Cloud-based systems enable real-time data sharing
Edge computing speeds up biometric processing
5. Sustainability & Net-Zero Initiatives
AI-driven energy management
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) infrastructure
Electric vehicle charging stations
The Airport of the Future: A Fully Connected Ecosystem
SITA envisions an interconnected airport with 360-degree data visibility, where:
Passengers move seamlessly from curb to gate using biometrics
Operations are optimised via AI and IoT sensors
Baggage is tracked in real time with RFID and blockchain
“Digital transformation isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a business imperative,” says SITA. “Airports must integrate new tech, optimize processes, and empower staff to meet demand.”
Airport. Image AI generated with Freepik
Collaboration is Key
While technology is crucial, SITA emphasises that staff training and stakeholder collaboration are equally vital.
“Automation handles mundane tasks, but well-trained personnel ensure smooth exceptions and passenger support.
“The future airport requires teamwork between airlines, regulators, tech providers, and airports.”
As we look ahead, innovations like urban air mobility (UAM), quantum computing, and hydrogen-powered aircraft will further reshape airports. One thing is clear: the airport of the future will be smarter, faster, and greener – ready to welcome billions more passengers without doubling in size.
I took a flight to Cape Town on Tuesday, but before I boarded I overheard an interesting conversation about smart airports.
I was in the business lounge waiting for my flight at OR Tambo International Airport when two chaps, who gave the impression they were business partners, spoke of their travels and the airports that left an impression on them.
Seemingly unimpressed with OR Tambo International Airport, one of the globe-trotting chaps looked around and said: “If SA starts digitising its airports now, they can improve the experience for passengers like us.”
Yawning, the other one chipped in: “Imagine if this airport was like Detroit Metro Airport. Then we would not have spent so much time at the long immigration checkpoint talking to those cranky officials.”
I politely interrupted the pair and told them I had overheard their conversation. I told them I was curious to know what Detroit Metro Airport in the US did differently to OR Tambo.
I learnt their names were Thurgood and Callum.
“My friend, let me enlighten you … it’s about transforming the air-travel experience and making a usually stressful endeavour a place of comfort and smooth travel,” said the mild-mannered Thurgood.
Callum interjected: “No, Thurgood, it’s about making travel easy and enjoyable for passengers.
“We are on our way to the Mining Indaba and we are hoping that Cape Town International Airport will be more advanced than this.”
I soon found out that since September 2019 passengers at Detroit Metro Airport have had the option of using facial recognition when clearing customs.
Facial recognition software is being used at airports across America.
