Digital Transformation in Airports: Innovations at Geneva, Cincinnati, and Beyond
Geneva Airport (Switzerland) is advancing its digital transformation with the introduction of a new Airport Operations System (AOS) developed by SITA, a global provider of air transport IT and communications solutions. The initiative supports projected passenger growth to 20 million by 2030 while improving operational efficiency and sustainability.
The SITA system integrates aircraft movement coordination, stand and gate allocation, baggage belt management, and real-time flight information sharing across digital channels. By combining the Airport Management System, resource allocation tools, and the Information Display System into a single platform, it gives airport teams, airlines, and ground handlers a unified operational view to enhance coordination and decision-making.
Passengers are benefiting from enhanced self-service bag drop facilities, initially launched in late 2023 and now fully deployed across all counters. The upgrade has reduced queue times and increased passenger satisfaction by 70%, establishing Geneva as a benchmark for mid-sized European airports, improving passenger flow through automation and data-driven management.
SITA’s AOS also provides the foundation for a forthcoming Airport Operations Plan (AOP) aimed at deeper collaboration between airport stakeholders. According to Geneva Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, Gilles Ruffenacht, the investment aligns with the airport’s CAP2030 modernisation strategy, which includes redevelopment of the main terminal and the creation of a multimodal transport hub to support long-term, sustainable growth.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (Kentucky, United States) has introduced biometric electronic gates (eGates) developed by identity verification company CLEAR, becoming one of the first U.S. airports to deploy the system in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The new technology enables CLEAR Plus members to verify their identity in 5 seconds by matching a live facial image to their identification document and boarding pass before proceeding directly to physical screening. TSA said the eGates are being piloted at no cost to taxpayers as part of a broader federal initiative to enhance airport security through facial recognition and automated screening technology.
CLEAR stated that only limited passenger data are transmitted — including a live photo, boarding pass and enrolment ID — and that the system cannot override TSA screening decisions. The company expects the technology to improve processing times ahead of increased travel demand for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations.
The eGate rollout follows earlier trials at major airports including Atlanta, Washington Reagan, and Seattle–Tacoma, and joins similar installations at LaGuardia, JFK and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has extended its long-term partnership with Boingo Wireless, a U.S.-based provider of 5G and Wi-Fi infrastructure, to upgrade and expand wireless connectivity across major transportation hubs, including airports. Under the agreement, approved by the Port Authority Board in June 2025, Boingo will modernise and extend 5G, Wi-Fi and private network systems to enhance passenger connectivity, operational security and digital infrastructure. The contract runs through 2038, with an option to extend until 2043, and ensures the continued provision of free high-speed internet access to travellers.
Boingo’s upgraded networks will serve John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and New York Stewart airports, among other Port Authority facilities. The improvements will support mobile ticketing, payments, biometric screening, and real-time operational coordination while incorporating encryption and 24-hour monitoring for data and infrastructure security.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole said the partnership reinforces the agency’s goal of building a smarter, more connected transport system, while Executive Director Rick Cotton noted that the new digital systems will improve customer experience and operational efficiency. Boingo CEO Mike Finley stated that the enhanced networks will deliver reliable, multi-carrier 5G and Wi-Fi coverage designed to meet future passenger and operational demands.
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Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Texas, United States) has partnered with Jacobs Solutions Inc. and PA Consulting on a large-scale digital transformation programme to enhance operational efficiency and cybersecurity. Jacobs, which has extensive experience in artificial intelligence and data analytics, will develop AI-based tools to strengthen DFW’s digital infrastructure and create a scalable model for other airports. The initiative comes as the airport, which handled nearly 88 million passengers in 2024, continues construction of its new Terminal F to meet rising traffic demand.
Jacobs, already engaged in digital infrastructure projects at major global hubs including Heathrow, Denver and Los Angeles, said the collaboration will position DFW as a blueprint for the “intelligent airport of the future.”
Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), operator of Curaçao International Airport (Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles), has signed an agreement with Swiss firm Xovis to introduce real-time passenger flow monitoring across the airport. The partnership will deploy the Xovis Passenger Flow Management System to continuously measure processing times and passenger movement at key checkpoints. The system will provide 24/7 data to identify bottlenecks, optimise staffing and streamline operations, reducing queues and improving passenger predictability and comfort.
CAP Chief Executive Ricardo Hernández said the initiative will support data-based management and operational responsiveness, strengthening the airport’s capacity to maintain efficient service standards.
Curaçao International Airport becomes the first airport in the Caribbean to adopt Xovis technology, joining airports such as Düsseldorf (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dallas/Fort Worth (USA) and Quito (Ecuador). CAP said the integration underlines its strategy of applying digital innovation to enhance efficiency and passenger experience.
du, a telecom and digital services provider based in the United Arab Emirates, has partnered with Dubai Airports (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) to deliver high-performance managed Wi-Fi and wired internet services across Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport.
Announced at GITEX Global 2025, the collaboration aims to enhance digital connectivity for passengers, tenants, and airport employees through a fully integrated platform that provides secure, high-speed access and real-time analytics. The system will also support tenant-branded Wi-Fi, personalised user experiences and detailed network performance monitoring.
du Chief Executive Officer Fahad Al Hassawi said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and its expertise in managing complex ICT infrastructure at major transport hubs. Dubai Airports Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer Omar Binadai added that the partnership strengthens the airports’ digital ecosystem and supports their goal of delivering seamless travel and operational excellence.
The project is part of Dubai Airports’ wider strategy to create a more innovative, technology-driven airport environment that improves passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency while advancing Dubai’s position as a global leader in digital innovation.
Sharjah Airport (United Arab Emirates) has implemented two major digital initiatives aimed at improving passenger experience and connectivity. In partnership with du, the airport has become the first in the UAE to deploy an advanced 5G+ indoor network across all facilities, providing high-speed connectivity, real-time data access and support for technologies such as digital wayfinding, automated check-ins and future Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Announced at GITEX Global 2025, the rollout uses energy-efficient infrastructure designed for high-density environments and will enable future applications, including augmented and virtual reality and ultra-low latency communications.
Sharjah Airport Authority Chairman Ali Salem Al Midfa said the partnership aligns with Sharjah’s long-term digital development vision, while du CEO Fahad Al Hassawi noted that the system sets a new benchmark for national airport network performance.
Separately, the Authority has partnered with e& UAE to provide arriving visitors with free SIM cards offering 10 GB of data valid for 24 hours, enabling immediate access to navigation, payment and communication services. The initiative, which reflects the airport’s focus on digital convenience, supports the UAE’s broader smart infrastructure strategy. Sharjah Airport handled 9.1 million passengers in the first half of 2025, marking a 10% increase year on year.
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IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, has completed full app-to-app integration with Digi Yatra, India’s government-backed facial recognition-based passenger verification platform, to streamline airport processing and reduce congestion. Announced on 20 October 2025, the integration allows passengers to share boarding passes directly from IndiGo’s app to Digi Yatra after online check-in, eliminating the need to scan QR codes manually during security and boarding.
Digi Yatra, operational since 2022 and active at 24 airports, has recorded over 15 million downloads. The system verifies passengers offline through biometric identification and operates under a privacy-by-design architecture that ensures user consent, data minimisation, and regulatory compliance.
Digi Yatra Foundation CEO Suresh Khadakbhavi said the partnership marks a major step toward seamless and secure travel across India, while IndiGo’s Chief Information and Digital Officer Neetan Chopra noted it advances the airline’s contactless travel strategy. IndiGo is simultaneously expanding its long-haul capabilities with an order for 60 Airbus A350 aircraft to support its international growth plans.
Aeroporti di Roma has introduced a new virtual assistant named ADRYX at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome, Italy), developed with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Storm Reply to provide real-time passenger information and personalised travel support. The system forms part of the airport’s wider digital transformation strategy and aims to enhance passenger connectivity from arrival to boarding.
Accessible via ADR’s official website and WhatsApp chatbot, ADRYX enables travellers to obtain flight updates, terminal guidance, and tailored recommendations on dining, retail and relaxation areas. Built using Amazon Bedrock technology and a multi-agent architecture by Storm Reply, it handles complex multilingual queries while maintaining strict data security and privacy standards.
Aeroporti di Roma Senior Vice President for Transformation and Technology, Emanuele Calà, described ADRYX as a key milestone in the airport’s innovation journey, allowing personalised assistance for around 50 million annual passengers. Reply Chief Technology Officer Filippo Rizzante said the generative AI system improves operational efficiency and passenger experience, while AWS Vice President Julien Groues noted that the collaboration illustrates how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel sector.
The assistant provides real-time flight and gate updates, parking and transport information, baggage tracking, and connection support in multiple languages.
Publisher’s note: The articles in this special report, compiled for inter airport Europe, are a few select samples from the biweekly Momberger Airport Information newsletter, published since 1973. The newsletter is an advertising-free, global airport news service that consists of 9 modules and allows subscribers to customize their own newsletter package. The modules that make up the biweekly newsletter are: Airport Development (DEV), Calendar of Events (CAL), and the subscriber-selectable modules Airport Operations (OPS), Management, Ownership & Finance (MGT), Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Air Traffic Services (ATC), Consultant & Contractor / Sustainable Aviation (CON), Airport Information Technology (AIT), and Maintenance Base & FBO (MRO). For more information, a sample of a complete newsletter issue, and to order an annual subscription, please visit www.mombergerairport.info.
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