How Asia’s airports are reshaping the future of travel.

For many travelers, airports are synonymous with stress and frustration, often adding unnecessary tension to the journey.

However, airports across Asia are transforming the traditional terminal into a sought-after destination, featuring state-of-the-art technology and meticulously designed, futuristic spaces.

It’s no wonder that airports in Asia swept the 2018 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

So, what sets these airports apart from the rest of the world?

Aviation expert Harriet Baskas, founder of StuckAtTheAirport.com, highlights the added amenities that make airports not just a stopover, but an experience that both travelers and non-travelers can enjoy.

She notes that Asian airports, particularly Singapore’s Changi and South Korea’s Incheon, have mastered the art of transforming airport terminals into attractions in their own right, offering a blend of art, culture, dining, entertainment, relaxation zones, green areas, and ample shopping opportunities.

Technology takes center stage in Seoul.

Travelers arriving at Incheon Airport (ranked number two on this year’s best airports list) for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics had the chance to experience the brand-new Terminal 2, which opened just weeks before the Games.

In addition to increasing capacity at Korea’s busiest international gateway, the terminal was designed with passenger needs in mind, with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technology.

At the heart of the terminal lies the Great Hall, a stunning four-story space adorned with elegant granite and wood finishes, showcasing artworks by local artists.

The real excitement begins when you spot the fleet of robots designed to assist passengers throughout the airport.

Gone are the days of searching for an information desk or trying to navigate through confusing terminal maps.

These helpful robots scan your boarding pass and guide you to your gate, communicating in four languages: Korean, English, Mandarin, and Japanese.

When not directly assisting travelers, the robots roam the terminal, flashing final boarding calls and providing helpful reminders.

Incheon’s robots aren’t just there for navigation; one model is tasked with keeping the terminal spotless. It remembers the messiest areas and efficiently navigates the space, working like a giant Roomba.

Baskas was also impressed by the live music performances, interactive centers where visitors could explore traditional arts, and the playful zones designed for both kids and adults.

The world’s top airport.

When it comes to crafting an exceptional, world-class airport experience, Singapore’s Changi Airport remains the gold standard.

In March, Changi was once again named the world’s best airport by Skytrax, securing the title for an impressive sixth consecutive year.

Lee Seow Hiang, the CEO of Changi Airport, notes that the award motivates them to keep delivering the best possible passenger experience for everyone passing through the airport.

So, what makes Changi stand out among the world’s busy airports?

The standout feature is the wide array of leisure amenities. The four terminals are filled to the brim with shopping, dining, and entertainment options for both arriving and departing passengers.

As Baskas explains, Terminal 3 boasts its iconic multi-story slide, a butterfly garden, and other beautifully themed garden spaces. Passengers waiting for their flight can even enjoy a cinema. Of course, the world’s tallest airport slide is a hit with children.

In Terminal 2’s departure hall, the Enchanted Garden offers a sensory journey with its twinkling lights, winding paths, and motion-activated sounds of nature, complemented by giant floral sculptures.

For those seeking a more peaceful environment, the terminal’s orchid and sunflower gardens provide a serene space to relax before your flight.

Terminal 4, which opened in 2017, showcases cutting-edge automated technology.

Passengers can check in at kiosks and print luggage tags electronically, thanks to a facial recognition system that eliminates the need for manual identity verification.

Navigating the departure gate is simplified with a streamlined process that combines boarding pass and passport checks into a single step. At the final security checkpoint, CT scanners allow passengers to leave their electronic devices in their bags.

Even the final boarding process is automated, with gates equipped with facial recognition technology for added convenience.

What’s on the horizon? In 2019, Changi will unveil its flagship ‘Jewel’ terminal, where the line between airport and fantasy will be blurred even further.

At the heart of this 10-story, donut-shaped structure will be a towering indoor waterfall and a lush rainforest. The space will also feature an array of dining, shopping, and hotel options, all connected to the terminals for both passengers and curious visitors to explore.

Japan: Impeccable cleanliness and customer care.

Japan’s aviation industry has always been led by visionaries pushing the boundaries of innovation.

As Japan’s urban airports became increasingly congested, the aviation sector was at the forefront of creating offshore airports to meet the growing demand for air travel.

Take Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, for example. Opened in 1994, it was constructed on a man-made island in Osaka Bay to alleviate congestion at the city’s original airport.

Japan also pioneered the integration of high-speed rail and other transport hubs into airports, ensuring smooth connections for travelers across the country.

Today, Japanese airports are focused on enhancing the passenger experience.

Walking through any of the three terminals at Haneda Airport near Tokyo is a lesson in clear, efficient design. Ranked third in this year’s Skytrax poll, Haneda has earned praise for its pristine cleanliness, comfort, and the helpfulness of staff and immigration officers who guide passengers in fluent English, should the clear signs not be enough.

Like many airports in the region, Haneda is turning to robotics to improve services, including the introduction of automated wheelchairs that assist passengers with limited mobility in reaching their gates.

Further south, Chubu Centrair, another iconic island airport in Japan, is located near Nagoya.

Opened in 2005, this airport features a shopping mall designed like a traditional street market. But what truly sets it apart is its bathhouse – a rare amenity where travelers can unwind before or after a long flight.

From early morning, passengers can check in their bags (and even clothes) to enjoy the four pools and spa facilities, or relax while watching planes from the outdoor deck.

Beijing: A blueprint for the airports of the future.

With passenger numbers traveling to and within the Asia-Pacific region expected to increase by 1.8 billion over the next two decades, airports in the region are preparing for the coming surge.

In China, where plans are in place to build 136 new airports by 2025, a colossal aviation hub is rising near the capital.

Daxing International Airport is set to surpass Beijing Capital Airport when it opens in late 2019.

Recent photos from inside the massive, flower-shaped terminal give a glimpse of the scale of this project, which is designed to handle 100 million passengers annually once fully operational.

The terminal will feature short walking distances to gates, with gardens and soaring ceilings creating a sense of spaciousness throughout.

But how will passengers travel between the new airport and the city, which is located 67 kilometers away?

This is where the new inter-city train connection comes into play.

Traveling at 350 kilometers per hour, the train will effortlessly cover the distance, drastically reducing travel times.

When compared to the traffic jams and inadequate public transport at many other airports, it's clear that Beijing has addressed this challenge before the airport even opens.

Originally published in April 2018, updated in October 2018