At airports, endless queues are part of the journey. They are a source of stress and frustration for travellers.
To address these trying queues, innovations in the airport sector are coming into play. They aim to make the traveller experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Let’s find out how airports are working to reduce waiting times and how ACOREL, a specialist in people counting solutions, is responding to these challenges.
Reducing queues : innovative technologies
Online and automated check-in
Online check-in is one of the most significant technological advances in the airport sector. Travellers can now check in and print their boarding passes directly from home or at self-service kiosks. No more queuing when you arrive at the airport. The result ? Smoother journeys, less stress and a more relaxed start to your trip.
Faster security checks
In order to speed up security checks while maintaining optimal efficiency, airports are investing in cutting-edge technologies such as :
- New-generation scanners
- Automatic detection systems for undesirable objects
- Biometric checks
To date, these technologies have all contributed to faster and more efficient security procedures.
The goal ? To provide passengers with a smooth experience without compromising security.
Automated baggage handling
Furthermore, errors related to baggage handling are a particular source of stress for travellers. In order to limit these incidents, airports are seeking automated baggage handling solutions. Thanks to significant improvements in airport technology, high-performance systems are now being deployed to improve the reliability of baggage tracking and optimise baggage sorting.
These include technologies such as RFID tags. This system allows travellers’ belongings to be tracked in real time. In particular, it reduces human error thanks to an automated sorting system. It is a very effective way of ensuring that people’s luggage arrives at their destination at the same time as they do.
Mobile apps to avoid unnecessary congestion
Nowadays, in order to streamline travel, airlines and airports mainly use mobile apps to keep travelle informed.
Travellers receive real-time notifications about delays and boarding gate changes, allowing them to take appropriate action. They remain in control of their journeys, optimise their travel and reduce unnecessary waiting times in common areas.
Automatic people counting systems
Among the technological advances, airports are increasingly integrating automatic people counting systems to optimise passenger flow management. These technologies use advanced sensors, cameras and intelligent algorithms to monitor the number of people in different areas of the airport in real time. In practical terms, an airport that anticipates peak traffic times can adjust its staffing levels in a matter of minutes.
This is precisely where ACOREL comes in, with its counting solutions and VISION AIR supervision software. Capable of analysing flows in real time.
To find out more about our counting technologies, visit our page.
People counting solutions are not only used to optimise infrastructure ; they also have a direct impact on passengers. Less waiting, less uncertainty and more fluidity. All this while ensuring compliance with safety requirements.
Furthermore, when these systems are connected to mobile applications, passengers have access to useful information throughout their journey.
They can :
- See real-time traffic levels in different areas
- Plan their itineraries
- Avoid the busiest areas
This creates a personalised experience, thereby enhancing passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency for airports.
Airport traffic trends
Commercial passenger air traffic grew by 2.6% in December compared to 2024. For the whole of 2025, traffic was up 2.8% compared to 2024, with some 183 million passengers carried. For the first time in its history, it exceeded the annual threshold of 180 million passengers, according to : ecologie.com
This increase in air traffic clearly demonstrates the importance of optimising resources as much as possible to ensure the smooth running of infrastructure. With traffic on the rise, managers no longer have a choice : they must rely on high-performance technologies. Counting technologies such as those provided by ACOREL are a concrete and effective response to these new operational challenges.
In conclusion, given the growth in traffic, flow management can no longer be overlooked. Airports that rely on data and smart counting are gaining a competitive edge. ACOREL supports infrastructure managers in achieving smoother, more proactive and efficient passenger flow management. The main objective today is to improve the passenger experience in a sustainable manner.
All these figures are promising and encouraging for the airport sector. For more information on passenger flow management and queue management, click here