How airports are becoming luxury destinations with Michelin-standard dining, spas and cutting-edge technology

From Abu Dhabi to Beijing, Dubai to Singapore, they have evolved to meet the demands of discerning travellers

Zaha Hadid Architects designed the futuristic-looking Beijing Daxing International Airport. Reuters

For years, airports have been the least fun part of travelling for many people. They were synonymous with stress, long queues and uninspiring grab-and-go food. But times are changing. With air travel on the rise globally, airports are evolving to meet the increasing demands of discerning travellers. From cutting-edge technology to world-class amenities, these modern hubs are setting new standards for luxury and efficiency.

Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi is a futuristic marvel, with a sleek terminal in a stunning, curved design. Recently named the world's most beautiful airport, it's the home base for Etihad Airways and features no shortage of luxury experiences. There's a multi-level passenger lounge complete with a chandelier-topped bar that would rival some of the hippest joints in New York, large-scale public artworks that are also smart technology enabled and a diverse collection of restaurants, including from beloved local gourmet store Jones the Grocer.

“Airports are truly undergoing a transformation,” says Yunib Siddiqui, chief executive of Jones the Grocer, a brand that is now well-established at airports across the Gulf region.

Sayad Ibrahimli, regional director of sales and marketing at Plaza Premium Lounge in Dubai, agrees. “The airport used to just be a transit point before, but today it’s a space for more personalised experiences and hassle-free travels,” he says.

But the luxury airport revolution isn't specific to the Middle East. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has a new state-of-the-art Terminal 2 that has been beautifully designed to elevate travellers' experiences. Inspired by the destination's Garden City moniker, the terminal seamlessly integrates serene green spaces, landscaped gardens, soothing water features and even a dedicated plant nursery.

Family-centric experiences

Family travel continues to boom, with the latest data from travel news site Skift showing it is by far the largest segment of the US leisure travel industry. So it's perhaps no surprise that airports around the globe are responding with a range of child-friendly amenities. At Dubai International Airport, Game Space is a 24-hour entertainment haven in Terminal 3 where children can play on more than 40 stations with VR headsets, 50-inch screens and side-by-side seating for multi-player action.

In Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways' Business Lounge has a dedicated glass-fronted play area packed with books, games, toys and a large TV screen, ensuring little ones are entertained. Meanwhile, Singapore's Changi International Airport is a marvel for both young and old. Its enchanting indoor rainforest, complete with a cascading waterfall, is a highlight for many travellers, some of whom have been known to fly there just to see the airport. It's also one of Siddiqui's favourites.

"While I cherish the simplicity of older airports like Lusaka and the Seychelles, Changi is a fantastic example of a modern, family-friendly hub," he says.

Collinson International, a global leader in travel experiences, prioritises family-friendly amenities in its Priority Pass lounges around the globe. “Many of our lounges offer dedicated play areas, and all include essential facilities like mother and baby care rooms and changing stations,” says Priyanka Lakhani, senior vice president of commercial, EMEA and International.

Food for thought

One area of the airport experience that has been entirely revamped in recent years is the gastronomy side. Modern technology has revolutionised airport dining, allowing for a much wider range of culinary options.

Todd English's Global Food Hall and Pub at Zayed International Airport combines celebrity chef status with in-airport eats and an international menu designed to cater to travellers from all over the world. "First we had to create a menu that would cater to the needs and likes of people from the West and people from the East," says Vadim Motlik, chief executive of Lagardere Travel Retail, which has teamed up with Todd English to open several food and beverage airport outlets. "We favour local sourcing and high-quality products."

Yet, while airport dining has improved significantly, the space isn't without its challenges, as Siddiqi explains. “The biggest challenge is actually getting the ingredients and the food that's being produced into the airport in a timely manner," he says. "Luckily, if you're delivering pre-cooked food or frozen food, the technology has improved so dramatically in the last five to 10 years, that you can freeze-dry and food stays fresh for a longer period of time."

A place to play and unwind

Despite the growing trend of luxurious airport experiences, many travellers still struggle to unwind during their journeys. A recent Collinson International survey revealed that nearly half of travellers in the UAE, or 49 per cent, find it difficult to relax. To address this, airports are increasingly offering a range of wellness and entertainment options.

Zayed International Airport recently opened the Etihad Spa by Be Relax, where travellers can indulge in a variety of treatments, from reflexology foot massages to rejuvenating facials. “Whether you're departing from Abu Dhabi or arriving on connecting flights, our spa offers flexible services to ensure you arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go,” said Turky Al Hammadi, director of product and hospitality at Etihad Airways.

At Beijing Daxing International Airport, which has the world's largest airport terminal, Zaha Hadid Architects' visionary design extends beyond the building's starfish-shaped form. The airport's tranquil oasis, complete with a yoga room and five serene traditional gardens, is designed as a place where travellers can escape the chaos to embrace a moment of peace.

Meanwhile, in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines' business class lounge offers facilities for a serene escape with daybeds, mobile massage services and even a nearby Yotel pod hotel for those seeking more than a cat nap. For the more adventurous, the airport lounge also offers a futuristic flight simulator inspired by the Ottoman aviator Hezarfen Ahmed Celebi. Offering a thrilling escape from airport stresses, travellers can immerse themselves in a VR experience that recreates Celebi's flight over Istanbul. They'll soar above landmarks such as the Galata Tower, the Blue Mosque and the Maiden's Tower.

Lounge access: A perk worth pursuing

Many travellers are taking matters into their own hands to elevate their airport experiences. Payment cards offering travel benefits like airport lounge access are becoming increasingly popular. According to Collinson International, nearly half of consumers in the UAE cite lounge access as a key reason for signing up for premium credit cards.

“In the UAE and Saudi Arabia there's a strong demand for luxurious, personalised airport experiences,” says Lakhani. “Travellers seek comfort and convenience to unwind before their flights.”

To meet this demand, airlines and airports around the world are investing in lounges with an increasing number of unique perks. Finnair's Platinum Wing Lounge at Helsinki Airport provides a Nordic sanctuary complete with a traditional Finnish sauna. At Lufthansa's First Class Lounge in Munich Airport travellers can hop in a Jacuzzi, take in the sights from the roof terrace and visit the cigar lounge. In Switzerland, the airline's first-class lounge at Geneva Airport has two fully furnished hotel rooms for travellers. Qatar Airways' Al Safwa First Class Lounge at Doha's Hamad International Airport provides spa treatments in private rooms and a thermal jacuzzi for premium passengers.

Meanwhile, affluent holidaymakers flying from Los Angeles International Airport can visit the world's first private terminal for commercial travel in the US. Having opened in 2017, PS is in its own building, avoiding the business of the main terminal and looks every bit like a private members club with luxury interiors, a buzzy lounge and private suites where a la carte dining is served. Travellers with access to the lounge also have expedited security and customs clearance, and when it's time to board their flight, they are transferred directly to the tarmac.

AI-enabled airports

Artificial intelligence has played a huge role in revolutionising the travel experience. Dubai International Airport is a prime example of this as the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic, utilises biometric technology to streamline security checks. Passengers can breeze through immigration and boarding gates with a simple fingerprint scan, reducing wait times before flights.

Zayed International Airport also leverages biometric technology to enhance passenger travel, by using fingerprint recognition for check-in, boarding and immigration services. In Qatar, Hamad International Airport is at the forefront of technological innovation as it was one of the first airports to deploy advanced CT scanners, which allow passengers to keep their laptops and liquids inside their carry-on bags, speeding up security screenings. It also uses robotic luggage tugs to more efficiently transport baggage.

As technology continues to advance, airports are set for even greater transformation. Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport – which is aiming to become the world's busiest – will become a model of efficiency and innovation. “We're determined to engineer out legacy processes and invest heavily in automation,” Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, previously told The National. “AI will play a crucial role in enhancing customer service and improving overall airport operations.”

In the future, AI-powered systems will further revolutionise the airport experience by analysing passenger data and then offering tailored recommendations for dining, shopping and lounge access. Some of these services may even be delivered by robots.

Mineta San Jose International Airport in California has already made use of robotic assistants to guide travellers, while Kansai International Airport in Japan employs robotic security patrols to enhance safety. Boston Dynamics, an American robotics design company, has showcased some of its work at airports in London and Rome where Spot, a quadruped robot that looks like a dog, has been used to conduct runway inspections, patrol terminals and assist with airport logistics.

With this continuous integration of cutting-edge technology, the future of air travel looks poised to be more efficient, convenient and personalised than ever before.