Frankfurt Tests a Quieter Way to Hear Gate Calls
Frankfurt Airport has begun testing a new Bluetooth-based audio system that sends gate announcements directly to passengers’ personal devices. Using Auracast technology, travellers can receive boarding calls and updates straight to hearing aids, earbuds or smartphones. The pilot, now running at two gates in Terminal 1, makes Frankfurt the first airport worldwide to trial this approach for public announcements.
Auracast works by turning spoken announcements into a personal audio stream rather than broadcasting them through loudspeakers. Passengers connect using compatible devices and hear messages clearly, even in busy terminal conditions. The system is designed to reduce background noise and improve understanding, particularly for people who struggle to follow announcements in crowded airport environments.
The two-month trial is under way at gates A16 and A17. Feedback from passengers and airport staff will be used to assess its impact on accessibility, comfort and day-to-day operations. The project forms part of a state-backed digital accessibility programme in Hesse and is delivered by Sittig Technologies together with Fraport and Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.
What becomes easier inside busy terminals
- Hearing boarding calls clearly at crowded gates
- Moving confidently through large transfer hubs
- Spending time in lounges without missing updates
- Reducing stress during tight connections
If expanded, Auracast could change how people experience large airports like Frankfurt, where long walks, multiple concourses and constant noise are part of daily travel. Clear, personal announcements may make navigating complex terminals calmer, especially during peak travel periods or when schedules change at short notice.
“As the airport operator, we want our passengers to have a comfortable and relaxing stay at our terminals. By bringing clear, personalized announcements directly into passengers’ own hearing devices, we are offering another attractive service to our customers while at the same time taking an important step towards a more inclusive airport."
The pilot suggests a move away from constant loudspeaker announcements towards quieter, device-based updates. Gate information delivered directly to personal devices reduces the risk of missed calls, particularly in large and noisy terminals. If the trial is expanded, similar systems may be introduced at other major airports.
