2025 Airport Design Predictions: Expanding Travelers’ Experiences

As we step into the New Year, our team at Agati is excited to share some of the emerging trends we’re seeing in airport design. We have the privilege of working with some of the best aviation architects and designers in the industry, and we’re delighted by the remarkable transformation we’re seeing in today’s airports! Recent years have shown an increased interest in travelers’ experiences. We see this trend continuing to grow in 2025, with an expansion of catering to diverse travelers with more nuanced and personalized experiences. Taking this into consideration, here are some of our predictions for airport interior design in 2025:

Prediction 1: Meeting Traveler Needs at Every Step of the Airport Journey

From pre-security to post-security, airport travelers go through a number of steps at the airport before ultimately arriving at their gates. Designers consider the traveler’s varied emotional states during this process, both on the land side and the air side at the airport. Travelers are on high alert when going through ticketing and security. Then, there’s usually a waiting period at the gate. How will they spend their dwell time?

At Agati, we work with designers, airport executives and managers to address the varying needs of travelers at every stage of their airport journey. This is why we see an increasing demand for varied furniture in airports. For example, in Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C, we installed our Vista Modular Benches for an easy traveler touchdown spot. Our Gee Lounge Chairs offer a comfortable VIP Lounge feel. And Power Bars offer a place for those who want to work or eat while waiting to board their flight.

Agati Air Side Seating at Orlando Airport

Prediction 2: Lowering Airport Traveler Stress Levels

The integration of biophilic and prospect and refuge design principles in airport spaces is a trend we see continuing into the New Year. Airports are inherently stressful places because they’re public, people are on tight schedules, and there’s heavy security. Airport designers can play a vital role in reducing stress levels by incorporating furniture that’s designed for human comfort.

An example of this in action are Agati’s POD Duos installed in a cluster formation at Lafayette Regional Airport in Louisiana. The cozy booths provide comfortable seating, a tabletop surface, access to power, and privacy for two people. POD Singles are ideal for solo travelers and those who want to get work done between flights. The individual booths give travelers a comfortable, private haven in the busy terminal.

Prediction 3: Improving Traveler Experiences in Smaller Airports

Creating high-quality, individualized passenger experiences isn’t limited to major international hubs. Regional airports are especially focused on delivering experiences that cater to travelers and represent the local community.

An example of this is Agati’s Gee Aviation Straight Chairs installed near a cozy fireplace in Glacier Park International Airport. Passengers feel like they’re in a lodge inspired by the natural outdoors. Generously-proportioned lounge chairs have custom tufted cushions and extra-wide armrests. The effect is a VIP Lounge experience at the small airport, which hosts everyone from business travelers to outdoor enthusiasts.

This evolution in regional airport design reflects a broader understanding that every traveler, regardless of airport size, deserves a high-quality experience that’s catered to their unique needs.

Prediction 4: Creating Individualized Experiences with Micro-Environments

The evolution of airport design is moving beyond basic passenger comfort toward more personalized experiences for more types of travelers via micro-environments. These personalized zones address travelers’ unique needs: Chairs with walls make the area feel cozy.

Having a variety of segmented spaces makes each space feel more personalized. Micro-environments provide a quieter, semi-private place to wait while feeling like travelers are in a unique spot. Passengers can relax around a large plant, make a phone call, and charge their devices.

The “Living Room” at Dane County Regional Airport in Wisconsin exemplifies this concept. Gee Aviation Lounge Chairs with Walls offer a quieter, calming space away from the traffic. A tall counter and our Wood Sensi Stools offer a place to work or eat.

Dane Country Airport Indvidualized Experiences

Prediction 5: Serving the Needs of Diverse Travelers

Today’s air travelers represent a broader cross-section of society than ever before, from multi-generational families to friends vacationing together to solo adventurers, businesspeople, seniors, and others. This diversity demands thoughtful design solutions that can accommodate various needs simultaneously.

An example of this approach is Agati’s Fan Lounge Chairs circled around Disc-base tables in the terminal at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The Fan Lounge Chairs allow groups traveling together to face each other around a center table. Solo travelers, on the other hand, can swivel the chairs to observe what’s happening around them or focus on a book or their phone. There’s also plenty of space around the chairs for roller bags.

Agati’s PowerBars let travelers charge their devices and set a drink down while standing or sitting in between flights.

Making the Airport Experience an Enjoyable Destination on the Trip

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that airports are no longer just waypoints between places – they’re becoming destinations unto themselves – an important part of the overall journey. At Agati, we’re committed to helping airports of all sizes create these meaningful passenger experiences through innovative furniture solutions that address the evolving needs of modern travelers.

Ready to create an airport experience that your customers will love? Talk with an Agati Furniture specialist today.