Priority Pass Research Reveals Airport Technology Boosts Relaxation, Gifts Time and Decreases Stress
Four in five (79%) of UAE travellers believe airports are adopting AI and technology at just the right pace. 81% of UAE travellers rate fast-track security and digital boarding passes as the best tech. Airport technology saves almost half of global travellers an extra 30 minutes, whilst reducing stress and making their journey more seamless. While airport technology evolves, genuine service, trust and human connection remain key.
Dubai, UAE, 8th July, 2025: Airports are no longer just places to pass through, they’re rapidly evolving, connected spaces where travellers can relax, explore, and get more from their journey. A new global report from Priority Pass, the world’s leading airport lounge and experiences programme and part of The Collinson Group, surveyed over 12,000 travellers to find out how technology is redefining the airport experience. The results show travellers want less stress, more convenience, and richer moments that make every trip memorable.
Four in five (79%) of UAE travellers believe airports are adopting AI and technology at just the right pace, with many enjoying a calmer, more enjoyable journey. Whilst 81% say fast-track security and digital boarding passes have made the biggest improvements to their airport experience, followed by automated baggage drops and advanced security scanners (both 74%).
"Airports across the Middle East are leading the way in leveraging advanced technology to transform the passenger journey," said Priyanka Lakhani, Senior Vice President at Collinson International. "Major hubs like Dubai International (DXB), Hamad International Airport (DOH), and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) are setting global standards by integrating innovative solutions that create a seamless, world-class travel experience. These advancements not only streamline processes like security but also allow travellers more time to enjoy premium airport experiences. With continued investment—such as the AED 128 billion Al Maktoum International Airport project—the region is reinforcing its position as a global aviation leader."
These innovations go far beyond simple upgrades; they’re transforming the entire airport experience and saving UAE travellers valuable time: 46% gain an extra 10–30 minutes per trip, and one in five (22%) gain up to an hour. For many, the benefits include reduced stress (51%) and more seamless, improved journeys (48%).
This frees travellers to enjoy everything airports have to offer, with 60% of global travellers - especially Gen Z (71%) and Millennials (67%) - saying that automation leads them to spend more at the airport. Many use this time to grab a bite to eat (55%), explore shops (46%), or relax in a lounge (37%).
Lounge Appeal
Lounge and other premium services are central to today’s airport experience, with 73% of global travellers having visited at least once. Lounge users are also a high-value demographic, with 67% spending more at airports thanks to automation, compared to 40% of non-lounge users.
The top three features global travellers would like to see in future lounges are smarter, tech-enabled environments with personalised food, entertainment and workspaces (38%), seamless experience booking through apps (37%) and a greater variety of local, independent food options (36%).
The Future: Smarter Tech, Human Touch
Travellers are eager for even smarter, more seamless experiences: 87% of UAE travellers want fully biometric journeys without the need for a physical passport, 43% want smart baggage tracking, and 39% seek globally consistent, streamlined security in the next 5-10 years, while 45% would like to have fully biometric travel with no need for a passport. Over a third (36%) want to see signage that automatically translates into their native language, and 30% are interested in AI-powered, predictive security checks.
But while half are comfortable with mostly automated airport experiences, a third (34%) of global travellers still want human help, especially for customer service (65%), at security and border control (54%), and lost and found services (48%). These moments carry emotional weight and uncertainty, and a human presence is a source of calm and clarity.
“With travel volumes continuing to rise, airports are looking to technology to help enhance the curb-to-gate journey whilst also increasing traveller spend,” says Christopher Evans, CEO of Collinson International. “Automation is freeing up valuable time, lowering stress levels and providing better information, in real time to the traveller."
Evans added, “When the experience delivers, travellers are more inclined to explore places to relax, sample dining options or retail stores. From seamless lounge access to personalised digital services, at Priority Pass, we’re creating smarter, more rewarding travel experiences.”
Priority Pass is reimagining the airport experience for discerning travellers, creating moments of calm and comfort at every stage of the journey. With access to over 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences in 725 airports across 145 countries, members can enjoy everything from spas and gaming lounges to sleep pods and dining. Wherever they’re headed, there’s always something to make the journey more rewarding.
You can read the full Priority Pass report ‘Tomorrow’ Journey: Smarter, Faster, Connected’ here: Tomorrow’s Journey: Smarter, Faster, Connected | Collinson Group
