A Review of Emerging Airport Technologies from a Passenger-Centric Perspective

This study examines the transformative role of emerging technologies, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML), in modernizing airport operations and enhancing passenger experiences. Using a PRISMA-guided systematic review of 51 peer-reviewed publications, the study integrates bibliometric and content analyses to evaluate applications across passenger navigation, baggage handling, cargo management, and security operations. The findings reveal substantial progress in automation, real-time data analytics, and AI-driven personalization, which collectively improve efficiency, reduce congestion, and elevate service quality. However, challenges persist, including high costs, integration complexity, cybersecurity risks, and regulatory constraints. Emerging but underexplored areas, such as Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and IoT-enabled baggage management, highlight critical opportunities for future research and practice. By consolidating insights from diverse studies, this review provides both scholarly and practical contributions, offering a roadmap for airports to evolve into efficient, resilient, and passenger-centric ecosystems aligned with global digital transformation trends.