INTERNATIONAL. Airports are rapidly evolving into technology-driven hubs which are reshaping the travel experience and unlocking significant commercial potential, according to a new survey by Collinson Group-owned Priority Pass, the world’s leading airport lounge and experiences programme.
The report, titled Tomorrow’s Journey: Smarter, Faster, Connected, surveyed over 12,000 travellers, including several thousand from key markets across Asia Pacific such as Hong Kong, Australia, India, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.
It highlights how digital innovation is transforming traveller behaviour, spending and engagement at airports worldwide.
Priority Pass cited a Strait Research report which estimates that the global airport automation market size is projected to surge from US$55.05 billion in 2025 to US$85.12 billion by 2033, fuelled by rising passenger expectations and investment in digital infrastructure.
From biometric ID and real-time passenger updates to fully automated check-in and bag drop, the Priority Pass report finds smart technologies are directly influencing traveller choices and spend.
Key survey findings
A key survey output was that in APAC, nearly eight in ten travellers identified fast-track security (78%) and digital boarding passes (77%) as the most impactful technologies, closely followed by 74% and 72% of respondents valuing automated baggage drops and advanced security scanners, respectively.
Other highlights included that 68% of APAC travellers – particularly Gen Z (77%) and Millennials (73%) – report increased spending at airports due to automation, compared to the global average of 60%.
Among travellers in this region, nearly half (48%) gain an extra 10-30 minutes per journey thanks to automation, and one in five (21%) gain up to an hour, using this time to dine (58%), shop (51%) or visit airport lounges (46%).
In addition, close to one-third (31%) of APAC travellers also say they feel more relaxed and therefore more inclined to treat themselves due to automation.
Airport lounge insights
Airport lounges and other premium services were found by the survey to be central to today’s airport experience, with 80% of APAC travellers having visited at least once.
Lounge users are also a high-value demographic, with 73% spending more at airports thanks to automation, compared to 45% of non-lounge users.
This trend has been further underlined by a Collinson study conducted by independent data analytics company Fonto. The study revealed that Australian payment cardholders who have Priority Pass spend an additional +19% per annum versus cardholders who have lounge access through other providers or have comparable cards without lounge access.
According to the Priority Pass survey, the top three features that travellers would like to see in airport lounges in future are smarter, tech-enabled environments with personalised food, entertainment and workspaces (46%), a seamless experience booking through apps (42%), and sustainable and eco-friendly design in lounges and wellness areas (41%).
In APAC, 67% of travellers said that payment card access to lounges has made their airport journey better.
Blending technology and the human touch
The report notes that as technology continues to transform the airport journey, travellers are increasingly open to automation if it does not come at the expense of service, trust or personal connection.
The survey found that some 69% of APAC travellers believe airports are adopting AI and technology at the right pace, and underlines the continued importance of human support at critical points, including customer service (66%), security (53%) and lost and found (52%).
“These moments carry emotional weight and uncertainty, and a human presence is a source of calm and clarity,” Priority Pass observed.
Looking to the future, travellers in APAC are eager for innovations such as globally consistent security (45%), fully biometric journeys (44%) and smart baggage tracking (43%).
Reaction
Collinson International CEO Christopher Evans said, “With travel volumes continuing to rise, airports are looking to technology to help enhance the curb-to-gate journey whilst also increasing traveller spend.
“Automation is freeing up valuable time, lowering stress levels and providing better information, in real time to the traveller. When the experience delivers, travellers are more inclined to explore places to relax, sample dining options or retail stores.
“By integrating digital access to lounges and new airport experiences into the Priority Pass app, we’re creating more choice and opportunities for enhanced moments throughout the journey.”
Collinson International Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair Todd Handcock commented, “The dynamic APAC region is home to some of the world’s busiest international airport hubs, with several airports investing significantly in expansion and modernisation of infrastructure to meet growing demand.
“The region is also leading the charge in adopting airport technology; in turn, setting new global standards for efficiency and traveller experience. Nonetheless, it is clear from our research that travellers in APAC also place high value on connection, trust and service alongside these innovations.
“Brands who can seamlessly integrate cutting-edge digital solutions with meaningful human experiences can fully maximise the benefits of digital transformation, elevate the travel journeys of their customers and enable increased payment cardholder spend.”
Access the full report here. ✈
