A Glimpse into the Future of Air Travel: New Airports that open soon
At Barber Design Agency, we are deeply involved in the dynamic world of travel retail, where our expertise in branding and interior design plays a crucial role in shaping the experience for travellers. As a design firm for bid documents and design schemes for duty-free stores are an aspect of some of our work; we are often called upon to contribute towards the development of new airports. This is an exciting opportunity for us when challenged with demands such as the highest standards of air quality, sustainability, and capacity management. As major architecture firms like Foster + Partners, who design urban landscapes and workplace buildings, and Zaha Hadid Architects who design across a large number of purposes for buildings, the travel sector is becoming more exciting than ever. Here, we explore some of the most anticipated new airports set to open soon.
1. Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport
Scheduled to open by the end of this year, the Red Sea International Airport is being developed by the Red Sea Development Company. This airport, designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Jacobs, is part of a larger initiative to promote tourism and economic growth in the region. With sustainability at its core, the airport aims to serve millions of travellers visiting the Red Sea Project, a luxury tourism destination featuring resorts, marinas, and nature reserves. Although it’s July 2024 and the airport is yet to officially open, its development signals a significant step forward in transforming Saudi Arabia into a global travel hub. Watch this space!
2. Navi Mumbai International Airport
Designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to become one of the most significant airports in India and its been developed now by The Adani Group. With a planned capacity of 90 million travellers per year, this airport will alleviate the pressure on Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Navi Mumbai International Airport is designed to offer a seamless travel experience with state-of-the-art facilities and efficient passenger flow management. As the second airport designed by Zaha Hadid Architects after Western Sydney Airport in Australia, Navi Mumbai is poised to be a landmark in modern airport architecture. Check out the visuals – just wow!
3. Noida International Airport
Also known as Jewar Airport, Noida International Airport is under construction near Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh. This airport will serve the National Capital Region and is part of the new planned YEIDA (Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority) city. Set to open in November 2024, it is expected to become India’s and Asia’s largest airport. The ambitious project aims to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth in the region. With cutting-edge design and advanced infrastructure, Noida International Airport is poised to set new benchmarks in airport excellence. As we have been involved in some of the pitches, we’re braced to see this airport finally open.
4. Long Thanh International Airport
Located near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Long Thanh International Airport is another significant project currently under construction. Phase 1 of the airport is slated to open in 2026 so a little way off, but once completed, it will serve as a major aviation hub for Southeast Asia, significantly reducing congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Long Thanh International Airport is designed to accommodate the growing number of travellers to and from Vietnam, with modern amenities and efficient passenger services that reflect the country’s rapid economic development.
Our role as Barber Design Consultancy
As new airports like these emerge, the role of innovative design in creating functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing spaces becomes increasingly vital. At Barber we are committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, ensuring that our branding and interior design solutions meet the evolving needs of the travel sector. Our involvement in such projects allows us to showcase our expertise and contribute toward shaping the future of air travel.
We’re excited to see all of these airports open, they serve as critical infrastructure projects that embody progress and innovation in both design and functionality.
Get in touch to find out how Barber can assist you with the retail aspect of your transport hub.