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Airports are fast becoming technology-powered hubs, transforming the passenger journey and opening up new revenue opportunities, according to fresh research from Priority Pass, the airport lounge and experiences programme owned by Collinson.
The global study of more than 12,000 travellers reveals that automation — from biometric ID checks and automated bag drops to real-time travel updates — is not only changing how people move through airports but also how they spend their time and money.
The wider market for airport automation is projected to grow from $55.05 billion in 2025 to $85.12 billion by 2033, fuelled by rising passenger expectations and heavy investment in digital infrastructure.
UK travellers feel the benefits most in stress relief
In the UK, passengers are especially positive about digital enhancements. Seven in ten point to digital boarding passes as the most impactful innovation, while fast-track security (68%), advanced security scanners (62%), and automated baggage drops (60%) also score highly. For 46% of British travellers, these technologies directly reduce stress, while 38% say they make the journey more seamless.
The time-saving element is particularly important. Globally, nearly half of travellers gain an additional 10–30 minutes at the airport thanks to automation, while one in five gain up to an hour. UK travellers say they typically use this time to dine (55%), shop (48%), or relax in an airport lounge (40%).
Tech drives spending — especially for younger generations
The research highlights a clear connection between automation and increased spending. Overall, 60% of global travellers say they spend more in airports thanks to digital efficiencies, a figure that rises to 71% among Gen Z and 67% among Millennials.
Lounge users emerge as especially high-value customers. Nearly three-quarters of global travellers have used a lounge at least once, and among them, two-thirds report spending more in airports due to automation — compared to just 40% of non-lounge users. Looking ahead, travellers say they want smarter lounges with personalised food and entertainment, app-based booking, and more diverse local dining options.
The balance between automation and service
While technology adoption is accelerating, the report underlines the enduring importance of the human touch. Globally, 59% of travellers believe airports are embracing AI and automation at the right pace, but many still value personal service at critical points.
With travel volumes continuing to rise, airports are looking to technology to help enhance the curb-to-gate journey
In the UK, 67% of passengers say staff remain vital for customer service, 59% for security, and 49% for lost and found. These interactions, the report notes, provide reassurance at moments of stress or uncertainty that technology alone cannot replicate.
Looking forward, passengers are keen to see further innovations such as fully biometric journeys (40%), smart baggage tracking (39%), globally consistent security standards (37%), and multilingual signage that automatically adapts to their native language (33%).
“With travel volumes continuing to rise, airports are looking to technology to help enhance the curb-to-gate journey while also increasing traveller spend,” said Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International. “Automation is freeing up valuable time, lowering stress levels and providing better information in real time. When the experience delivers, travellers are more inclined to explore lounges, dining, and retail.”
Priority Pass and the market for premium travel experiences
The findings also reflect the growing influence of Priority Pass itself. Established over 30 years ago, it remains the world’s largest airport lounge and experiences programme, offering members access to more than 1,700 lounges and premium services — from spas to sleeping pods to dining — across 725 airports in 145 countries. With competition in the premium travel market intensifying, Priority Pass is positioning itself not only as a lounge provider but as a platform for enhancing the entire airport journey.
By expanding digital lounge access and building partnerships with brands and loyalty programmes, Collinson aims to use Priority Pass to transform airport downtime into memorable experiences, deepening customer engagement and driving commercial value across the evolving airport ecosystem.
Click here for more information on Priority Pass or read the full report Tomorrow’s Journey: Faster, Smarter, Connected here
