Global Airport Operations Market - Analysis and Forecast (2026-2035)

Industry Overview

The Global Airport Operations Market is estimated to be USD 8.3 billion in 2025 and is predicted to reach USD 14.7 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period. The major factors responsible for airport operations market growth were the surge in passenger traffic volumes through an increase in flight capacity and frequency, particularly from developing economies. Moreover, rapid globalization and favourable economic conditions have also increased the profit margins, which thereby fueled manufacturing activities, causing more frequent cargo flights from developing economies to developed ones and vice versa. China has become an export-based economy, so air cargo traffic in the country has surged a lot in the past decade, followed by other Asian giants like South Korea, India, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Additionally, a small chunk of airport revenues also comes from passengers shopping at retail stores, eating at restaurants, and purchasing antiques from duty-free shops, while waiting for the flights.

The majority of the airport operations include businesses which operate on national, international, and civil airports. It includes air traffic control services, baggage & cargo handling services, aircraft refuelling, aircraft parking and rental services, aircraft maintenance, and hangar space rental space services. According to in-house estimates, the current projection for 2025 is projected to be lower than pre-COVID-19 estimates. Realistically, the airport operations market is expected to recover from mid-2021 and will be struggling with a growth rate from 2020 to 2021. In an optimistic scenario, the market is expected to recover from Q3 of 2020, owing to government stimulus for airport operations and subsequent rise in the cargo activities, from the essential manufacturing base.

Airport Operations Market Segmentation

Insight by Technology

Based upon technology, the airport operations market is categorized into passenger screening, baggage scanners, smart tag & RFID, E-gate & E-kiosk, 5G infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions, and ground support equipment. The passenger screening market is further being bifurcated as hand held scanners, walk through scanners, and full body scanners. E-Gate & E-Kiosk segment is further segmented into smart boarding systems and smart biometric systems. The current pandemic of COVID-19 has created ripples across several industry verticals. The ongoing pandemic has led to the suspension of passenger flights, which is causing setback in ground support equipment segment. Ground support equipment on the airport operations is responsible for its smooth functioning such as timely loading and unloading of baggage and cargo from the aircraft, including boarding of passengers and crew members. According to the estimates of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), more than 150 countries has imposed air travel restrictions due to ongoing COVID-19 crisis. This has resulted in loss of revenue for ground handlers in the first quarter of 2020. Moreover, the orders for the ground support equipment that were scheduled to be delivered have also been disrupted due to supply chain constraints.

Global Airport Operations Market Report Coverage

Industry Dynamics

Airport Operations Market Growth Drivers

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the manufacturing industry is badly hit. The manufacturing slowdown in China has affected the manufacturing business in more than 15 countries, due to country-wide lockdowns, strict international border controls, social distancing measures for workers, and supply chain issues from China. Moreover, according to the ISM global supply chain survey results, more than 75.0% of the manufacturing firms reported disruptions in the supply chain, owing to transportation restrictions due to countrywide lockdowns to avoid the spread of COVID-19 virus.

Airline cargo transport more than 52 million metric tons of goods annually, accounting more than 35% of the global trade value, constituting less than 1% of the world trade by all modes of transport. This is equals to around US$ 6.8 trillion worth of goods and merchandise annually, representing US$ 18.6 billion worth of goods each day.

Most of the airports across the globe have evolved from being international travel enabler to integral part of the socio-economic engine driving regional economic growth of the country. The shift was characterized by four forces, playing crucial role in the functioning of airports. It includes externalization of airports, internal focus on the airport operations, thereby improving passenger experience rather than simple origin to destination operability and serving the social and the economic needs of the large set of workers associated with airport functioning on the daily basis. Moreover, changes in the strategic and financial drivers, particularly driven by increasing pressure of airline operators on the aeronautical fees, with more focus on inter-city domestic airline carriers.

Airport Operations Market Challenges

However, the airport operations are highly cost-intensive with various complexities, with majority of the revenue sources are mitigated with ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This is a key factor that acts as a hurdle for the growth of the airport operations market. 

Airport Operations Market Geographic Overview

Geographically, North America is the largest revenue contributor in the airport operations market due to growth of pandemic massively in the region. The demand for opening up of different revenue strategies has been in thinking by the companies based in the region in order to fight coronavirus. The number of COVID-19 cases in North America is also enhancing rapidly with registered cases of almost 5,04,780 and 18,763 deaths as registered in the first week of May.

Travel bans led to the loss of air traffic, which had negatively impacted Asia Pacific region. The Airports Council International (ACI) has warned countries in the region for the prolonged duration of COVID-19, which will prevent it from previously forecasted growth prospects. The airport association urged airline regulators and government to implement relief measures tailored to the local level contexts. According to ACI World estimates, Asia Pacific is impacted the worst, with passenger traffic volumes down by 24% in the first quarter of 2020 as compared to forecasted traffic levels without COVID-19. Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, and the Republic of Korea remain widely affected by sizeable losses in traffic volumes. Meanwhile, there is a sudden spike in the COVID-19 cases in several countries of West Asia, which is expected to negatively impact traffic volume by more than -4.2% as travelers and airlines adjust their aircraft and seat offerings.

The manufacturing sector is likely to receive severe hit. Direct supply disruptions will hinder production, since the outbreak is more focused on globe’s manufacturing heartlands, East Asian countries (China, Japan, and South Korea) and it is spreading exponentially to industrial giants like the U.S., UK, Germany, and France. This supply chain contagion will amplify supply shocks to less affected countries, as the procurement of raw materials in between the nations will become expensive. Moreover, there would also be disruptions in the demand due to recession, purchase and investment delays by consumers and respective firms.

The top ten countries hardest hit by COVID-19 are the ten largest economies in the world, excluding India and Iran. The U.S., China, France, the UK, Japan, Germany, and Italy are all in the top ten most affected countries by the pandemic. While China, was the hardest hit, in the last few days the outbreak has seen an exponential rise in the cases in all G7 economies. Among G7 economies, the U.S., China, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, and Italy accounted for more than 60% of the world’s supply and demand (GDP), 65% of the world's manufacturing, and 41% of the world’s manufacturing exports. 

Airport Operations Market Competitive Insight

FLIR Systems (US), Honeywell (US), SITA (Switzerland), Collins Aerospace (US), Siemens AG (Germany), Fluke Corporation (US), Thales Group (France) Daifuku Co., Ltd. (Japan), Amadeus IT Group (Spain), among others are some of the leading players operating in the airport operations market. These players have adopted growth strategies such as new product developments, contracts, partnerships, agreements, collaborations, and acquisitions to expand their presence in the market further. There are opportunities for innovative companies to manufacture smart biometric solutions, thermal imaging, and fever detection scanners.

Recent Developments by Key Players

FLIR Systems Inc. has acquired Aeryon Labs Inc., a developer of high-performance unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the global military, public safety, and critical infrastructure markets for $200 million. Aeryon’s vertical takeoff and landing quad-copter airframes integrate multiple sensors, including FLIR thermal technology, to provide users with immediate high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

Honeywell has collaborated with Energy Assets that is the U.K.’s leading providers of residential, industrial and commercial multi-utility metering services, to support a large-scale gas meter upgrade program across Energy Assets’ portfolio. 

Primary Research

VynZ Research conducts extensive primary research to understand the market dynamics, validate market data and have key opinions from the industry experts. The key profiles approached within the industry includes, CEO, CFO, CTO, President, Vice President, Product Managers, Regional Heads and Others. Also, end user surveys comprising of consumers are also conducted to understand consumer behavior.

The Airport Operations Market report offers a comprehensive market segmentation analysis along with an estimation for the forecast period 2026–2035.

Segments Covered in the Report

• Technology
  • Passenger Screening
    • Hand Held Scanners
    • Walk Through Scanners
    • Full Body Scanners
  • Baggage Scanners
  • Smart Tag & RFID
  • E-Gate & E-Kiosk
    • Smart Boarding Systems
    • Smart Biometric Systems
  • 5 G Infrastructure
  • Cybersecurity Solutions
  • Ground Support Equipment

Region Covered in the Report

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific (APAC)
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Rest of the World (RoW)
  • Brazil
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • U.A.E.
  • Other Countries

Source: VynZ Research

Source: VynZ Research

1.    Research Overview 

        1.1.    The Report Offers
        1.2.    Market Coverage
                1.2.1.    By Technology
        1.3.    Research Phases
        1.4.    Limitations
        1.5.    Research Methodology
                1.5.1.    Data Sources
                        1.5.1.1.    Primary Research
                        1.5.1.2.    Secondary Research
                1.5.2.    Methodology
                        1.5.2.1.    Data Exploration
                        1.5.2.2.    Forecast Parameters
                        1.5.2.3.    Data Validation
                        1.5.2.4.    Assumptions
                1.5.3.    Study Period & Data Reporting Unit

2.    Executive Summary

3.    Industry Overview

        3.1.    Industry Dynamics
                3.1.1.    Market Growth Drivers
                3.1.2.    Market Restraints
                3.1.3.    Key Market Trends
                3.1.4.    Major Opportunities
        3.2.    Industry Ecosystem
                3.2.1.    Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
                3.2.2.    Recent Development Analysis
                3.2.3.    Value Chain Analysis
        3.3.    Competitive Insight
                3.3.1.    Competitive Position of Industry Players
                3.3.2.    Market Attractive Analysis

4.    Global Market Estimate and Forecast

        4.1.    Global Market Overview
        4.2.    Global Market Estimate and Forecast to 2030

5.    Market Segmentation Estimate and Forecast

        5.1.    By Technology    
                5.1.1.    Passenger Screening
                        5.1.1.1.    Hand Held Scanners
                        5.1.1.2.    Market Definition
                        5.1.1.3.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
                        5.1.1.4.    Walk Through Scanners
                        5.1.1.5.    Market Definition
                        5.1.1.6.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
                        5.1.1.7.    Full Body Scanners
                        5.1.1.8.    Market Definition
                        5.1.1.9.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
                5.1.2.    Baggage Scanners
                        5.1.2.1.    Market Definition
                        5.1.2.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
                5.1.3.    Smart Tag & RFID
                        5.1.3.1.    Market Definition
                        5.1.3.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
                5.1.4.    E-Gate & E-Kiosk
                        5.1.4.1.    Smart Boarding Systems
                        5.1.4.2.    Market Definition
                        5.1.4.3.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
                        5.1.4.4.    Smart Biometric Systems
                        5.1.4.5.    Market Definition
                        5.1.4.6.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
                5.1.5.    5 G Infrastructure
                        5.1.5.1.    Market Definition
                        5.1.5.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
                5.1.6.    Cybersecurity Solutions
                        5.1.6.1.    Market Definition
                        5.1.6.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030
                5.1.7.    Ground Support Equipment
                        5.1.7.1.    Market Definition
                        5.1.7.2.    Market Estimation and Forecast to 2030

6.    North America Market Estimate and Forecast

        6.1.    By Technology
        6.2.    By Country
                6.2.1.    U.S. Market Estimate and Forecast
                6.2.2.    Canada Market Estimate and Forecast
                6.2.3.    Mexico Market Estimate and Forecast

7.    Europe Market Estimate and Forecast

        7.1.    By Technology
        7.2.    By Country
                7.2.1.    Germany Market Estimate and Forecast
                7.2.2.    France Market Estimate and Forecast
                7.2.3.    U.K. Market Estimate and Forecast
                7.2.4.    Italy Market Estimate and Forecast
                7.2.5.    Spain Market Estimate and Forecast
                7.2.6.    Russia Market Estimate and Forecast
                7.2.7.    Rest of Europe Market Estimate and Forecast

8.    Asia-Pacific Market Estimate and Forecast

        8.1.    By Technology
        8.2.    By Country 
                8.2.1.    China Market Estimate and Forecast
                8.2.2.    Japan Market Estimate and Forecast
                8.2.3.    India Market Estimate and Forecast
                8.2.4.    South Korea Market Estimate and Forecast
                8.2.5.    Rest of Asia-Pacific Market Estimate and Forecast

9.    Rest of the World (RoW) Market Estimate and Forecast

        9.1.    By Technology
        9.2.    By Country
                9.2.1.    Brazil Market Estimate and Forecast
                9.2.2.    Saudi Arabia Market Estimate and Forecast
                9.2.3.    South Africa Market Estimate and Forecast
                9.2.4.    U.A.E. Market Estimate and Forecast
                9.2.5.    Other Countries Market Estimate and Forecast

10.    Company Profiles

        10.1.    FLIR Systems
                10.1.1.    Snapshot
                10.1.2.    Overview
                10.1.3.    Offerings
                10.1.4.    Financial Insight
                10.1.5.    Recent Developments
        10.2.    Honeywell
                10.2.1.    Snapshot
                10.2.2.    Overview
                10.2.3.    Offerings
                10.2.4.    Financial Insight
                10.2.5.    Recent Developments
        10.3.    SITA
                10.3.1.    Snapshot
                10.3.2.    Overview
                10.3.3.    Offerings
                10.3.4.    Financial Insight
                10.3.5.    Recent Developments
        10.4.    Collins Aerospace
                10.4.1.    Snapshot
                10.4.2.    Overview
                10.4.3.    Offerings
                10.4.4.    Financial Insight
                10.4.5.    Recent Developments
        10.5.    Siemens AG
                10.5.1.    Snapshot
                10.5.2.    Overview
                10.5.3.    Offerings
                10.5.4.    Financial Insight
                10.5.5.    Recent Developments
        10.6.    Fluke Corporation
                10.6.1.    Snapshot
                10.6.2.    Overview
                10.6.3.    Offerings
                10.6.4.    Financial Insight
                10.6.5.    Recent Developments
        10.7.    Thales Group
                10.7.1.    Snapshot
                10.7.2.    Overview
                10.7.3.    Offerings
                10.7.4.    Financial Insight
                10.7.5.    Recent Developments
        10.8.    Daifuku Co., Ltd.
                10.8.1.    Snapshot
                10.8.2.    Overview
                10.8.3.    Offerings
                10.8.4.    Financial Insight
                10.8.5.    Recent Developments
        10.9.    Amadeus IT Group
                10.9.1.    Snapshot
                10.9.2.    Overview
                10.9.3.    Offerings
                10.9.4.    Financial Insight
                10.9.5.    Recent Developments

11.    Appendix

        11.1.    Exchange Rates
        11.2.    Abbreviations

Note: Financial insight and recent developments of different companies are subject to availability of information in secondary domain.

List of Tables

Table 1 Sources
Table 2 Study Periods
Table 3 Data Reporting Unit
Table 4 Global Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 5 Global Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 6 Global Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 7 Global Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 8 Global Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 9 Global Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 10 Global Airport Operations Market Size, by Region, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 11 Global Airport Operations Market Size, by Region, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 12 North America Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 13 North America Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 14 North America Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 15 North America Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 16 North America Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 17 North America Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 18 North America Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 19 North America Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 20 Europe Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 21 Europe Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 22 Europe Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 23 Europe Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 24 Europe Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 25 Europe Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 26 Europe Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 27 Europe Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 28 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 29 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 30 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 31 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 32 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 33 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 34 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 35 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 36 RoW Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 37 RoW Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 38 RoW Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 39 RoW Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 40 RoW Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 41 RoW Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 42 RoW Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2023 (USD Billion)
Table 43 RoW Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2025 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Table 44 Snapshot – FLIR Systems
Table 45 Snapshot – Honeywell
Table 46 Snapshot – SITA
Table 47 Snapshot – Collins Aerospace
Table 48 Snapshot – Siemens AG
Table 49 Snapshot – Fluke Corporation
Table 50 Snapshot – Thales Group
Table 51 Snapshot – Daifuku Co., Ltd.
Table 52 Snapshot – Amadeus IT Group

List of Figures

Figure 1 Market Coverage
Figure 2 Research Phases
Figure 3 Secondary Sources for Different Parameters
Figure 4 Methodology
Figure 5 Data Mining & Exploration
Figure 6 Data Triangulation
Figure 7 Assumptions for Market Estimation and Forecast
Figure 8 Market Synopsis
Figure 9 Global Airport Operations Market - Growth Drivers and Restraints
Figure 10 Competitive Benchmark
Figure 11 Global Airport Operations Market Highlight
Figure 12 Global Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 13 Global Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 14 Global Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 15 Global Airport Operations Market Size, by Region, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 16 North America Airport Operations Market Highlight
Figure 17 North America Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 18 North America Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 19 North America Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 20 North America Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 21 Europe Airport Operations Market Highlight
Figure 22 Europe Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 23 Europe Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 24 Europe Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 25 Europe Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 26 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market Highlight
Figure 27 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 28 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 29 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 30 Asia-Pacific Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 31 RoW Airport Operations Market Highlight
Figure 32 RoW Airport Operations Market Size, by Technology, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 33 RoW Airport Operations Market for Baggage Scanners, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 34 RoW Airport Operations Market for E-Gate & E-Kiosk, by Type, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)
Figure 35 RoW Airport Operations Market Size, by Country, 2018 – 2030 (USD Billion)