Preparing for the holidays for many may mean exciting travel plans, contributing to a surge in airport traffic. In fact, in 2024, 5.5 million passengers took a flight during the holiday season – underscoring growing demand.
But while some of us prepare to wind down, airport facilities management (FM) teams are gearing up for one of their busiest times of the year.
Busy airports, if mismanaged, can give rise to all sorts of chaos. Think terminal overflow, endlessly long queues, lost baggage, and subsequently furious passengers. So, what can IFM teams do differently to ensure a seamless passenger experience during the holiday season? Leveraging real-time data and technology is one way forward.
Here’s a detailed look at how smart, technology-driven airport facility management can resolve passenger pain points this holiday season.
1. Long Wait Times at Check-in and Security
In late 2024, the smallest U.S airports recorded highest spikes in daily passenger traffic compared to non-holiday periods, leading to longer wait times. It can leave passengers feeling frustrated from the get-go. IFM providers can leverage real-time monitoring and predictive analytics to reduce bottlenecks.
• Smart Scheduling
Using AI–driven workforce management can ensure adequate staff during the peak holiday travel season.
• Automated Systems
Self-check-in kiosks and e-gates can speed up the ticketing, bag tagging, and biometric verification processes, thereby minimizing delays.
• Queue Management
Sensors and cameras can track passenger flow, which can alert the staff once the line exceeds capacity.
Overall, these small yet smart technology integrations in airport facilities management can result in shorter wait times and happier passengers.
2. Avoiding Sickness with Air Filtration
Nothing dampens a passenger’s festive spirit like getting sick at the start of their trip. During the holiday travel season, crowded terminals and recycled air can make airports a higher-risk environment for airborne illnesses. Airport facilities management service providers can help by utilizing advanced air filtration systems and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring – keeping indoor air clean and helping passengers stay healthy. Two specific ways to do this are:
• IoT Sensors for IAQ
It helps tracking CO₂ and humidity levels. When the air quality dips, the HVAC systems are tuned to adjust airflow and filtration automatically.
• HEPA Filters & UV-C Technology
These systems eliminate bacteria and viruses, reducing the spread of seasonal illnesses.
3. Overcrowded Terminals and Limited Seating
The holiday airport rush can easily turn a waiting lounge into a crowded area. Many passengers, often lugging around heavy bags, find themselves struggling for a seat. The frustration only grows when flights are delayed, extending their wait time. To manage this, IFM providers can take the following steps:
• Real-Time Occupancy Monitoring
With the help of IoT sensors, facilities teams can track passenger density in real-time across terminals. It can help them identify overcrowded zones and take proactive measures to alleviate congestion.
• Dynamic Space Allocation
IFM providers can work with airport staff to use heat maps and predictive analytics to predict crowd patterns. The results can help airports reconfigure layouts or deploy temporary seating solutions.
• Digital Wayfinding
By using smart signage and mobile apps to guide passengers to less crowded areas, airport facility management providers can reduce congestion and improve overall flow.
Deploying these facilities management strategies for waiting areas can ensure passengers are comfortable even during peak holiday season.
4. Dirty or Inaccessible Restrooms
High passenger volume can make restrooms unsanitary within minutes and deplete essential supplies faster. To counter this, airport facilities management providers can leverage smart cleaning and maintenance systems to deliver efficient and timely commercial janitorial services.
• Foot Traffic Sensors
It can help monitor real-time restroom usage and prompt commercial janitorial services about their cleaning schedules based on the demand rather than fixed intervals.
• Inventory Monitoring
IoT-enabled dispensers alert staff when supplies run low.
• Accessibility Compliance
Automated alerts can ensure that facilities remain accessible for passengers with disabilities.
Clean, well-stocked restrooms enhance comfort and reduce stress during holiday travel.
How Airport Passengers Can Leverage Smart Solutions
While FM providers can do a whole lot to ease travel pains, passengers too can turn to smart solutions to enhance their experience.
1. Lost Luggage and Mishandling
Imagine traveling over Christmas and arriving at your destination to learn that your baggage has been lost…with all your presents in it! Frustrated? You’re not alone. In December 2024, U.S. airlines handled 45.7 million bags, and the mishandled rate jumped to 0.60%
Some ways for passengers to avoid this misfortune includes RFID & GPS tracking. Losing baggage can often make passengers feel anxious and frustrated. This allows passengers to monitor their bags via apps.
2. Navigate Flight Delays
Delayed flights are a common concern during the peak holiday travel season. Passengers can avoid this issue by downloading the airport’s mobile app to view live flight status, gate changes, and security wait times. Staying informed helps passengers make quick decisions and manage delays with ease.
By combining real-time data, predictive tools, and proactive engagement, passengers and airport IFM providers can turn peak travel season into a seamless experience.
Explore our strategic approach to airport facilities management today.
From our team to yours, happy holidays, and safe travels!