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Hong Kong International Airport Honours Staff Excellence With Annual Customer Service Awards

airport
Apr 03, 2025
Article Source LogoINTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW

Posted: 3 April 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet

Hong Kong International Airport recognised over 870 staff members at the Customer Service Excellence Programme, celebrating exceptional service and dedication to passengers.

Credit: Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reaffirmed its commitment to service excellence by celebrating the efforts of airport staff at the annual Customer Service Excellence Programme (CSEP) awards. This year saw overwhelming participation, with over 60 organisations submitting nearly 430 nominations, recognising over 870 colleagues and teams. The ceremony was officiated by Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK).

“The Customer Service Excellence Programme was set up with the goal of encouraging our colleagues from different organisations to offer excellent customer services and promote the culture of doing so. The passion and dedication are truly inspiring. Let me congratulate all the award winners again and wish you all to continue to strive for excellence and to innovate, delivering the best airport experience to all visitors,” said Cheung.

AAHK also announced the formation of the Customer Service Excellence Steering Committee, a 20-member group dedicated to promoting customer service, including sharing best practices and frontline staff training. Steven Yiu, Executive Director of Airport Operations, will chair the committee.

This year’s top honours included the “Best Customer Service of the Year” in the Individual Excellence Awards, presented to Benny Wong of Cathay Pacific Airways for his dedication in assisting a passenger in distress. The Corporate Excellence Award went to Cathay Pacific Airways for their exceptional care in ensuring a child’s safe travel. Three AAHK staff members received the “Outstanding Customer Service” award for locating a missing cat, while the Cross-Company Excellence Award was given to teams from AAHK, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Plaza Premium Lounge for aiding a collapsed passenger.

The CSEP Awards, launched in 2002, continue to recognise outstanding service by individuals, teams, and companies at HKIA.

for more details, including photos, click here. 

 

 

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Accessibility, Airport development, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs), Terminal operations, Workforce

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK)

Asia Pacific and Oceania

Benny Wong, Steven Yiu, Vivian Cheung

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London Heathrow Airport Warned Of Power Supply Vulnerabilities Days Before Major Outage Disrupted 300,000 Passengers
INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
London Heathrow Airport Warned Of Power Supply Vulnerabilities Days Before Major Outage Disrupted 300,000 PassengersPosted: 2 April 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet MPs were told that London Heathrow Airport’s power issues were raised just days before a major outage, affecting 300,000 passengers and costing airlines £100 million. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) bosses were warned about vulnerabilities in the airport’s power supply just days before a major outage, UK MPs have heard. The power failure, which occurred on 21 March following a fire at an electricity substation in west London, led to the closure of Europe’s busiest airport for a day, affecting nearly 300,000 passengers. Over 1,400 flights were cancelled or diverted, costing airlines an estimated £100 million in lost revenue and passenger care expenses. Nigel Wicking, Chief Executive of the Heathrow Airline Operators’ Committee (HAOC), told MPs that he raised concerns about the airport’s power resilience on 15 March, after cable thefts disrupted power to runway lights. Wicking emphasised that the airport should have addressed the issue urgently, stating that Heathrow’s Terminal 5 could have been operational by late morning on the day of the outage to resume repatriation flights. However, Heathrow’s Chief Executive, Thomas Woldbye, defended the decision to close the airport, calling it “disastrous” to keep it open. Woldbye explained that continuing operations would have stranded tens of thousands of passengers with no way to accommodate them, while also posing safety risks due to downed fire surveillance and CCTV systems. The outage also caused significant communication problems, with Wicking noting that a Teams call to provide updates to those affected was “maxed out” with 1,000 participants. This raised further concerns about Heathrow’s infrastructure, especially given its status as one of the most expensive airports globally, where airlines and passengers expect high-quality service and resilience. Wicking argued that resilience should have been a priority, saying, “It is the most expensive airport in the world with regard to passenger challenges,” and that Heathrow should have the best service and infrastructure. He also revealed that a 2018 review of Heathrow’s resilience had not been shared with airlines, questioning the transparency of airport management. The disruption was felt beyond passengers, with businesses in west London and the UK economy suffering millions in losses. British Airways (BA) alone incurred tens of millions in costs. Passengers also experienced emotional distress, missing important events like weddings and funerals due to flight cancellations. The committee plans to question officials from National Grid and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks about the role of the local grid in the incident. MPs will seek clarity on how the airport’s infrastructure failed, whether the risks were recognised, and how Heathrow coordinated with other airports to accommodate diverted flights. They will also ask about plans to compensate affected passengers and stakeholders.   SIGN ME UP   Stay Ahead in Aviation — Subscribe for Free! Get exclusive access to the latest aviation insights from International Airport Review — all tailored to your interests. ✅ Expert-Led Webinars – Learn from industry leaders ✅ Weekly News & Reports – Airport updates, thought leadership, and exclusive interviews ✅ Event Invitations – Be part of the International Airport Summit ✅ Partner Innovations – Discover the latest industry trends Choose the updates that matter most to you. Sign up now and stay informed, inspired, and connected — all for free! Thank you for being part of our community. Let’s keep exploring the future of aviation together! Aeronautical revenue, Air freight and cargo, Airlines, Airport construction and design, Airport crisis management, Airport development, Airport leadership, Airside operations, Economy, Operational efficiency, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Passenger volumes, Terminal operations, Workforce London Heathrow Airport (LHR) British Airways (BA) Heathrow Airline Operators' Committee (HAOC) United Kingdom and Ireland Nigel Wicking, Thomas Woldbye
airport
02 April 2025
188.4Gwh Solar Energy Available In Uk Airport Car Parks, Renenergy Discovers
Passenger Terminal Today
188.4Gwh Solar Energy Available In Uk Airport Car Parks, Renenergy DiscoversRenewable energy company RenEnergy has identified 203,705 spaces across 144 airports in England and Scotland that could be fitted with canopies holding solar PV panels. If all were used, they could generate 188.4GWh of energy – enough to power 52,340 homes annually. The ongoing research is a result of academics manually identifying parking spaces at airports in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland by using existing satellite imagery. With 11 car parks and 51,500 spaces alone, London’s Heathrow Airport has been highlighted as the UK’s prime site for this technology. RenEnergy highlighted that using available facilities, such as parking lots, for the additional purpose of generating green energy will enable the airport to offset its high-profile expansion plans and limit its impact on the environment. Carports can also provide customers with electric vehicle (EV) charging and overhead cover on top-floor parking levels. This provides EV charging suited to the duration of a passenger’s parking requirement, ensuring they have ample charge when they leave. The company also reported that airports spend 10-15% of their entire operating budget on power, and that options such as power purchase agreements (PPAs) mean that airports would pay a significantly reduced rate compared with the national grid and have carports installed free of charge – enabling them to invest in other areas. Damian Baker, managing director of RenEnergy, said, “As one of the hardest industries to decarbonize, aviation faces significant challenges in reducing carbon emissions. However, many airports overlook the potential that’s sitting right in their car parks. Renewable energy is the way forward, and it is crucial for UK airports to adapt and avoid being left behind by other countries. “Airports have a significant opportunity on their doorstep to reduce carbon emissions while alleviating substantial financial pressures. In a short amount of time, airports can achieve their sustainability goals without the need for expansion or significant changes.” According to RenEnergy, carports not only enhance airport sustainability but also provide an added layer of safety. During the day, sunlight can reflect off the paint of parked vehicles, potentially affecting pilots’ visibility. Solar panels, however, are designed to absorb light rather than reflect it, significantly reducing the risk of glare impacting vision during take-off and landing. Additionally, planning permission is not required to install solar carports, although airports will still have to contact the District Network Operator (DNO) to secure grid capacity and export. In related news, construction recently began on a solar array of more than 13,000 solar panels on John F. Kennedy International (JFK) Airport’s New Terminal One. Click here to read the full story
airport
02 April 2025
Airport World 2025, Issue 01
Airport world
Airport World 2025, Issue 01VIEW THE ISSUE HERE DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE HERE Airport profile: Pittsburgh Special report: Autonomous Vehicles Tech Talk: IT Trends & Digital Twins Plus: Planning & Design; Customer Service & Sustainability Making headlines Editor, Joe Bates, reflects on a milestone anniversary for Airport World and the new technology theme of this issue. This year is a significant one for us as it marks the 30th anniversary of Airport World, and we note the milestone with our new banner of ‘Proudly Serving the Airport Industry for 30 Years’. I may not have been here at the very beginning as I didn’t join the magazine until late 2000, but it’s fair to say that we have witnessed and reported on the transformation of airports over the last three decades into the more customer service focused, technology embracing, environmentally aware and commercially astute businesses that we see today. There have, of course, been many ups and downs for airports over our 30-year journey, including the all-time lows of 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic which brought global air travel to a standstill. The recent power outage at an electrical substation close to London Heathrow that forced the UK hub to close for the best part of a day, causing travel disruption across the globe, provided yet another example of the vulnerability of airports and aviation to events outside of their control. However, for every low there have been a thousand highs, whether that be new airport openings, reporting on acts of outstanding customer service, showcasing IT innovation, celebrating the best in airport design, or featuring pioneering sustainability initiatives. I also still look back with fondness at some of the more quirky stories we have run over the years, covering topics such as airport mascots, the birth of airport hotels, the world’s tallest air traffic control towers, pet hotels, and using herds of goats, sheep and llamas to graze on grass in hard to mow parts of the airport! We will, naturally, continue to cover all that is great and good about airports and aviation this year, starting with this ‘new technology’ themed first issue. The themed section contains features about autonomous vehicles; airport IT trends; emerging technologies; Dallas Love Field’s 3D LED holographic signage fan displays; and the benefits of digital twins. Pittsburgh International Airport is our lead airport feature, which has earned itself a reputation for being one of the most innovative gateways in the United States. Elsewhere in this issue, we have articles about the winners of ACI World’s 2024 ASQ Airport Experience Awards; global design trends; the latest sustainability news from airports across the world; and building design resilience into all new facilities at Amsterdam Schiphol. We round the issue out with features about Perth Airport’s ambitious A$5 billion investment programme; our regular ‘people matters’ column; industry association news; and report on the Q1 news from airport suppliers in our new ‘business exchange’ section. Hopefully, there will be more new features to come later in the year as we begin life as an independent title. I have to admit that no longer being the official publication of ACI World is a big one for us, but let me assure you that we remain on good terms with them and will continue to feature ACI World news in the magazine. You also have my word that we begin 2025 with a renewed enthusiasm to continue highlighting and promoting the best in airport operations, best practices and sustainable growth, the latter principally through reducing carbon emissions and embracing new technology and infrastructure. It is a milestone year for Airport World and I, for one, have no doubt that we will continue to deliver the same quality editorial in 2025 and beyond that we given you for the last 30 years.
airport
02 April 2025
Indy Airport Looking Ahead To Summer Travel
Airport Improvement
Indy Airport Looking Ahead To Summer TravelSpring Break delivers more for the record books in IND history INDIANAPOLIS (April 2, 2025) – As Spring Break 2025 is coming down the home stretch, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) looks back on the first quarter of this year and ahead to the summer travel season with additional flights, new routes, and a big travel event in the forecast. “We had an amazing year in 2024 with a new record of more than 10.5 million people traveling through the Best Airport in North America, and we’re looking forward to 2025 being another big year – and maybe even bigger with the addition of the Aer Lingus nonstop transatlantic flight to Dublin, Ireland launching on May 3,” said Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez. Looking back on the first quarter of 2025, the Indy airport added another Spring Break date to its record books on March 14 as the sixth biggest passenger air travel day, and March 28 as the eighth busiest passenger air travel day in the Indy airport’s history. Three other March 2025 Spring Break days made it into the Top 15 busiest days ever. Allegiant Air celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Indy airport earlier this year, Spirit Airlines launched seasonal service from Indy to New Orleans just in time for Mardi Gras, and Frontier Airlines launched two new nonstop routes in March to Atlanta and Tampa. Additionally, Southwest Airlines launched the diligently sought-after nonstop flight from Indianapolis to Nashville in March. And on March 26, American Airlines announced a new international nonstop flight to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic launching Dec. 6 – and bringing the number of nonstop flights out of Indy to an all-time high of 53. Although Spring Break 2025 is close to wrapping up for the year, there are still anticipated heavy traffic days left ahead for travelers, especially from April 4 – 6. Delta Air Lines added nonstop roundtrip flights to Orlando as a special Spring Break service on April 5 and April 12. International Flights As the Indy airport moves into late spring and early summer, Hoosier travelers can look forward to two additional nonstop international flights – with one particularly taking the spotlight. Air Canada, will reinstate its service from Indy to Toronto, Canada, on May 1, offering nonstop daily flights in May and then offering twice daily flights during the summer months (June through September). Aer Lingus will launch the most anticipated route of the year on May 3 as the Indy airport’s new transatlantic, nonstop flight to Dublin, Ireland, will make its inaugural debut. This route will also connect seamlessly to 20 destinations beyond Dublin to major cities in Europe and the United Kingdom, such as Paris, London, Frankfurt, Rome and Amsterdam. Domestic Flights Starting on April 3, Southwest will offer a schedule change to its San Diego seasonal nonstop, now operating daily flights through the end of October for the first time since 2019. Next up, Spirit will launch several nonstop flights out of Indianapolis in May to Atlanta (May 7), Charlotte and Dallas Ft. Worth (May 8) and Los Angeles (May 9). Delta also will launch its nonstop inaugural flight from Indy to Austin on May 7. Allegiant will follow with a new year-round nonstop twice-weekly flights to Portland beginning May 23. The summer will wrap up with a new Southwest flight to Chicago Midway on Aug. 5, operating nonstop twice daily, and Spirit will launch a new nonstop flight to LaGuardia (LGA) with service four times per week beginning Sept 5. “IND is working with our airline partners to ensure Hoosiers are getting to where they want to go, with more nonstop routes than ever (53 in total), specialty flights, and schedule adjustments to better accommodate Central Indiana travelers,” said Megan Carrico, IAA senior director of public affairs. “And that’s going to make for a great summer travel season, and very likely another record-breaking travel year for us.” To explore all nonstop flights available, visit the Flight Map on the IND Flights page.
airport
02 April 2025
The Future Of Passenger Experience: Industry Leaders Set To Discuss Airport Innovation In Madrid
INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
The Future Of Passenger Experience: Industry Leaders Set To Discuss Airport Innovation In MadridPosted: 2 April 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet Join industry leaders on 9 April 2025 in Madrid for an exclusive briefing on airport innovation and enhancing the passenger experience. Limited complimentary passes available. As the aviation industry adapts to increasing passenger demands and technological advancements, experts from across the sector will gather in Madrid for the International Airport Review Breakfast Briefing on 9 April 2025, during the Passenger Terminal EXPO. The event will explore how airports, airlines, and ground handlers are rethinking traditional operations to improve efficiency and enhance the passenger journey. Senior professionals and decision-makers will examine pressing industry challenges and explore innovative solutions, including: Rewriting the passenger experience – The role of AI, automation, and self-service technology in streamlining airport operations and enhancing passenger satisfaction. Baggage innovation – How airlines are leveraging mobile technology to improve baggage tracking and repatriation, turning a major operational challenge into an opportunity for customer service. Optimising airport resources – As global passenger numbers continue to rise, industry leaders will discuss strategies to enhance efficiency, infrastructure, and resilience. The panel will feature top professionals who have been instrumental in shaping modern airport operations: Date: Wednesday, 9 April 2025 Time: 07:30 – 09:00 CET Venue: Hotel AC Madrid, Feria (Located near IFEMA, the Passenger Terminal EXPO 2025 venue) This briefing provides a platform for industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions, share knowledge, and explore how airports can evolve to meet the expectations of the 21st Century passengers. For those interested in attending, limited complimentary passes are available for senior professionals. Register for a free pass   SIGN ME UP   Stay Ahead in Aviation — Subscribe for Free! Get exclusive access to the latest aviation insights from International Airport Review — all tailored to your interests. ✅ Expert-Led Webinars – Learn from industry leaders ✅ Weekly News & Reports – Airport updates, thought leadership, and exclusive interviews ✅ Event Invitations – Be part of the International Airport Summit ✅ Partner Innovations – Discover the latest industry trends Choose the updates that matter most to you. Sign up now and stay informed, inspired, and connected — all for free! Thank you for being part of our community. Let’s keep exploring the future of aviation together! Airport construction and design, Airport development, Artificial intelligence (AI), Baggage handling, Digital transformation, Operational efficiency, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Sustainability Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) InterVISTAS Consulting, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), Matarat Holding, SITA AT AIRPORTS Europe Amal Hejles, Api Appulingam, Kirk Goodlet, Nicole Hogg, ourtney Moore
airport
02 April 2025
Kansai Airport Installs Three Rohde & Schwarz Scanners
Passenger Terminal Today
Kansai Airport Installs Three Rohde & Schwarz ScannersRohde & Schwarz has announced the installation of its 2,000th QPS201 unit at Kansai International Airport (KIX). The project was supported through its local partner Teikoku Sen-I (Teisen). Teisen was contracted by KIX to install three QPS201 security scanners, which are being used at new checkpoints. The QPS201 uses millimeter-wave technology and AI-based algorithms to meet the regulatory requirements for detecting prohibited items while minimizing false alarm rates. KIX recently completed an extensive renovation of Terminal 1. As part of this overhaul, the airport’s security screening area has been revamped with new screening equipment, including the QPS201 units. Read more about the new Terminal 1 at Kansai International here.
airport
02 April 2025
Point Security To Market Liberty Defense’S Hexwave To Us Airports
Passenger Terminal Today
Point Security To Market Liberty Defense’S Hexwave To Us AirportsLiberty Defense has entered a strategic non-exclusive distribution agreement with Point Security Inc., based in Lexington, North Carolina, to introduce the Hexwave walkthrough people screening system to US airports. Point Security has 30 years of experience in the sale, rental and service of checkpoint security equipment. As part of the distribution agreement, Point Security will add the Hexwave system, which uses AI and machine learning to detect weapons and other threats in real time, to its security equipment and services portfolio. Hexwave has received a formal equipment authorization approval from the US Federal Communications Commission. Read more about it here.
airport
02 April 2025
Hong Kong International Airport Unveils ‘Treasures Of Western Waters’ Exhibition To Promote Marine Conservation
INTERNATIONAL Airport REVIEW
Hong Kong International Airport Unveils ‘Treasures Of Western Waters’ Exhibition To Promote Marine ConservationPosted: 2 April 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet The exhibition at Hong Kong International Airport offers an immersive experience on local marine life and conservation, running until 8 June 2025. Credit: Hong Kong International Airport The “Treasures of Western Waters” exhibition was launched today at the Arrivals Hall of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), aiming to raise awareness of marine conservation. Running until 8 June 2025, the exhibition offers interactive games that immerse visitors in Hong Kong’s western waters, showcasing the region’s rich marine life, including Chinese White Dolphins (CWD), gorgonian coral, oysters, and various fish species. Exclusive souvenirs will also be available. This exhibition marks the start of a series of activities by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to highlight its efforts in enhancing the ecology and biodiversity of the western waters. Future initiatives include educational eco-tours for students and green groups, and a fish restocking exercise on National Fish Releasing Day, 6 June 2025. Key figures at the launch ceremony included Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology; Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics; Patrick Lai, Acting Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation; and Vivian Cheung, Acting CEO of AAHK. Also present were officials from the Marine Ecology & Fisheries Enhancement Funds, AAHK, and the Legislative Council. Vivian Cheung stated, “HKIA sits on a trove of marine treasures in the western waters. AAHK is committed to balancing airport development with environmental protection, aiming to make HKIA one of the greenest airports in the world.” Secretary Tse Chin-wan highlighted the Government’s commitment to marine ecology, citing the designation of three new marine parks in the past five years, increasing protected marine areas by 1.5 times to over 8,500 hectares. Secretary Mable Chan noted, “The establishment of the North Lantau Marine Park and the Three-runway System Project demonstrates the Government’s dedication to environmental protection alongside infrastructure development.” AAHK has long supported marine conservation, partnering with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to establish Hong Kong’s largest marine park, the North Lantau Marine Park, and conducting voluntary marine ecology projects, including fish restocking and artificial reefs.   SIGN ME UP   Stay Ahead in Aviation — Subscribe for Free! Get exclusive access to the latest aviation insights from International Airport Review — all tailored to your interests. ✅ Expert-Led Webinars – Learn from industry leaders ✅ Weekly News & Reports – Airport updates, thought leadership, and exclusive interviews ✅ Event Invitations – Be part of the International Airport Summit ✅ Partner Innovations – Discover the latest industry trends Choose the updates that matter most to you. Sign up now and stay informed, inspired, and connected — all for free! Thank you for being part of our community. Let’s keep exploring the future of aviation together! Airport development, Biodiversity, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Social responsibility, Tourism Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), Fisheries and Conservation Department Asia Pacific and Oceania Mable Chan, Patrick Lai, Tse Chin-wan, Vivian Cheung
airport
02 April 2025
Fire Closes Heathrow Airport
Passenger Terminal Today
Fire Closes Heathrow AirportHeathrow Airport has closed due to a fire at a nearby electrical substation, affecting the supply of power to its terminals. As a result of the closure, over 1,300 flights have already been canceled, consisting of the day’s flights to and from the airport. The knock-on effect may lead to delays and further cancellations over the weekend. Flights that had already departed and were due to land at the airport had to be diverted to other airports. Selina Chadha, group director for consumers at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said, “Passengers are advised not to travel to Heathrow at this time and should contact their airlines for the latest flight updates. We appreciate the difficulties that travel disruption causes, and we expect airlines to take all necessary steps to support and assist their passengers during this period of disruption. The Civil Aviation Authority remains in close contact with Heathrow Airport, airlines and the government during this time.” Tara Spielhagen, CEO of Swiipr, the compensation payment partner of several airlines, said, “It is another day of travel chaos with the closure of Heathrow and over 1,300 flight cancellations. Passengers impacted by the shutdown are unlikely to be eligible for compensation payments if their flight is delayed or canceled, as the fire will almost certainly be considered an extraordinary event. “We remain on high support alert with all our clients, as under UK regulations airlines still have a duty of care toward passengers who experience significant disruptions, and must provide them with assistance – including the provision of food and drink and accommodation for overnight delays. Many other UK airports are likely to have increased traffic as travel to and from Heathrow spills over. “Affected airlines will be under pressure to not only reschedule flights but also ensure they are meeting their passengers’ needs and their regulatory requirements. As payment partner to many airlines, including the UK’s largest operator out of Heathrow, we anticipate a large amount of payments for passengers over the coming days. When last year’s global IT outage grounded thousands of flights, we saw a 200% rise in payments to passengers from airlines on the first day alone. ” In related news, Heathrow recently announced the largest private investment program in its history and confirmed the airport is developing proposals for a third runway to share with the government by the summer of 2025. Click here to read the full story.
airport
02 April 2025
Athens International Airport Appoints Anemos Consortium For Major Expansion
Passenger Terminal Today
Athens International Airport Appoints Anemos Consortium For Major ExpansionThe Anemos consortium, consisting of Grimshaw, Haptic, Athens-based K-Studio, Arup, Leslie Jones, Triagonal and Plan A, has been appointed to design the expansion of Athens International Airport (AIA). The project will increase the capacity of the airport from 26 million to 40 million passengers by 2032 through a phased program delivered within a live operational airport environment. Originally designed and constructed by Hochtief and completed in 2001 ready for the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, Athens International Airport is the largest airport in Greece, located 20 kilometer from the city center. The expansion project considers the current architectural context of the airport and proposes, within the masterplan brief, extensions and alterations to the main terminal building (MTB) and satellite terminal building (STB). The scope also includes landside and airside updates, aircraft stands, gate seating and commercial areas. Unifying the existing airport with the new elements is central to the design concept: an airport that reflects the past, present and future of the city. This will be guided and informed by a response to the spirit of Athenian life, the architecture and materiality of Athens, and the celebration of a city that is ingrained with layers of time. Pragmatic in layout, securing an ease of operations, efficient flows and intuitive wayfinding, a sense of place will pervade, with a rich landscaping strategy, cohesive and natural materials palette, and an infusion of daylight to all parts of the terminal building. The expansion will also build on AIA’s net zero operations target and whole life carbon commitments, adopting passive design principles, low-carbon structures and materials, modular efficient construction systems, and renewable energy, waste and water systems. The project is targeting a LEED Gold standard. Running on a north to south axis, the design for the MTB includes a new landside identity to the west. A distinct, repetitive and modular façade, creating a ‘lifted’ internal colonnade, will be defined by stone vertical fins extending across the structure. Intersecting this rhythm will be six new portals –  contemporary and light but distinct stone forms – providing an order and scale that will direct and welcome passengers to the new check-in/departures hall. In the hall, the soffit will also be lifted, diffusing daylight deep into the busy transitional space and prioritizing passenger navigation, flow and access. Two new parts of the design that reflect Athenian culture and heritage are the north and south oculus, which will be destination points and dwelling spaces, extending the existing structure and accessed via active, flowing, rhythmic street spaces, balconies, VIP lounges and commercial zones. The north oculus will be the primary space, a rich landscaped Mediterranean garden set in a 24.5m-high circular, tiered space – a volume that at once impresses and grounds the experience of the terminal and the city beyond.  Entering the northern oculus from airside at ground level, passengers will experience a microcosm of city life – the hospitality of Athens – a memorable moment with an architectural language that flows and leads the eye to specific environments across the MTB. The south oculus will be a further dwell area, where three terraced levels will be arranged around an atrium space with generous seating and extensive landscaping alongside smaller F&B units to create a unique and memorable experience. Again, through a lifted soffit, daylight will be diffused across the space, providing long views across the terminal and navigation toward the departure gates. As part of the design proposals, the STB will change function to become a dedicated Extra Schengen facility with significant operational and spatial modifications. Linked to the MTB via a tunnel, the passenger circulation areas of the building will be substantially improved, including the integration of atrium space which, following the principles of the MTB, brings daylight into the function of these spaces, ultimately enhancing the passenger experience. The strategy for delivery across the terminal buildings emphasizes a program of modification and extension that will be transformative, while minimizing disruption to the existing facilities. DESIGN TEAM Client:  Athens International Airport Architect: Grimshaw, Haptic and K-Studio Engineer:Arup Retail design consultant: Leslie Jones Wayfinding: Triagonal Design management: Plan A “The Anemos team was brought together by its shared values, approach and purpose and combines deep local knowledge and international expertise in the design and delivery of complex infrastructure and aviation projects,” commented Conor Hoey, Europe aviation business leader, Arup. “As world leaders in aviation design, Arup is proud to bring its advanced approach – integrating energy, digital technologies, sustainability and user-centred design – to the team. This win is a testament to the AIA’s trust in us to support it in reaching its full capacity with a fresh, innovative and passenger-focused experience that will exceed the highest standards of aviation excellence.” Cormac Deavy, project director and UKIMEA property, science and industry business leader, Arup, added, “I am delighted to be leading the Arup team in providing all the technical and engineering services required to deliver this transformational project, as an integral part of the Anemos consortium. Synthesizing the different technical inputs in an integrated way, while blending the old with the new, will be essential as we deliver this project that has sustainability at its heart.”
airport
02 April 2025