Global Airport Moving Walkway Systems Market: Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast to 2031
The global airport moving walkway systems market, valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2021, is projected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2022 to 2031. Moving walkways, also known as travelators or moving sidewalks, are conveyor-based transport systems that safely and slowly move people over short distances, either on ground level or inclined between floors. Similar to escalators, walkways allow passengers to walk or stand on a rolling conveyor, with safety handrails moving alongside. Installed in pairs with opposite directions, these systems are critical for efficient passenger movement in airports, particularly in large facilities with high foot traffic.
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Market Drivers
The growth of the airport moving walkway systems market is driven by the increasing number of air travelers worldwide. As air travel demand rises, airports, especially large ones with numerous flights, face the challenge of ensuring smooth and safe passenger movement. Moving walkways address this by facilitating efficient transit within terminals, reducing walking time and enhancing passenger experience. Additionally, many airports are expanding their infrastructure to accommodate growing traffic, further boosting demand for moving walkway systems.
Technological advancements have also propelled market growth. Modern moving walkways incorporate energy-efficient components, such as high-efficiency motors and LED lighting, which reduce operational costs and environmental impact. These innovations make walkways more appealing to airport operators aiming to balance functionality with sustainability. Furthermore, governments are investing heavily in advanced airport technologies, including moving walkways, to enhance passenger facilities. This trend is particularly evident in regions with rising air travel, such as Asia-Pacific, where infrastructure development is a priority.
Market Challenges
Despite its growth potential, the market faces significant challenges. The high cost of installing moving walkways is a major barrier, particularly in developing countries across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Installation costs depend on factors such as the walkway’s length, vertical rise, material quality, and motor efficiency, making it a substantial investment. Maintenance is also expensive, as replacing damaged components or addressing system failures can be costly and disruptive. If a walkway stops unexpectedly, it can halt passenger flow, causing delays and inconvenience, which discourages some architects and airport operators from adopting these systems.
In cases where walkways are deemed non-essential to airport operations, operators may opt to allocate capital elsewhere, further hindering market growth. Additionally, the maintenance frequency of walkways depends on usage and environmental conditions, adding to operational costs. These factors collectively limit adoption in budget-constrained regions or smaller airports.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the airport moving walkway systems market. In 2020, global lockdowns and travel restrictions led to a sharp decline in air travel, reducing the demand for walkway systems. Manufacturing and installation activities were halted due to supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. Major markets, including China, the U.S., Germany, Italy, and the UK, experienced reduced demand as airport operations scaled back. However, as air travel began recovering by late 2021, the market showed signs of rebounding. By the end of 2022, the industry was expected to regain momentum, driven by the resumption of airport expansions and infrastructure projects.
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Opportunities
The growing focus on energy-efficient systems presents significant opportunities for the market. Moving walkways consume considerable energy, particularly through their motors. To address this, manufacturers are developing energy-efficient solutions, such as Schindler’s inclined and horizontal pathways, which use advanced power management, efficient motors, and sustainable materials. High-efficiency motors, such as IE2, IE3, and IE4 models, reduce energy consumption, making walkways more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. These innovations are expected to drive demand, particularly in airports prioritizing sustainability.
The rising number of air travelers also creates opportunities. Crowded airports require fast and safe passenger movement, making moving walkways a necessity. Governments’ increased spending on advanced airport technologies further supports market growth, as operators seek to enhance passenger experiences through modern infrastructure.
Market Segmentation
The airport moving walkway systems market is segmented by business type, type, angle, and region, offering a comprehensive view of its dynamics.
By Business Type
The market is divided into new installation, modernization, and maintenance. New installations occur during the construction of new airport infrastructure, with companies like Hyundai, Hitachi, and Mitsubishi providing advanced walkway systems. Modernization involves upgrading existing walkways with new technology or replacing damaged units, while maintenance ensures smooth operation through timely servicing and repairs. The new installation segment is expected to contribute the largest revenue, while maintenance is projected to grow at the highest CAGR due to the need for ongoing upkeep.
By Type
The market is categorized into belt and pallet types. Belt walkways, made of mesh metal or rubber surfaces over rollers, act as human conveyor belts. Pallet walkways consist of flat metal surfaces, sometimes with rubber for added traction, joined to form a continuous path. The belt segment is expected to generate the largest revenue, while the pallet segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR due to its durability and versatility.
By Angle
The market is segmented into horizontal and inclined walkways. Horizontal walkways, used for ground-level transport of passengers or luggage, dominate in revenue due to their widespread use. Inclined walkways, installed between floors with a 10° to 12° incline, are more expensive but are expected to grow at the highest CAGR due to their application in multi-level terminals.
By Region
The market is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, Africa). In 2021, Asia-Pacific held the largest market share, driven by rapid airport expansions and high air travel demand. LAMEA is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR, fueled by increasing investments in airport infrastructure.
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Competitive Landscape
Key players in the market include Analogue Holdings Limited (ATAL Engineering Group), Fujitec Co., Ltd., Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd., Hyundai Elevator Co., Ltd., Kone Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Schindler, and Stannah. These companies adopt strategies such as acquisitions and product launches to strengthen their market position. For example, in March 2022, Mitsubishi Electric acquired Motum AB to enhance its elevator and escalator services in Sweden. In February 2022, Schindler collaborated with CitizenM hotels to provide escalator and elevator services globally. Product launches, such as Mitsubishi’s Diamond-Trac 2 elevator in November 2021, also drive innovation.
Key Benefits for Stakeholders
- Quantitative Analysis: The report provides detailed market segment analysis, trends, and forecasts from 2021 to 2031.
- Market Opportunities: Insights into drivers, restraints, and opportunities help stakeholders identify growth prospects.
- Porter’s Five Forces: Analysis of buyer and supplier dynamics supports strategic decision-making.
- Regional Insights: Mapping of major countries by revenue contribution highlights high-growth regions.
- Competitive Positioning: Benchmarking of key players provides a clear understanding of market dynamics.
Future Outlook
The airport moving walkway systems market is poised for steady growth, driven by rising air travel, airport expansions, and energy-efficient innovations. Asia-Pacific will remain a key growth engine, while LAMEA offers significant potential. Challenges like high installation costs will persist, but advancements in motor efficiency and sustainable materials will mitigate these constraints.
The airport moving walkway systems market, projected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2031, offers substantial opportunities for stakeholders. By addressing cost and maintenance challenges while leveraging technological advancements, the industry can achieve sustained growth, enhancing passenger mobility in airports worldwide.
