The aviation industry is undergoing a significant technological transformation, with 5G connectivity reshaping both the passenger experience and operational efficiency at airports across Europe.
As part of a broader push to enhance digital infrastructure, several European airports are rolling out 5G networks, ushering in a new era of seamless communication, innovative services, and intelligent airport management.
This digital revolution extends beyond airports to meet growing passenger demand for better in-flight connectivity. According to Inmarsat’s In-flight Connectivity Survey, 81% of passengers consider connectivity important, and 83% are willing to rebook with an airline that offers high-quality internet. Together, these advancements highlight the critical role of connectivity in modernizing the aviation sector and enhancing customer satisfaction.
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5G: The Future of Airport Connectivity
The deployment of 5G in European airports aims to revolutionize passengers’ interactions with airport services. It will provide faster, more reliable internet access, lower latency, and higher capacity to handle the increasing volume of connected devices. With the ability to handle massive amounts of data at high speeds, 5G enables a suite of new services previously unthinkable with older networks.
One of the most immediate and noticeable advantages of 5G for airport passengers is the incredible increase in internet speeds. Current Wi-Fi networks in many airports can be sluggish, especially during peak travel when large crowds overload the system. Through 5G, passengers can experience ultra-fast download and upload speeds, enabling them to perform data-heavy tasks like downloading high-definition (HD) movies, streaming 4K videos, and participating in virtual meetings without lag or interruptions.
Business travelers will particularly benefit, as they will no longer need to rely on unreliable or slow internet connections to conduct critical work. Through 5G, file transfers, cloud-based applications, and video conferencing can occur in almost real-time, improving productivity. This fast, reliable internet also benefits leisure travelers, allowing them to easily access entertainment and stay connected with friends and family while on-the-go.
Airports are already exploring integrating AR into the travel experience, helping passengers navigate complex terminal layouts more quickly. For example, passengers can use their smartphones to see real-time overlays of directions to their gates, available services (such as restrooms, lounges, and dining options), and even updated flight information. Furthermore, 5G allows for personalized retail experiences. Retailers can send tailored offers directly to passengers based on their real-time location within the airport or the shopping preferences they’ve previously expressed.
The process of checking in and boarding flights will become faster and more secure with the integration of 5G-powered technologies. Automated check-in kiosks, which have already been in use for years, will become even more efficient and intuitive when paired with 5G’s speed and responsiveness. Biometric technologies such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning will replace traditional boarding passes, allowing passengers to move through check-in, security, and boarding in a matter of minutes.
This not only speeds up the process but also improves security. Since biometric data is unique to each individual, it provides an extra layer of protection against identity fraud or theft. Additionally, smart boarding gates will ensure that only the right passengers are allowed to board at the correct time, reducing human error and increasing efficiency.
Beyond passenger services, 5G has the potential to completely transform airport operations by creating a highly connected and efficient environment.. For example, smart baggage systems will be able to utilize 5G to track luggage at every stage of its journey—from check-in to delivery at baggage claim. This allows for immediate alerts in case of misdirected or delayed luggage. Similarly, vehicle tracking using 5G-enabled sensors will allow airports to monitor the movement of aircraft tugs, baggage carts, and shuttle buses, ensuring they are operating efficiently and avoiding bottlenecks or delays.
Moreover, crowd management will benefit greatly from 5G, as it will allow airports to track passenger flow and predict congestion points. This can help adjust staffing levels, open additional security lanes, or reroute travelers to underutilized areas, all in real-time.
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Key Airports Leading the Way
Several leading European airports are actively deploying or piloting 5G infrastructure to remain competitive and elevate the travel experience. These airports are transforming into testbeds for cutting-edge 5G applications. By integrating high-speed, low-latency networks, they aim to streamline passenger services, optimize airport operations, and enable innovative technologies like biometric check-ins, real-time baggage tracking, and augmented reality navigation.
- Schiphol Airport
Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest airports, has launched a private 5G network in collaboration with Ericsson to support its digital transformation under the “Airport 4.0” initiative. This dedicated network, using a spectrum granted by the Dutch regulator, allows the airport to control its communications infrastructure, improving security and network performance.
The private 5G network will support various applications, including IoT-based monitoring, real-time safety systems, and predictive maintenance. By using Ericsson’s dual-mode core for 4G and 5G connectivity, Schiphol aims to optimize operations, reduce downtime, and enhance overall passenger experience while keeping sensitive data on-site.
Manish Tiwari, Head of Private Cellular Networks, Enterprise Wireless Solutions at Ericsson, noted, “We are proud to partner with Schiphol on this pioneering project that will address the overall aging infrastructure of airports throughout the world.” He also added that, “By leveraging Ericsson Private 5G, Schiphol is setting the stage for innovative solutions that will help them explore the full potential of 5G and the benefits it brings to airport operations.”
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- Frankfurt Airport
Germany’s largest airport is actively working on integrating 5G infrastructure across its terminals. Frankfurt Airport has been experimenting with autonomous vehicles and intelligent luggage systems that rely on 5G connectivity to deliver real-time data. The 5G rollout is part of a broader initiative to turn Frankfurt into a “smart airport”—where technology enhances every aspect of the passenger journey.
Frankfurt Airport, managed by Fraport AG, is deploying one of Europe’s largest private 5G networks to drive digitalization and streamline operations. The private 5G network, covering the entire airport, will enable automation, real-time data processing, and equipment localization across its vast area.
Critical applications include enhanced perimeter security, where 5G-connected cameras will monitor the airport’s 30-kilometer fence line. Autonomous vehicles and drones will leverage the network for tasks like patrolling and transporting equipment across the airfield. Fraport’s SVP of IT Infrastructure, Fritz Oswald, highlighted that 5G’s reliability and coverage make it superior to traditional WLAN, especially in large, open areas where network blockages frequently occur during under-wing operations. According to Oswald, it has been difficult to adequately illuminate the airport’s large open spaces with WLAN technology up until now. “In everyday life, there are always problems with WLAN coverage during under-wing operations, for example, when aircraft wings block reception,” he said.
Further innovations include automated luggage delivery by small 5G-powered robots and video analytics to monitor runway conditions—a data-intensive task now optimized through edge computing and cloud transfer. Through these advancements, Fraport is positioning Frankfurt Airport as a leader in airport digital transformation.
- San Sebastián Airport
Spanish airport operator, Aena, has partnered with Cellnex Telecom to deploy Spain’s first private 5G network at San Sebastián Airport. This groundbreaking initiative marks a major milestone in the modernization of airport technology and is among the first-of-its-kind in Europe.
Brought into service in 2024, the pilot project introduced a cutting-edge 5G network tailored to the needs of San Sebastián Airport, emphasizing ultra-fast data transfer, low latency, and the capacity to connect numerous devices simultaneously. A key innovation is its application in drone operations, enabling advanced capabilities in security surveillance and environmental monitoring. Drones equipped with sensors will collect crucial data—such as air quality, noise levels, and humidity—which will then be processed via the Cellnex SmartBrain Platform. Collaborations with Nokia and Inetum ensure the deployment of robust 5G infrastructure and the seamless operation of drones.
This 5G deployment aims to transform airport operations by supporting Internet of Things (IoT) devices, big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality (AR) applications. Beyond connectivity, the technology facilitates smarter management of resources, optimizes operational efficiency, and bolsters airport security systems. Importantly, it promotes sustainability, helping airports manage their environmental footprint in line with conservation efforts.
Pablo Lopez Loeches, Head of Ideation & Entrepreneurship at Aena, underlined the importance of implementing a private 5G network within airports as it, “allows us [Aena] to test specific airport use cases that require high capacity, low latency and high device density, as well as a new connectivity layer that provides the airport community with a highly reliable and readily available data transmission service.” He went on to state that “performing these tests will allow us to identify the degree of maturity of 5G technology and to see to what extent it can be adapted to Aena’s needs to improve our internal connectivity services.”
Moreover, Spain’s Aena has been testing digital twin technology in its airports, powered by 5G networks. These simulations provide real-time visualizations of terminal operations, enabling predictive maintenance and better crowd management, contributing to smoother passenger flow.
Future Prospects and Challenges
While the progress is promising, the deployment of 5G at airports does not come without its challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the cost of infrastructure development. Installing 5G networks in airports involves significant investment in both hardware and software, as well as compliance with strict aviation regulations.
Moreover, ensuring seamless interoperability across different airports and telecom networks is vital for a truly unified experience. As 5G networks are rolled out across Europe, the ability to provide continuous, high-quality service as passengers move between different terminals and airports will be a key consideration.
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The roll-out of 5G networks across European airports is still in its nascent stage, but the potential for transformation is enormous. By leveraging the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G, airports are setting the stage for smarter, more efficient, and more personalized travel experiences.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect more European airports to adopt 5G, driving a shift towards fully-connected, digital-first airports. The benefits of this connectivity will extend beyond just the traveler’s journey, influencing everything from operational efficiency to security, and transforming airports into hubs of innovation.
In conclusion, 5G deployment in European airports is not just about providing faster internet; it’s about unlocking new opportunities for innovation that will define the future of air travel. The next few years will likely see a surge in smart airport solutions powered by 5G, which will shape the future of aviation in Europe for decades to come.
