Integration of artificial intelligence and focus on accessibility: The evolution of airports in 2024

Airports around the world are rapidly evolving and adopting the latest technologies. The integration of artificial intelligence in airports is likely to grow, improving decision-making, personalizing the experience, and optimizing resource planning.

With the promise of achieving zero emissions by 2050, airports will focus on sustainability. There will be an increased focus on accessibility, with initiatives aimed at making travel easier for passengers with limited mobility and hidden disabilities, Simple flying writes.

Here are our predictions for the innovations and new initiatives we can expect at airports around the world in 2024.

AI will improve operations

In 2024, the integration of artificial intelligence at airports is likely to increase, improving decision-making, personalizing experiences, and optimizing resource planning. Current features, such as self-check-in and baggage drop-off, are being powered by AI to allow passengers to manage tasks, reducing the need for manual assistance.

The integration of artificial intelligence in airports is not limited to visible functions. For example, according to Isarsoft, some airports are already using AI-powered passenger flow management systems to analyze and identify patterns. As 2024 is projected to be a record year for airline profits and passenger numbers, such advancements are crucial.

The integration of AI aims to improve the aircraft turnaround process and reduce delays. Eindhoven Airport, in cooperation with Schiphol Airport, is using AI, in particular Deep Turnaround, to automatically determine the start and end time of ground handling using cameras on the apron.

Environmental initiatives

The aviation industry is well aware of its environmental impact. Therefore, 2024 is likely to be the next important year for sustainability efforts.

Aircraft emissions make a significant contribution to airport pollution. While airports have limited control over these emissions, initiatives such as on-site production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are emerging.

Pittsburgh Airport, for example, is developing plans to produce SAF on-site. As airports have committed to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050, we may see more airports adopt similar plans in 2024.

Initiatives such as the transition to electric buses continue to gain momentum. In addition, we can expect more sustainability efforts in 2024, including further reductions in the use of single-use plastic.

Increased focus on airport accessibility

Navigating airports can be challenging, especially for passengers with limited mobility or hidden disabilities. In 2024, we expect to see an increased focus on this issue as airports and airlines work together to make it easier for passengers with disabilities to travel.

Several companies, including the Swiss company DAAV, have conducted trials of self-driving wheelchairs at airports. DAAV successfully demonstrated its mobile solution in check-in area 2 at Zurich Airport in 2023. The company aims to bring the DAAV wheelchair to market by the end of 2023 and continue to improve services for passengers with reduced mobility at airports around the world in 2024.

Emirates and its home hub, Dubai Airport, have recently developed special programmes to reduce air travel anxiety for travellers with neurodivergent disorders. These initiatives include airport tours to familiarize passengers with the travel process.