Airport News and Aviation Updates

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of airports, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on airport facilities, their use of technology, passenger experience and relationships with airlines.

Airports are evolving into high-tech travel ecosystems, integrating smarter infrastructure, touchless technology, and advanced operations to enhance efficiency and the passenger experience. PhocusWire brings you the latest airport news and aviation updates, tracking how global hubs are responding to the demands of modern travel and future growth.

Airport operations, infrastructure developments, and global hubs

Our coverage highlights airport modernization efforts, sustainability strategies, and digital transformation initiatives taking place at key aviation hubs around the world. From biometric screening and baggage automation to terminal redesigns and mobility partnerships, we explore the innovations redefining airport functionality and service delivery.

STARTUP STAGE: Whispr wants to help frontline staff with voice guidance
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Whispr wants to help frontline staff with voice guidance
By Linda Fox | November 15, 2019
The company was recently accepted into IAG's Hangar 51 accelerator and has begun work with maintenance staff at Spain flag carrier, Iberia. Read More
Refundit pockets $9.8M for its digital VAT refund service
News / Startups
Refundit pockets $9.8M for its digital VAT refund service
By Linda Fox | November 15, 2019
Amadeus Ventures led the round, with participation also coming from Portugal Ventures and a number of seed investors. Read More
How I Got Here, episode 13 - Oliver Dlouhy of Kiwi.com
Interview / Distribution
How I Got Here, episode 13 - Oliver Dlouhy of Kiwi.com
By Kevin May | November 14, 2019
Czech Republic-based Kiwi.com is both a consumer-facing and technology business. Its CEO Oliver Dlouhy joins your hosts, David Litwak of Mozio and PhocusWire's Kevin May. Read More
sita-digital-twin
News / Technology
Airports look to emerging technology (even blockchain) to drive much-needed efficiency
By Linda Fox | November 12, 2019
Airlines and airports are using emerging tech such as LIDAR and blockchain to improve efficiency and prepare for growth. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - A future not fully understood
News / Technology
The Phocuswright Conference 2019 preview - A future not fully understood
By PhocusWire | November 8, 2019
Will the brands that dominate now still be there in a future still yet to be fully defined? Yes and no. That's why the next era for the digital travel economy promises to be such a thrilling ride... Read More
amadeus-Q3-earnings-2019-2
News / Distribution
Amadeus sees growth metrics in 2019 boosted by business expansion
By Linda Fox | November 7, 2019
The travel technology giant reported a 15% increase in revenue to €4.2 billion while EBITDA climbed just over 11% to €1.8 billion in the first nine months of 2019. Read More
Tech investment from aviation continues, cybersecurity and cloud the top priorities
News / Technology
Tech investment from aviation continues, cybersecurity and cloud the top priorities
By Linda Fox | November 6, 2019
Airlines and airports are predicted to invest more than $61 billion in IT in 2019, up from the $50 billion spent last year. Read More
The search for genuine "disruption" in the travel industry
Opinion / Startups
The search for genuine "disruption" in the travel industry
By Peter Matthews - Nucleus | October 24, 2019
Now traditional business models have been turned on their heads by the likes of Uber, Airbnb, Amazon and Google there is a tendency for many brands to believe they need to roll up their sleeves and face... Read More
How I Got Here, episode 10 - Robert Albert of Routehappy
Interview / Distribution
How I Got Here, episode 10 - Robert Albert of Routehappy
By Kevin May | October 24, 2019
We've hit double figures for the HIGH podcast. Joining hosts David Litwak of Mozio and PhocusWire's Kevin May is Robert Albert, CEO of Routehappy.  Read More
How I Got Here, episode 9 - Henrik Zillmer of AirHelp
Interview / Online
How I Got Here, episode 9 - Henrik Zillmer of AirHelp
By Kevin May | October 17, 2019
Entertaining, unconventional and smart - founder and CEO of AirHelp, Henrik Zillmer, joins David Litwak and Kevin May for the latest episode of the How I Got Here podcast. Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Next steps in airline retail: mastering direct distribution
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! Next steps in airline retail: mastering direct distribution
By PhocusWire | October 16, 2019
Join industry experts and leading executives to learn how carriers are advancing from digitization to retailing and shaping the digital experience around the customer. Read More
Google's Waymo to trial autonomous vehicle airport transfers
News / Technology
Google's Waymo to trial autonomous vehicle airport transfers
By Kevin May | October 14, 2019
It is hoped the service, operated in conjunction with Groupe Renault, will run between La Defense in Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport. Read More
Bringing science and control to airline retail
From Our Partners / Distribution
Bringing science and control to airline retail
By Stanislava Yordanova - PROS | October 10, 2019
In the next decade we should expect the disruption of the airline industry to continue to accelerate; however, it is the digital-first carriers that will lead the market. Read More
When it comes to LiDAR and the opportunities in travel, Elon Musk is wrong
Opinion / Technology
When it comes to LiDAR and the opportunities in travel, Elon Musk is wrong
By Sam Kamel - iinside | October 9, 2019
Rather than dramatically ringing the death knell for LiDAR, Musk's comments earlier this year merely underscore the fact that LiDAR has an awareness issue, no pun intended. Read More
WAF-15below
News / Technology
VIDEO: 15below on taking traveler communications to the next level
By Linda Fox | October 9, 2019
At the World Aviation Festival 2019, PhocusWire spoke wiht 15below on the challenges of airline communications, especially during disruption. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026