Wayfinding in Airports – Reasons Airports Need a Passenger Wayfinding Strategy

The world has undergone continuous and sweeping innovation in this advanced era, making tasks much simpler and more convenient. Digital applications, including wayfinding in airports, have become increasingly popular and significant since the world shifted its focus to mobile and computer screens.

Now, it’s easy to shop, book tickets for a getaway or search for topics of interest from the comfort of our homes. This is all possible thanks to the high-level advancements in technology that are working on different tasks worldwide. One of the most significant developments has been from physical maps to digital maps.

Wayfinding Reimagined

Gone are the days of paper maps; today, we have Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that enable us to navigate easily and confidently, all at our fingertips from a simple smartphone. While GPS works outdoors, today, we also have positioning and airport wayfinding systems that work indoors, empowering precise indoor wayfinding.

Several organizations offer services to the public, such as hospitals, resorts, banks and transportation hubs, among others. Such places can be challenging to manage, especially on heavily packed days.

Over the years, the Global Positioning System has helped many organizations by enabling different functions with the help of positioning. Just like GPS, the popularity and demand for Indoor Positioning Systems are also growing in the market.

Indoor Positioning Solutions

Different industries are using the benefits of Indoor Positioning Systems (IPSs) to manage their assets and resources with the help of indoor mapping. For buildings with enormous infrastructures, navigation enabled through indoor positioning systems helps save a lot of time by assisting workers in performing tasks more efficiently. While IPS is proving to improve services in the healthcare and retail sectors, it is equally beneficial at transportation hubs, especially airports.
A lot goes on at airports throughout the day and an indoor positioning system can help manage everything. Many airports are actively using the benefits of indoor mapping and airport wayfinding to enhance the passenger experience and property management.

4 Reasons Airport Operators Need a Dedicated Passenger Wayfinding Strategy:

1. To Manage the Flow of Passengers Through Various Checkpoints

An airport has numerous areas travellers need to go through to get from the terminal to where they board their flight. In a vast indoor space and a massive crowd, it can be confusing for people to successfully find their way promptly.

With the help of indoor mapping, people can navigate from their cars to their seats on the aeroplane using simply their smartphones. Airport management can monitor crowds to distribute traffic flow equally and avoid crowding at one specific point.

Directions and significant landmarks will remain a part of the wayfinding process for travellers who may not understand digital methods. Coordinating airport wayfinding signage and technology addresses a goal that satisfies everyone. For example, traditional flight data is easy to enhance with real-time walk-time assessments based on data about congestion in security lines or at check-in counters. A good airport signage design will help passengers understand routes inside the airport.

2. Personalize the Passenger Experience

Airports have a variety of passengers from different parts of the world. It can be challenging for a passenger from a different country to fully understand the procedure and language can also create a barrier. Making a culturally and linguistically diverse wayfinding strategy is essential to ensure that no matter where travellers are from, they can use all the facilities of the airport and understand where they need to go. By leveraging experiential and interactive technology, travellers can engage with their wayfinding, reducing confusion and anxiety associated with travel. For instance, a touchscreen map in terminals with multiple language settings can provide travellers with clear directions and instructions.

3. To Ease Feedback Collection

Travellers can get significant information relevant to them at the airport through the indoor mapping route application. This application also enables feedback from travellers to the management. Management can easily act on it to improve the airport experience. It can also be used to report complaints and emergencies that can be resolved immediately.

4. Boosting Commercial Opportunities and Retail Engagement

A well-integrated airport wayfinding system does more than guide passengers—it enhances commercial opportunities within the airport. Strategically placed wayfinding apps for airports can direct passengers to retail stores, dining options and duty-free outlets, increasing foot traffic and sales.

By using real-time data, airports can personalize promotions, helping businesses target passengers based on their location, flight schedules and preferences. Digital signage, interactive directories and mobile notifications can also enhance customer engagement and optimize the shopping experience.

5. Enhancing Passenger Navigation with an Airport Wayfinder

Using an airport wayfinder, travellers can locate gates, check-in counters, baggage claims, restrooms and dining areas without confusion. These systems also offer estimated walking times and alternative routes during peak hours, reducing travel stress and improving the overall airport experience.

If you’re an airport operator looking for a reliable wayfinding solution in airports to enhance your navigation and resource management, consider Mapsted. Our hardware-free technology is easy to implement and maintain and our expertise in indoor mapping and location-based services can help improve the passenger experience and airport efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions and how we can help you take your airport’s wayfinding to the next level.