The Airport Moving Walkway System Market size was estimated at USD 1.25 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.85 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.90% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Airport Moving Walkway System Market

Market Summary

The airport moving walkway system market is a specialized segment within the manufacturing and construction industry, focused on the production, installation, and maintenance of automated pedestrian conveyors used in airport terminals globally. These systems are critical for enhancing passenger mobility, reducing congestion, and improving the overall traveler experience by efficiently transporting people between gates, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas. The market is characterized by continuous technological advancements aimed at increasing energy efficiency, operational reliability, and safety features. Key industry participants are engaged in developing innovative solutions that integrate with smart airport infrastructures, including IoT-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities. The demand for these systems is closely tied to airport expansion projects, terminal modernizations, and the growing global air passenger traffic, which necessitates efficient passenger flow management solutions. Regions with high investments in aviation infrastructure, particularly in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, represent significant growth avenues. The competitive landscape is defined by a mix of global elevator and escalator manufacturers who have specialized divisions for airport people mover solutions, catering to both new installations and the substantial aftermarket services segment.

Key Highlights

The airport moving walkway system market is distinguished by several key highlights that underscore its importance and trajectory. A primary highlight is the integration of advanced technologies such as regenerative drives, which convert braking energy into reusable electricity, significantly reducing the operational carbon footprint of airports. Furthermore, the adoption of condition-based monitoring systems allows for real-time performance tracking and predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and enhancing system longevity. The market is also witnessing a trend towards customization, where manufacturers design walkways to meet specific architectural and passenger flow requirements of individual airports, including curved models for unique terminal layouts. Safety remains a paramount concern, driving innovations in sensor technology to prevent entrapment and ensure smooth acceleration and deceleration. Leading companies like Otis Worldwide Corporation, Schindler, and TK Elevator are at the forefront, investing heavily in R&D to introduce quieter, more efficient, and aesthetically pleasing models. The emphasis on sustainability is pushing the development of energy-efficient components and the use of recyclable materials, aligning with global green building initiatives and airport sustainability certifications.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The growth of the airport moving walkway system market is propelled by several key drivers, primarily the global increase in air passenger traffic which necessitates efficient terminal layouts and passenger handling solutions. Airport expansions and modernization projects across emerging economies are significant catalysts, creating sustained demand for new installations. The push towards enhancing passenger experience and reducing wait times also drives investments in efficient people mover systems. Opportunities in this market are abundant, particularly in the integration of smart technologies and IoT for predictive maintenance and energy management, offering new revenue streams for service providers. The rising focus on accessibility and compliance with stringent disability regulations presents opportunities for innovative design solutions. However, the market faces notable restraints, including the high initial capital investment and installation costs associated with these systems, which can be a barrier for airports with limited budgets. Additionally, the complexity of integrating new systems into existing airport infrastructures without disrupting operations poses significant challenges. Economic volatility and reduced travel demand, as witnessed during global crises, can also lead to deferred or canceled airport projects, temporarily restraining market growth.

Concentration Insights

The competitive concentration in the airport moving walkway system market is characterized by a high level of consolidation among a few major international players who possess extensive global reach and technical expertise. Companies such as KONE Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Hitachi Ltd. dominate the landscape, leveraging their broad portfolios in vertical transportation to offer integrated mobility solutions for airports. This oligopolistic nature is due to the significant barriers to entry, including the need for substantial R&D investment, established service networks, and long-standing relationships with airport authorities and construction firms. These leading players often engage in strategic partnerships and contracts for large-scale airport projects, further cementing their market position. Regional and local manufacturers tend to focus on specific geographic markets or niche segments, but the overall market share is concentrated. The aftermarket segment, involving maintenance and modernization, is also highly competitive, with service contracts being a critical revenue source. This concentration drives continuous innovation as companies strive to differentiate their offerings through technology, reliability, and comprehensive service agreements.

Type Insights

Airport moving walkway systems are primarily categorized into two main types based on their design and functionality: pallet-type and belt-type moving walkways. Pallet-type systems consist of a series of connected metal plates or pallets that form a continuous, flat surface for passenger movement. These are known for their high durability and ability to handle heavy loads, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and longer distances within large airport terminals. They often feature a comb-plate design at the entrance and exit for smooth transition. Belt-type moving walkways utilize a continuous rubber belt, similar to a conveyor, and are generally used for shorter distances and lower capacity applications. They are valued for their smoother ride quality and quieter operation. The choice between these types depends on various factors including the required passenger throughput, installation length, architectural constraints, and budget considerations. Manufacturers are continuously innovating both types to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise levels, and incorporate advanced safety features like yellow demarcation lines and sensor-based speed control to enhance user safety and comfort.

Application Insights

The application of airport moving walkway systems is critical in various zones within an airport terminal to ensure efficient passenger flow and enhance the overall travel experience. A primary application is in connecting piers or concourses to main terminal buildings, allowing passengers to quickly traverse long distances between gates, especially in large hub airports. They are indispensable in linking security checkpoints to departure lounges, reducing pedestrian congestion and stress during peak travel times. Another significant application is in the arrivals area, facilitating the movement of passengers from aircraft gates to baggage claim and customs facilities. Furthermore, these systems are increasingly being installed in multi-level terminals to provide accessible connections between different floors, complementing elevator and escalator systems. Some modern airports also utilize moving walkways in retail areas to gently guide passengers past commercial offerings without impeding flow. The design and specification of the walkway system for each application are tailored based on expected passenger volume, distance, and the need for integration with other terminal systems like baggage handling and flight information displays.

Regional Insights

The demand for airport moving walkway systems exhibits distinct regional variations influenced by levels of economic development, aviation infrastructure investment, and passenger traffic growth. The Asia-Pacific region represents a highly dynamic and rapidly growing market, driven by massive airport construction and expansion projects in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations, where governments are investing heavily in aviation to support economic growth. The Middle East is another key region, with hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi continuously expanding their world-class airport facilities, creating strong demand for advanced people mover systems. North America and Europe are mature markets characterized primarily by retrofit and modernization projects in existing airports, aiming to replace aging infrastructure with more energy-efficient and technologically advanced walkways. Latin America and Africa present emerging opportunities, focused on specific gateway airports in major cities undergoing upgrades to accommodate increasing international travel. Each region has specific regulatory standards and environmental guidelines that influence product specifications and procurement processes for these systems.

Company Insights

The competitive landscape of the airport moving walkway system market is dominated by established multinational corporations with strong expertise in vertical transportation and large-scale infrastructure projects. Otis Worldwide Corporation is a prominent player, known for its innovative and reliable people mover solutions integrated into its broader elevator and escalator portfolio. Schindler Group offers a range of customized moving walkways designed for high-capacity airport environments, emphasizing energy efficiency and low life-cycle costs. KONE Corporation provides advanced walkway systems with features like the E-Link monitoring solution for predictive maintenance. TK Elevator (formerly Thyssenkrupp Elevator) is another key competitor, leveraging its global service network for installation and maintenance contracts. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is recognized for its high-speed and large-capacity systems often deployed in major international hubs. These companies compete not only on product technology and reliability but also on their ability to provide comprehensive, long-term service and maintenance agreements, which are crucial for airport operators seeking to minimize downtime and ensure operational continuity.

Recent Developments

The airport moving walkway system market has witnessed several significant recent developments focused on technological innovation and strategic corporate activities. A major trend is the increased integration of IoT and digitalization, allowing for real-time remote monitoring of system performance, predictive maintenance, and energy consumption analytics. Manufacturers are launching new generations of walkways with enhanced motor efficiency and regenerative drives that feed energy back into the airport's grid. There has been a noticeable push towards developing systems with reduced noise levels and improved vibration control to enhance passenger comfort. In terms of corporate strategy, key players have been actively engaging in securing contracts for major airport projects globally, particularly in emerging markets. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, with companies introducing models constructed from recycled materials and designed for easier disassembly and recycling at end-of-life. Partnerships between moving walkway manufacturers and airport technology firms are also becoming more common to create fully integrated smart mobility solutions within terminals.

Report Segmentation

This comprehensive market research report on the airport moving walkway system market offers a detailed segmentation to provide clients with granular insights for strategic decision-making. The report is segmented by type, distinguishing between pallet-type and belt-type moving walkways, analyzing the adoption trends, technological features, and market share of each. It is further segmented by application, examining the usage in different terminal areas such as concourses, security transit, arrival halls, and retail spaces, detailing the specific requirements and growth prospects for each application segment. A crucial segmentation is by geography, providing an in-depth analysis of regional markets including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, highlighting key country-level markets, regulatory frameworks, and investment hotspots. Additionally, the report includes a competitive landscape segmentation, profiling the key players, their market shares, product portfolios, and recent strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, and new product launches. This multi-faceted segmentation allows for a thorough understanding of the market dynamics from every relevant angle.

FAQs

What are the different types of airport moving walkways? The two primary types are pallet-type, which uses interlocking metal plates for heavy-duty use over longer distances, and belt-type, which employs a continuous rubber belt for smoother operation on shorter spans.

Which companies are the leading manufacturers? The market is led by global giants including Otis Worldwide Corporation, Schindler Group, KONE Corporation, TK Elevator, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, who specialize in high-capacity systems for aviation environments.

What are the key benefits of installing these systems? Key benefits include reduced passenger walking time and fatigue, decreased terminal congestion, improved passenger flow management, enhanced accessibility for elderly and disabled travelers, and potential increases in retail dwell time and spending.

How does the installation process work in an active airport? Installation is a complex process often conducted in phased overnight or off-peak hours to minimize disruption. It involves detailed planning, structural reinforcement, utility coordination, and rigorous safety protocols to ensure continuous airport operation.

What are the main maintenance requirements? Regular maintenance includes inspection of steps/balustrades, belt/pallet tracking, comb plate alignment, drive motor and chain lubrication, safety sensor testing, and compliance checks with local aviation and safety regulations.

What factors influence the selection of a specific system? Selection depends on passenger volume forecasts, required horizontal and vertical distance, architectural integration constraints, budget, desired energy efficiency, noise level requirements, and long-term maintenance service agreements.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Airport Moving Walkway System Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Airport Moving Walkway System Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Airport Moving Walkway System Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Airport Moving Walkway System Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Airport Moving Walkway System Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Airport Moving Walkway System Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Airport Moving Walkway System Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Airport Moving Walkway System Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Airport Moving Walkway System Market
• Airport Moving Walkway System Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Airport Moving Walkway System Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Airport Moving Walkway System Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Airport Moving Walkway System Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Airport Moving Walkway System Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Airport Moving Walkway System Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Airport Moving Walkway System Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Airport Moving Walkway System Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

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