Once viewed as holiday low points, marred by security queues, delays, and managing overweight bags, airports are now spreading their wings.
By transcending mere functionality, these new gateways are creating powerful first and last impressions upon travelers that are shaping their perceptions of their host countries.
Singapore’s Changi Airport is a prime example of innovative airport design that has become a destination in its own right with themed gardens, a rooftop swimming pool, and world-class retail and dining options. As a result, the transit hub is not only a beacon of efficiency, but a symbol of Singapore’s commitment to upscale cultural tourism.
Saudi Arabia’s planned Red Sea International Airport takes this idea one step further by adopting a biomimetic design that mirrors the adjacent desert’s colors and textures allowing passengers to immerse in their holiday the moment they leave the aircraft. Projected to serve one million passengers per year by 2030, it promises a travel experience that is both environmentally friendly and streamlined.
Similarly, Abha Airport Terminal, inspired by its UNESCO World Heritage Site Rijal Almaa, replicates the mud-brick architecture of the historic village, introducing a human-scale approach that prioritizes naturality. By blending indoor and outdoor spaces, it creates a cohesive environment that reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
It is all part of a major shift in the traveler mindset where individuals deliberately arrive early, to revel in the entertainment offerings that modern airports provide.
One such example is the ever-transforming plaza at Munich Airport Centre. It undergoes a seasonal metamorphosis throughout the year, from summer surfing and October beer festivals to Christmas shopping in December.
The great 19th Century adventure writer Robert Louis Stevenson once observed:
“to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.” These days, he might never leave the airport.
Insignia Worldwide is a brand development partner for Red Sea Global.