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October 2025  |  Report

Smart Airports

Harnessing the Power of AI

Global aviation at a crossroads

Airports face surging post-COVID travel and must modernize quickly for efficiency and capacity. With tight space, limited resources, and a complex ecosystem of partners, they’re focusing on digital transformation and AI to boost traffic, enhance passenger experiences, and create new revenue.

Significant investment is going into airport infrastructure, especially biometric boarding, baggage tracking, and security systems, driving digital upgrades across facilities.1

The promise of AI

AI is unlocking powerful new capabilities for airports, such as real-time queue prediction, biometric screening, predictive maintenance, and personalized retail experiences. Backed by the power of AI, airports can:

  • In 2023, unplanned maintenance was responsible for over 7% of flight delays.2 Recent studies show that AI-driven predictive maintenance can cut aircraft downtime by 15–20% and reduce overall maintenance costs by 12–18%. 2, 3

  • Some airlines have achieved a 12% reduction in aircraft turn times by using AI to monitor and optimize ramp activities, directly improving On-Time Performance (OTP).

  • During peak periods, 91.8% of passengers waited less than 10 minutes in AI-powered security screening, a key metric for boosting non-aeronautical revenue. 4 Just a two-minute reduction in wait time can generate $560,000 per million passengers. 5

The data challenge

AI’s potential in airports depends on collecting high-quality data from complex environments. Large airports may gather information from up to 5 million IT endpoints and 500,000 operational technology endpoints, resulting in up to 9 billion data points daily.

Being AI-ready starts with building a robust network that collects, secures, and manages data effectively. Cisco delivers a unified, secure, and scalable networking foundation—essential for turning raw data into real-time AI insights and powering the future-ready airport.

This eBook will guide readers from today’s tech landscape to the steps needed for airports to fully realize AI-driven transformation.

Understanding the Airport Ecosystem

Airports operate much like sophisticated smart cities, encompassing a range of diverse environments—from airfield systems and terminal management to energy controls and ground transportation. Every entity within this ecosystem has its own unique objectives, yet all must navigate shared challenges around modernization and the adoption of AI solutions.

Airport Entities: Primary Goals and Pain Points

Entity

Airport Authority

Traveler

Airlines

Retail & F&B

TSA

Primary Objectives

  • Safety and security

  • Revenue growth

  • ​Infrastructure reliability

  • Fast, convenient journey

  • Security & safety

  • Comfort & amenities

  • Safety and security

  • Infrastructure reliability

  • Regulatory compliance

  • Maximize revenue

  • Footfall/dwell time

  • Customer engagement

  • Ensure passenger safety

  • Efficient screening

  • Regulatory compliance

Key Challenges

  • Aging infrastructure

  • Siloed legacy IT/OT systems

  • Regulatory compliance

  • Long queues

  • Confusing layouts

  • Inconsistent digital services

  • Aging Infrastructure

  • Legacy IT/OT systems

  • Interdepartmental siloing

  • Fluctuating demand

  • Space constraints

  • Limited passenger analytics

  • Surges in passenger volume

  • Evolving threat landscape

  • Resource-intensive processes

The Modernization Gap

How are airports preparing to meet these goals? Today, airports are moving beyond rigid, fragmented legacy systems to build modern, AI-ready foundations. Success at every level—from essential physical infrastructure to sophisticated AI-driven services—relies on addressing several foundational technology gaps across the airport environment.

Tech Infra Layer

Smart Services, Analytics & AI Layer

Application &
Capability Layer

Data Layer

Unified Networking, Security & Observability Layer

Physical Infrastructure Layer

Gap / Challenge

Lack of comprehensive, real-time data to function effectively, limiting AI capabilities.

Rigid underlying infrastructure slows down new application deployment and makes integrating third-party systems complex and risky.

Data is trapped in isolated silos across different operational and commercial stakeholders, making real-time, unified intelligence impossible.

Flat and rigid legacy networks have poor observability and performance, while creating a broad attack surface.

Aging, fragmented hardware lacks the capacity for modern demands like high-density Wi-Fi and pervasive IoT.

Cisco ONE Solution

Cisco's analytics and security solutions ensure high-value AI and predictive systems are fed clean, scalable and secure data streams.

Cisco’s secure and programmable networks are embedded in platforms like Cisco Spaces and Webex, enabling rapid and safe deployment of new applications and partner services.

Cisco provides 360 visibility and data analytics on a secure foundation with platforms like DNA Center and the Meraki dashboard.

Cisco SDN, Meraki Cloud Networking, Splunk, create a a Zero Trust architecture enabling instantaneous, policy-based segmentation accompanied by holistic visibility to contain threats.

Cisco provides a portfolio of high-performance hardware (e.g., Catalyst Switches, Meraki APs, and IoT Gateways) engineered to future-proof the airport IT/OT environment.

Cisco’s Unified Digital Platform for Airports

Cisco delivers a secure, unified digital platform that links every operational domain  - from airside to landside and beyond—ensuring comprehensive data collection and actionable insights. The unified platform—which we call the Cisco AI-Native Platform for Airports—includes three technology layers: physical networks and devices, security and observability, and advanced AI applications.

1. Physical Network and IoT Layer

Forms the secure hardware base for all operations.

  • Cisco Networking (routers, switches, Wi-Fi, data center) provides the secure, high-speed backbone for the airport.

  • Cisco Meraki and Catalyst devices deliver pervasive connectivity and collect real-time location and environmental data.

  • Cisco Internet of Things (IoT) solutions extend network and security to ruggedized Operational Technology (OT) environments.

  • Cisco Industrial Network infrastructure securely connects non-IT assets like baggage systems and jet bridges.

  • Cisco Meraki MV cameras and other IoT devices deliver video and environmental data that provides real-time context for AI applications like video analytics and predictive maintenance.

2. The Unified Network, Security & Observability Layer

Converts raw connectivity into intelligent, secure operations by embedding controls into the airport’s digital fabric.

  • Cisco Security solutions deliver integrated security by enabling a Zero Trust architecture with instant, policy-based segmentation to protect sensitive data and OT systems from cyberattacks.

  • Cisco Observability solutions deliver full-stack, real-time visibility into system performance and health; Cisco Splunk powers real-time dashboards for operational excellence and threat detection.

  • Cisco Cyber Vision helps aggregate data by converting back-net OT traffic into standard, easily consumable formats for digital twin platforms.

3. Application and Analytics Layer

Delivers data-driven insights and AI capabilities to staff and travelers, enhancing the travel experience and driving greater operational efficiency.

  • Cisco Spaces uses data from Wi-Fi networks and sensors to provide real-time insights into passenger occupancy, flow, and environmental conditions.

  • Cisco Collaboration solutions enable seamless, secure communication.

  • Cisco Webex devices and cameras act as sensors, integrating with Cisco Spaces to provide real-time space utilization, indoor navigation, and environmental monitoring.

  • Cisco Vision Dynamic Signage delivers personalized messaging, wayfinding, and emergency communications to inform and engage travelers.

  • Digital twin & scenario planning uses robust, integrated data foundations to create digital twins of airports, enabling “what if” scenarios to optimize operations and growth plans.

Outcomes that Matter to Airports

Cisco’s solutions tie directly to the financial and operational KPIs that drive airport success, enabling data-driven decisions to support revenue growth, operational efficiency, and reduced risk.

Maximize runway utilization and on-time performance (OTP)

Outcomes

  • High OTP minimizes airline penalties while enhancing airport reputation and capacity.

  • Efficient runway operations increase airport capacity without the need for costly physical expansion.

Powered by Cisco

  • Cisco IoT, low-latency networks, and ultra-reliable wireless backhaul deliver real-time airside data for aircraft status and routing.

  • Cisco Edge Intelligence analyzes this granular data, empowering autonomous airfield AI to detect and resolve issues quickly improving scheduling and reliability.

Drive non-aeronautical revenue & customer satisfaction

Outcomes

  • High customer satisfaction (OSAT) increases dwell time and retail spending raising non-aeronautical revenues.

  • Non-aeronautical revenue such as retail shopping, food and beverage outlets, advertising and parking is critical for airport profitability.

  • For business and vacation travelers, even a 5-minute increase in dwell time can generate meaningful incremental revenue.

Powered by Cisco

  • Cisco Wi-Fi and Spaces leverage location-based analytics to provide personalized, real-time offers and wayfinding.

  • Secure, targeted engagements boost dwell time and conversion rates for retailers and advertisers.

Improve gate turnaround and baggage handling efficiency

Outcomes

  • Faster gate turnaround boosts aircraft utilization and helps airlines keep schedules on track, increasing revenue opportunities for the airport.

  • Reliable baggage handling minimizes mishandled or lost luggage, which decreases compensation claims and helps prevent costly operational delays.

Powered by Cisco

  • Cisco solutions use industrial IoT sensors for real-time baggage tracking, predictive maintenance, connected gate systems, and secure collaboration tools to coordinate airport operations, speeding up gate turns and improving on-time performance.

Security wait time and passenger throughput

Outcomes

  • Long security wait times can severely impact the passenger experience and reduce the airport's capacity to handle more passengers.

  • With the TSA screening 904 million passengers per year, reducing wait times can dramatically enhance the traveler experience.

Powered by Cisco

  • Cisco camera analytics with AI and IoT sensors deliver real-time queue measurement and predictive modeling, while Zero Trust security and high-performance networks enable fast biometric screening, automated delay analysis, and dynamic passenger flow management to shrink wait times and boost passenger throughput.

Sources

1 MarketsandMarkets. "AI in Aviation Market worth $4.86 billion by 2030." PR Newswire, July 10, 2025.

 

2 ePlaneAI. "AI Platforms Help Airlines Reduce Airport Turnaround Times." ePlaneAI, September 30, 2025.

​

3 ResearchGate. "AI-Powered Predictive Maintenance in Aviation Operations." (Study analyzing Maintenance Cost and Downtime reduction), June 30, 2025.

 

4 Veovo. "Can AI improve the waiting game at US airports?" (Referencing data on security wait time reduction), January 23, 2024.

 

5 https://www.zensors.com/post/improve-non-aeronautical-revenue-queue-management

Why boosting non-aeronautical revenue starts with queue management - Zensors (On dwell time/revenue correlation)

https://www.zensors.com/post/improve-non-aeronautical-revenue-queue-management

Why boosting non-aeronautical revenue starts with queue management - Zensors (On revenue per minute)

https://www.investopedia.com/travel-myth-busted-on-arriving-2-hours-early-11799255

New Study Challenges the Conventional Wisdom of Arriving Two Hours Early for Flights (On TSA Screening Volume)

 

6 https://www.flydenver.com/press-release/den-sets-new-passenger-traffic-records-in-2024/

DEN Sets New Passenger Traffic Records in 2024

 

7 https://www.gatwickairport.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-Gatwick-Library/default/dwebe5fe0d/images/Corporate-PDFs/Reports%20financial/December%202024/Gatwick%20Airport%20Limited%20Financial%20Statements%2031%20December%202024%202.pdf GATWICK AIRPORT LIMITED Financial Statements 31 December 2024

Reimagining the Traveler’s Journey—Enabled by AI

Cisco solutions make airports smarter by leveraging AI to deliver an exceptional, efficient, and profitable traveler experience at every touchpoint.

Click on the + or title below the illustration to see more details.

  • From the curb: Real-time signage and IOT-enabled parking availability help guide arrivals and speed access with contactless payments.

    At check-in: Cisco Wi-Fi and Spaces use AI to forecast congestion and wait times via device density.

    Wi-Fi powers touchless kiosks, biometric boarding, and IoT for automated bag tracking and rerouting.

  • Cisco Catalyst switches and Secure Firewall provide low-latency, secure infrastructure for security screening.

    This backbone enables AI to quickly spot prohibited items and verify biometrics.

    AI cameras and Zero Trust security speed up authentication, manage queues, and predict wait times in real time.

  • Cisco Wi-Fi and sensors enable personalized engagement in retail and transit areas.

    Analytics use movement and dwell time to target travelers with offers, extending their stay.

    Boosting dwell time drives non-aeronautical revenue for the airport.

  • IoT sensors and analytics prep gates as planes arrive.

    Cisco cameras and AI track video feeds to spot anomalies in gate management.

    Cisco AIOps analyzes real-time data to predict and prevent system outages.

    Real-time bag and carousel updates reduce missed bags and speed up claims.

Real World Airport Success

Cisco delivers end-to-end AI-ready solutions, validated by partnerships with leading airports worldwide. By securing and leveraging large volumes of operational and passenger data, these airports optimize efficiency and performance at every stage of the travel experience.

Denver International Airport (DEN)

In 2024, DEN set a new record with 82.4 million passengers, ranking 3rd in the U.S. and 6th globally. The airport’s Vision 100 plan aims to accommodate over 100 million passengers and is supported by major modernization programs.6

  • DEN leads with a strong focus on cybersecurity, operational resilience, and ecosystem integration. The Great Hall Program is a key initiative to expand terminal capacity and enhance passenger experience.

  • The airport’s digital strategy emphasizes a future-ready foundation, leveraging platforms like Cisco Spaces and Splunk for analytics and operational insights. With 53 square miles, DEN offers unmatched potential for continued growth and innovation.

Gatwick Airport

Gatwick, the UK’s second largest airport, welcomed 43.2 million passengers in 2024.7

  • The airport’s vision is to be the “airport of the future” and a leader in sustainable growth.

  • Gatwick uses Splunk to unify operational data across E-Gates, security, and car park management, helping manage the demands of high passenger volumes.

  • Integrated technology now provides a single data source for teams, enabling faster analysis and improvements. Gatwick credits Splunk with making a significant difference to daily operations.

From Airside to Landside: Optimizing Airport Operations

Cisco empowers airports to increase passenger traffic and revenue without expensive terminal expansions, enabling greater results with existing resources. By connecting fragmented legacy systems to a secure, AI-ready network, every operational area—from airside to landside—is seamlessly AI-enabled, digitized, optimized, and orchestrated.

Cisco technologies create a unified AI-powered system for airports, driving modernization by optimizing four core operational areas:

1. Predictive Airfield Operations and Planning

  • Predictive Operations Enablement: Cisco Spaces and Observability Platform leverage historical and real-time data to forecast resource needs. Airports can anticipate passenger surges, optimize off-block times, and enhance flight routing and stand allocation—maximizing traffic efficiency without requiring new runway construction.

  • Seamless Ground Coordination: Cisco IoT technology ensures reliable connectivity for ground support equipment. Coupled with Cisco Meraki MV Cameras, AI-powered video monitoring automatically detects and logs the start and end of key aircraft turnaround tasks, helping maintain precise schedule alignment.

2. Baggage, Asset, and Security Management

  • Asset and Baggage Efficiency: Cisco IoT sensors provide real-time tracking and usage data for all ground assets, enabling end-to-end bag visibility, predictive maintenance, and automated bag tracking/rerouting to reduce claims and optimize staffing.

  • Accelerated Security and Compliance: Cisco networking integrates biometric and AI-enabled screening to meet regulations, while Cisco Splunk delivers live dashboards for queue monitoring, resource deployment, and root-cause analysis to boost passenger throughput.

3. Disruption Management and Terminal Intelligence

  • Instant Disruption Recovery: Cisco’s Observability Platform quickly detects performance issues, while ThousandEyes pinpoints root causes—such as network outages—so IT teams can remediate disruptions as they happen.

  • Dynamic Resource Reallocation: Cisco Spaces uses real-time passenger flow and location data to reassign gates, optimize wayfinding, and manage terminal resources to respond quickly to overcrowding and improve operational efficiency.

4. Revenue Generation and Sustainable Operations

  • Maximizing Non-Aeronautical Revenue: Cisco’s Wi-Fi and Spaces platform analyzes passenger dwell times to deliver personalized retail offers, enabling airports to boost revenue through dynamic pricing and targeted deals. Even a modest reduction in wait times can significantly increase non-aeronautical revenue.5

  • Smart Buildings and Digital Twins: Cisco sensors power predictive maintenance, while Spaces and energy management solutions optimize lighting and HVAC based on real-time occupancy—cutting costs and supporting sustainability. Digital Twins enable scenario planning for airport staff, improving resource management during disruptions.

Future-Ready Airports Start Now

By adopting Cisco’s solution—from industrial IoT to Cisco Spaces and Splunk—airports gain the unified observability, resilient security, and massive data capacity necessary to:

  • Elevate the Traveler Experience by driving non-aeronautical revenue and brand loyalty.

  • Secure the Global Hub with comprehensive Zero Trust security across both IT and OT environments.

  • Achieve Operational Excellence using AI and Digital Twin technologies to optimize processes from runway to baggage claim.

Modernizing the airport network is the essential first step in futureproofing for the age of AI.

Start building a resilient, strategic digital foundation today by partnering with Cisco to define a technology blueprint that enables innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.

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