Airline expansion rates and growing passenger numbers are having an impact on airport hotel operations. Not only is there an increased demand for rooms, but the type of accommodation is also needing to be diversified.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts that there will be 8.7 billion passengers flown per year by 2037. This is over double the number of passengers in the sky last year. Therefore, with the limited space in and around an airport, hotels are having to adapt their approach

Airside accommodation

Long layovers are still a regular occurrence for many travelers, as it's sometimes the most cost-effective option. Furthermore, delays and cancellations often leave passengers stranded for many hours.

Therefore, there has been a rise of hotels operating past the security gates at airports. Singapore Changi Airport is a key airport when it comes to stopovers. By connecting Southeast Asia and Australia with the world, the airport has provided suitable accommodation options.

The airport has the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel and the Ambassador Hotel to serve passengers from different terminals. The Aerotel has power showers, as well as a swimming pool with jacuzzi!

Shorter stays

It can be a costly exercise to stay at an airport hotel while in transit. Traditionally, the only way to get a few hours of rest is the pay for the whole night. However, in a bid to meet the needs of passengers, many hotels have introduced options for shorter stays.

YOTELAIR
YOTEL is one of the hotel chains that cater to shorter stays. Photo: YOTELAIR Facebook

YOTELAIR is an operator that has managed to implement these rooms in airports across the continents. The Heathrow link of the chain is located landside at Terminal 4. Passengers can book by the hour, drink the complimentary beverages, take a shout, and use the workstations.

Space-saving

Smaller capsule rooms are popping up in an effort to maximize space at hotels. CHG World implemented CapsuleTransit at Kuala Lumpur Terminal 2.

CapsuleTransit Rooms
Capsule rooms make use of the limited space within airports. Photo: CHG World

These container rooms provide comfortable beds, which can be booked in either three, six, or 12-hour slots. The containers are situated next to a bar and shower facilities. The rooms can be booked online and guests can use their mobile to unlock the door.

The company is also in the process of introducing two other types of rooms, which will be implemented in every corner of the airport to increase efficiency for passengers. The CapsuleTransit MAX offers an en-suite shower, while the Interstellar rooms work as sleeping pods, tucked away among the busy terminal.

To accommodate the rising demand for hotel accommodation, hotel planners may soon have no choice but to rethink their designs. Hotel buildings can take up a lot of space and the size of an airport complex may not be large enough to hold traditional constructions.

Therefore, with the introduction of capsules, sleeping pods and smaller short stay en-suites, space can be saved while providing suitable accommodation.

What do you think about how the way airport hotels are adapting to meet demand? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.