GERMANY. Frankfurt Airport has trialled Bluetooth-enabled Auracast broadcast audio at two gates in Terminal 1, allowing passengers to receive announcements straight to their personal hearing aids, earbuds and smartphones.
By becoming the world’s first airport to implement this innovation, Frankfurt reinforces its commitment to inclusivity for the nearly one in five people globally, or over 1.5 billion (Source: WHO), who live with hearing loss.
Auracast broadcast audio is a Bluetooth technology that allows public sound to be streamed directly to passengers’ personal devices.
It reduces background noise during announcements, allowing travellers to hear clearly by simply connecting and listening, similar to taking a phone call or listening to music on their device.
Installed at gates A16 and A17, the solution will be assessed over the next two months through surveys of passengers and staff, evaluating its effectiveness, accessibility, comfort and overall passenger experience.
The testing is part of a digital accessibility initiative funded by Distr@l, a public programme from the German state of Hesse that promotes innovative digital projects and collaboration between research and industry.
The project is a collaborative initiative led by Sittig Technologies, with Fraport and the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.
Fraport Senior Executive Vice President Aviation Alexander Laukenmann said, “As the airport operator, we want our passengers to have a comfortable and relaxing stay at our terminals.
“By bringing clear, personalised announcements directly into passengers’ own hearing devices, we are offering another attractive service to our customers while at the same time taking an important step towards a more inclusive airport.”
Sittig Technologies CEO US Johannes Sittig added: “Auracast fundamentally changes how announcements work in airports. We are proud to collaborate with Frankfurt Airport as a first mover, guided by a clear vision for a more inclusive, passenger-centric travel experience.
“Together, we’re transforming automated and manual gate announcements into a direct, personal audio service delivered straight to passengers’ own devices.
“By integrating Auracast into our PAXGuide announcement platform, we’re redefining airport communication without requiring airports to replace their existing infrastructure.”
Supporting hearing accessibility and silent airport concept
Auracast broadcast audio allows passengers using compatible hearing aids, earbuds, headphones or assistive listening devices to receive gate announcements on their smartphones. It delivers clearer audio for travellers with hearing loss or those who often struggle to hear announcements in busy terminals.
The technology also enhances ‘silent airport’ initiatives, replacing traditional loudspeaker announcements with direct personal updates.
Boarding calls, gate changes, delays and other important flight information can be delivered directly to passengers’ Auracast-enabled audio devices and smartphones, including models from partners such as Pixel and Samsung, or an app for GN Auracast hearing devices.
GN Hearing Division President Peter Justesen said, “Frankfurt Airport is setting a new standard for inclusive travel, and we are proud that GN can help make that possible.
“As the first company to introduce Auracast into hearing aids, we’re now bringing this innovation to travellers – giving passengers with hearing loss clearer access to gate information and a smoother, more confident journey.
“Our hope is that this pilot will inspire many more airports to embrace the next era of connected and accessible travel.”
Samsung Electronics Corporate Vice President and Head of Connectivity R&D, Mobile eXperience Business JM Choi added: “We are proud to support Frankfurt Airport’s vision for a quieter, more accessible travel experience that benefits all passengers. This project demonstrates how Auracast and Bluetooth LE Audio can deliver real, everyday benefits for users.
“Our industry-leading connectivity technology ensures a seamless, robust connection even in high-density airport environments, while significantly improving battery efficiency.
“By integrating Auracast across our devices, Samsung delivers a complete end-to-end experience, enhancing accessibility and confidence for travellers.”
Seamless integration
Auracast transmitters are integrated directly into Sittig’s PAXModular IP paging stations, which are already in place at Frankfurt Airport gates.
This integration enabled Auracast broadcast audio to roll out at the airport without additional hardware or rebuild, with all automated announcements from Sittig’s PAXGuide system delivered via these transmitters.
The installation is supported by technology partners, including GN, Google, Samsung and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, highlighting strong industry support for Auracast and its potential to improve accessibility in public spaces. ✈
AIRPORT INCLUSIVITY WORLDThis story forms part of our Airport Inclusivity World coverage, the latest addition to our diverse, market-leading travel retail and airport non-aeronautical revenues content. Airport Inclusivity World embraces a wide array of key subjects including airport Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Mobility. With the World Health Organization estimating that 1.3 billion people – about one in six worldwide – experience significant disability, we see this subject as a key element in our world-leading passenger experience content.
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