Global Airport Moving Walkway System Market Outlook to 2028

Global Airport Moving Walkway System Market Overview

• The global airport moving walkway system market is valued at USD 2 billion, driven by the expansion of airport infrastructure globally and the increasing demand for automation. The market has witnessed robust growth due to rising passenger traffic and airport modernization efforts. Major hubs like the United States, China, and the Middle East have heavily invested in upgrading airport facilities with advanced automated systems such as moving walkways, enhancing passenger convenience and improving operational efficiency.
• Countries like the United States, Germany, and China dominate the global market, largely because of their significant investments in airport infrastructure development and the continuous modernization of existing facilities. These countries have high air traffic volumes and are focused on reducing passenger congestion, leading to the widespread adoption of moving walkway systems. The dominance is also attributed to the presence of leading manufacturers in these regions.
• Government regulations play a key role in ensuring the safety of moving walkway systems. For example, the European Unions safety standards under CEN EN115 mandate strict guidelines for walkway installation, including specifications on speed and incline. Airports across Europe are actively working to upgrade their systems to meet these evolving standards, with over 85% compliance reported in major EU airports in 2023.

Global Airport Moving Walkway System Market Segmentation

• By Type of Walkway System: The global airport moving walkway system market is segmented by type into horizontal walkways and inclined walkways. Horizontal walkways are the dominant segment due to their extensive installation in larger international airports to connect distant terminals and gates. These walkways enhance passenger flow and reduce transit time between sections of the airport, making them crucial for large, high-traffic airports. The adoption of horizontal walkways has been widely recognized as a key feature in airports like Heathrow and JFK.
• By Region: The market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America leads the market due to heavy investment in airport automation and the presence of large airports with high passenger traffic. Airports in the United States and Canada are continuously upgrading their facilities to cater to increasing passenger numbers, thus driving demand for moving walkway systems. Europe is the second-largest market due to major expansions in key hubs like Heathrow and Frankfurt.

• By Speed Type: The market is further segmented into constant speed and variable speed walkways. Constant speed walkways hold a larger market share due to their operational simplicity and lower maintenance costs. These walkways are ideal for high-traffic airports where a steady flow of passengers is essential. They are especially prevalent in airports that handle millions of passengers annually, such as Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, as they allow for seamless movement while maintaining operational efficiency.

Global Airport Moving Walkway System Market Competitive Landscape

The Global Airport Moving Walkway System market is dominated by a few major players, including ThyssenKrupp AG, Otis Elevator Company, and Schindler Group, which have significant shares due to their technological expertise and strong global presence. The market shows moderate consolidation, with key companies investing in research and development to introduce energy-efficient and customizable walkway systems. Moreover, strategic collaborations with airport authorities and government agencies have enabled these companies to secure major contracts for airport modernization projects.

Global Airport Moving Walkway System Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increase in Global Air Traffic: The global increase in air passenger traffic has been significant, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reporting a rise to over 4.5 billion passengers in 2023. This has led to heightened demand for airport infrastructure, particularly moving walkway systems, to enhance passenger mobility. Airports worldwide are handling larger volumes of passengers, necessitating the installation of automated systems to reduce congestion and improve overall operational efficiency
• Demand for Airport Efficiency: Airport infrastructure modernization is driven by the need for improved operational efficiency. According to the Airports Council International (ACI), global airport infrastructure investments exceeded $165 billion in 2023, with a significant portion allocated to enhancing passenger movement and automation systems. Moving walkways play a critical role in improving airport efficiency by ensuring swift passenger flow, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing safety standards.
• Advancements in Automated Systems: With the global push toward automation, moving walkway systems have become increasingly integrated with smart technologies such as sensors and real-time monitoring tools. The U.S. government has reported over $5 billion in funding for smart airport technologies in 2023, promoting advancements in automated walkway systems. These innovations help airports meet global efficiency and safety standards by enabling real-time tracking of passenger movement and system performance, ensuring smooth operations in large-scale facilities.

Challenges

• High Installation Costs: The cost of installing moving walkway systems remains a challenge for airports, particularly in developing regions. The average installation cost for a single moving walkway system is estimated to range from $2 million to $5 million, according to data from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). For smaller airports or those operating on limited budgets, this creates financial constraints, limiting their ability to adopt modern walkway systems.
• Complexity in Retrofitting Existing Airports: Retrofitting existing airport infrastructure with moving walkway systems poses significant engineering challenges. Around 30% of conversion costs for aircraft retrofitting are attributed to engine replacements and other modifications. This adds complexity to modernization efforts, as seen in European airports like Berlins Brandenburg, which faced delays in integrating new walkways due to space limitations.

Global Airport Moving Walkway System Market Future Outlook

Global airport moving walkway system market is expected to witness substantial growth, driven by increasing airport infrastructure investments and advancements in automation technology. The growing focus on improving passenger experience, particularly in emerging markets, will continue to fuel demand for moving walkways. As airports in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East expand, the need for efficient and sustainable moving walkway systems will rise significantly.

Market Opportunities

• Growth in Asia-Pacific Airports: Asia-Pacific is witnessing substantial airport expansion, with governments allocating over $209 billion in 2023 for new airport projects. For example, China alone is investing in the construction of 50 new airports by 2025. These expansions present significant opportunities for the integration of advanced moving walkway systems, particularly in busy airports like Beijing Capital and Singapore Changi. The rapid urbanization and economic growth in this region drive the demand for modern infrastructure that can handle increased passenger volumes efficiently.
• Integration with Smart Technologies: The adoption of smart technologies in airports provides an opportunity for moving walkway systems to evolve. According to the World Bank, global spending on smart infrastructure reached $110 billion in 2023, and this trend is set to benefit automated walkway systems by integrating IoT-enabled sensors for better traffic management. Airports in countries such as Japan and the UAE are leading this trend by developing next-generation airports equipped with real-time monitoring systems that optimize passenger flow and improve operational efficiency.